Hello one and all!!
This is my first thread post on a forum ever. As a brief preface, I’ve been playing aoe2 since it’s release in 98 and have been loving the quality of care that microsoft has been making to ensure that this game is properly taken care of. Further, if ya’ll could swing it, maybe aquire blizzard and make warcraft IV happen? just food for thought. If you’d like story suggestions for a warcraft IV RTS, I’d be more than happy to discuss options! But I digest.
OK, back on topic. So there are three civs in aoe2 that I wanted to ask if there is a chance of getting a face lift to bring them to a place where they could be a bit more viable than what current state they are in. Please feel free to provide feedback and critiques, as my desire is to continue to improve this great game.
First civ to discuss are the Britons. I like the bonuses to archers and the elite longbowman is fun. However, given the history behind the crown the requirements for fighting age males to practice archery, I wonder if one of the below options may be an improvement to the costly status of the current archer researches.
First civ: Britons.
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Creation of a “trash” bowman unit at the archery range. the unit could be called the “Yeoman” and be a bit stronger than the skirmisher, but weaker in armor than the archer/longbowman.
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Reduction in cost for the elite longbowman, or perhaps allowing the elite longbowman to be made that the AR (archery range). Though I’ll admit, the latter option would make briton OP as all get out.
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Cavalry for the Britons is quite lacking. Though they did not have as many knights as France did, the quality of Briton Cavalry was world renowned. Would it be possible to grant them either a discount/buff to the armor/attack of the cavaliers or perhaps grant access to Hussars? The Celts already have access to Hussars, so it wouldn’t seem to be too far outside the realm of possibility.
Second civ: Franks.
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First adjustment for the Franks would be to either improve the throwing axeman’s range/attach, or just give them a whole new special unit. The poor guys is not very useful.
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Plus, improved light cavalry wouldn’t go amiss. Though the Frankish paladin is really tough, it’s really expensive and with the archery range lacking, this leaves the Franks with severely limited options in regards to army selection. So adding in some perks or discounts could be really helpful.
Third civ: Teutons.
Yes, the beloved Teutons are the final civ. I dare not to believe that I am the only person who’d love to see them updated, so here are some solutions that could be helpful for making them a bit more viable.
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Update to the Teutonic knight. The guy is too slow and given how expensive he is, this makes him just a poor choice. Now, what would I suggest? So glad you asked lol. First option would be to simply put him on a horse and rename him the “crusader knight”, then give him the same affect that the bulgarians have, which is to turn into a slow knight when the horse dies.
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Another option for the Teutonic knight would be to replace him with a whole new, slightly cheaper, mounted knight called the “crusader” and give him a lance to carry. No bulgarian affect.
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Buff to cavalry in stable. Perhaps grant hussars to the Teutons. Given how the celts already have hussars and that not all of the knights in the Teutonic order would’ve been heavy cavalry, it isn’t unreasonable to think that the Teutons would’ve had initiate knights who had to work up through the ranks to be granted a heavy horse.
Other than the above suggestions, the Teutons would be well served by some adjustments to their cavalry.
Let me know what you think though!
P.S. Ok, real talk you guys. First, if you don’t like what I have to say, that’s fine. Heck I made a post on the internet, you can not agree and tell me all about it. Just keep it civil. This post has already been “flagged” and I’m not sure it can be viewed. Which, if that is the case, completely defeats the purpose of doing this.
Second, seeing as how this if a LITERAL FORUM, I’d like to reply to what you all have to say, so if you could allow the reply options, I’d really appreciate this.
Third, to the user who compared the one of the new special units to the ghebeto, yes the unit does seem like a copy; but they throw metal frisbees! Which is some sick mortal kombat shenanigans! I love it. Plus it represents a flavorful unit that can reflect a little of another culture that many may not know about.
Fourth, when posting critiques and criticisms; please use proper grammar. Otherwise I cannot understand what it is you are trying to communicate. Sorry, elder millennial problems lol. 
P.P.S - another user commented and articulated concern about allowing scenario units to be trained during regular games. Here are my reflections, initially I doubt that the developers would just allow scenario units to be accessed that easily. It wouldn’t surprise me if the developers would test out the unit before release. I will also admit that I’m a fan of new units and civs being added at every opportunity. Simultaneously, I get that there is something of an equilibrium that needs to be maintained. Given the work that Microsoft has invested in this product, I don’t think that we need to be too concerned, because if something were to be added that would alter/diminish said balance, it could be nerfed or edited to minimize or eliminate impact.
