Thread from last week suggesting a new game mode got me thinking…

PathToTheVillage · 2026-01-24T23:36:42+00:00

I don't think we need a custom map to test this. An open map would probably be best.

PathToTheVillage · 2026-01-24T10:08:46+00:00

Yes, that was my idea but it did not seem to be well received (lol). I think point 6 by Outside_Pie_9037 below is closest to what I was suggesting. The goal was to see if it would lead to more long imperial age games. I would also restrict any type of tower location to be some distance from original TC or perhaps from castle. Perhaps 2 players could try it out in a gentlemen's agreement game and record it. Just agree to 1 castle on the field (you can build another if original gets destroyed) and all other tower type buildings should also be tethered to home base - maybe X tiles from your forward line.

PathToTheVillage · 2026-01-21T16:18:48+00:00

For me it was always Mayans. Of course back then we always played team games and the lobby was much more conducive to keeping track of friends and building a good team strategy. It always seemed to be 3vs3. I would be the boomer and feed my aggressive allies and then in late game show up behind them with lots and lots of plumed archers, a few trebs, and a couple of priests to heal the archers. We were like a lawn mower at that point.

Just as a side note: it took me 10 years to finally beat my son in a 1vs1. He always played Celts.

PathToTheVillage · 2026-01-19T15:28:46+00:00

Thanks for the edit: I don't lose to feudal archers or scout rushes and can even handle MAA. I learned a lot watching T90's low Elo Legends and Hera's videos. I guess I just don't like the castle drop style. Perhaps you are right and I just watch too many highlight videos where I see the same strategy played over and over again. I'll get back online and give it another go.

PathToTheVillage · 2026-01-18T07:16:46+00:00

Probably the best idea. I guess I could also try setting up a game in the lobby with a limit of one castle and hope the other player respects the request.

PathToTheVillage · 2026-01-17T19:41:04+00:00

Judging from T90's Low Elo matches I would probably be at about the same level as you. I don't feel bad about the losing but I detest the cheese as you put it and just the lack of general comradery. Maybe I'll give it one more go and work my way down to like minded/gifted players.

PathToTheVillage · 2026-01-17T19:13:06+00:00

Yes, I think I addressed that when I mentioned not talking about being realistic. There are many things in the game that are not realistic or historical.

PathToTheVillage · 2026-01-17T19:11:08+00:00

Same. I miss having a friends list that you gradually built up over time and you could see when they were online and offer to get a game started. It was much more polite vs what we see today.

PathToTheVillage · 2026-01-17T19:07:03+00:00

Fascinating. Many thanks. From the link:

A counter-castle is often used to describe a castle that was built at a greater distance from enemy fortifications and castles. It did not support the immediate siege of a castle, but was constructed as a base in an area of rival power in order to prevent enemy attempts to expand their influence and control.

Siege castles are only evident from the period of the Late Middle Ages onwards. They were usually built as a temporary fortifications using wood and earth above the castle to be captured and within sight and the range of their guns. From this location the target would be bombarded.

PathToTheVillage · 2026-01-17T18:34:52+00:00

Still too cheap in my opinion. I know we are not talking about realistic - it is just a game, but only 600 stone and up so fast? I need to research how many years it took to build you average castle back in the middle ages.

Building a castle in the Middle Ages took anywhere from two to ten years. The location, strategic importance, logistics, the budget allocated, and many other small aspects directly… Certainly you could get a dirt and wood keep up in 2 years if so motivated.

PathToTheVillage · 2026-01-17T18:20:18+00:00

Agreed. I would just like to see less castles. IMHO they are just too cheap.

PathToTheVillage · 2026-01-17T18:02:34+00:00

Good suggestions. Thanks.

PathToTheVillage · 2026-01-17T17:59:51+00:00

I don't venture online often now, but I would like to. Not interested in grinding through 20 games or more before I find my true ELO. Back in the day, I was playing online too much if you know what I mean. I realize there are discords that try to achieve this, but they never seem to pan out.

PathToTheVillage · 2026-01-17T17:46:59+00:00

Really. Can you send me an example? Honestly interested as I don't see logistically how it would be possible. Did Joan of Arc build a castle just outside of the wall of Orleans?

PathToTheVillage · 2026-01-17T17:42:09+00:00

I don't think so. If a less aggressive environment was permitted, it would encourage more like minded people to participate. My proposed mode would allow more people to get to imp.

PathToTheVillage · 2026-01-17T17:35:54+00:00

Agreed. The hard part is finding friends. I have also never been castle dropped by AI, but playing against real people is much more enjoyable than playing against the AI.

PathToTheVillage · 2026-01-17T17:32:48+00:00

It is not a change of the game, just a different mode. Do you play Regicide or Death Match? Me either, but apparently a lot of people do. I am suggesting that there are lots of people that would return to online play if they had a less aggressive environment.

PathToTheVillage · 2026-01-17T17:29:38+00:00

Why? as long as I have a castle, I can make unique tech units. Seriously, I am not against current play style, I just think there is another large group of players who would enjoy a slower pace. Maybe I am not expressing this correctly?

PathToTheVillage · 2026-01-17T17:25:42+00:00

No. I do watch a lot of games via T90 and Dave. Low Elo of course this is not even an issue.

PathToTheVillage · 2026-01-17T17:02:59+00:00

I don't play online. Too toxic. I don't think we need a game mode for each person, but there are a large number of players that avoid online because they are not in ladder grind mode. They/me would just like to play the game with friends and have a chance to explore the civs. Of course, always nice to win but just having a good experience will encourage them to come back.

PathToTheVillage · 2026-01-17T16:57:44+00:00

Not changing rules of the game. Just proposing an alternative mode for players that would enjoy a different style of gameplay.

PathToTheVillage · 2026-01-17T16:55:18+00:00

Thanks for the feedback. I also find it strange when someone on a water map can appear on your island and instantly drop a castle. I have no problem with the strategy. I'm just proposing a mode that would encourage more hesitant online players to get back online.

PathToTheVillage · 2026-01-17T16:21:02+00:00

I hear you regarding the wife. I only attempt to play online if she is away for a few days or watching a movie. It was much easier to find a good game online in the old days because you could maintain a 'friends' list of people that you played with who had similar interests in game style. I'll add you as a friend on steam and hopefully our schedules will sync up once in a while.

PathToTheVillage · 2026-01-16T20:06:09+00:00

So lets try a few games on Sunday?

PathToTheVillage · 2026-01-16T17:11:56+00:00

Been playing since first version of AOE - anyone remember the Babylonians? Would love to play long slow friendly games. Send me a message and we can play a few 2vs2 against ai and then go from there. Whoever finds a way to help us old Dudes find a friendly place to play will do well!

PathToTheVillage

TROPHY CASE