However, if you go off the deep end with custom units, then there will be a problem. Having only a ***few*** units is one of Civ's strengths. All civilizations are essentially the same, and this brings tactics and strategy to the forefront.

I wouldn't have to many differences though...Like a drastic difference between eastern/western and northern/southern units. But not diff. for each civ. For example: Romans, Greeks, and Carthaginians can all use the Phalanx unit. And Indians and Carthaginians can use Elephants. Samauris for the far east civs. But it shouldn't get to specific (e.g. longbowmen vs. archers)

Dr.Oogkloot

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Wernazuma

Anyway, I think its a great idea. The units will be the same in every respect except for the icon and name. The same principle can be extended to flags and names of techs..

And of course, it will be totally customisable.. or I won't play!

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I want to add to the "unit difference" topic, that we are mainly concentrate on (historically) difference in unit name and weapons, where often were mainly the developed tactics that exploit in full well trained soldiers.

The pike was an important weapon, but the use of "close ranks" of pikeman was as much important to their succes in battle.

This is probably an unnecessary detail to add at Civ III strategic level game, if not implemented via "minor tech" discoveries.

If I remember right the related List proposed, minor tech should be avoided but if researched would lead to minor benefit. I suppose that upgrade from Phalanx to Pikeman or Spearman to Samurai will fit nicely on that model (some game you discover and use them as minor enhancement, some game not).

The difference in researching path for minor discoveries will also help to differentiate Civilization, because not every nation in game will have exactly the same tech tree exploited in full (trading tech apart?).

*rolls over with laughter*

quote: many samurais were spearmen. Having just bought Shogun I know that most close combat samurai were equiped with pikes, called Yari. In other words they're just spearmen anyway.

I don't know why EA used the term Samurai for "Yari samurai" but they are not Samuaris. Unlike Ashigarus and Samurais, Yari Samurai(game term)'s position is somewhat between those two. It is difficult to find the exact comparison with European examples but it's loosely like yeomen(Ashigaru),pikemen(yari samurai)and knights(samurai). You wouldn't call a pikeman a knight would you?

Actually they(Yari armed elements)were all called Yaritai and clan Takeda and Uesugi had many highly trained veteran yaritai look similar to those of yari samurai in the game and clan Oda no doubt used the typical Ashigarus a lot. Anyway their social status dosen't get close to that of Samurai.

A Samurai strictly uses swords with few exceptions like using Naginata(usually women used it)or Yari(Kato Kiyomasa?). Another distinctive feature between Samurai and others can be found from the helmets and armours they wear and following elements really suit what is real Samurai from the game.

Heavy cav
Yari cav
Horse archer
Naginata
No-Dachi
Archer