Most difficult nation
 

Is there a consensus as to which nation is the most difficult to play and succeed in conquering the world(s)?

Re: Most difficult nation
 

Depends on world.

Re: Most difficult nation
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">And on the victory conditions. And on the world settings. And on what AIs are used, or the skill of the human players.

In short, the question is too broad/vague. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Re: Most difficult nation
 

Carrion Woods Pangaea probably.

Re: Most difficult nation
 

Starting position can make a lot of difference. If you mean conquer the World in the World Map scenario, for example, then Mictlan has a very good starting position, while Ulm's is really awful. In fact, I spent weeks trying to find a way to survive it against impossible AI's, before finally finding a strategy that made it possible... whereas my Mictlan attempt succeeded on the first try. And yet I consider Ulm far easier to play than Mictlan.

I would say that nations with no access to good heavy infantry are harder to play (Mictlan and Pangea come to mind), but that may be my play style...

Re: Most difficult nation
 

The best one is the one that most matches your playing style. The worst one is the one which most does NOT match your playing style.

Seriously. Ulm and Arcos are often listed as easy to win with but personally I do badly with Ulm because I play too defensively and cautiously. And I do bad with Arcos because I neglect to pay enough attention to magic research. But thats one of the great things about this game.

Re: Most difficult nation
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">I would have to agree with General Tacticus.

Re: Most difficult nation
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">What nation most closely matches your playing style, Gandalf?

Re: Most difficult nation
 

I think I've heard Gandalf talk about the stealthiness of Pangea and Man enough to bet they match his playing style.

Personally I see why Pythium is a wonderful nation in theory, but I can never quite use it right. I can use Arco however. Carrion woods pangea is probably infamous as being the trickiest for most people to use. I don't have it figured out at all.

Re: Most difficult nation
 

Actually Im not sure which one matches my style most. Probably Jotun because it allows for strong defensive play and is forgiving to forgetfulness.

Its my hacker tendencys that control my choices. I have a strong dislike for menus, defaults, and obvious choices. For me its no fun to try and win with the obvious choice so whatever seems to be the underdog will get my most attention.
I think I have the most fun with Pangaea though.