[Jasper]

Originally posted by Chris Byler:
I have to admit, I don't understand either. The balance problems are well known and not seriously disputed by anyone, and Dom I/II are often played multiplayer where any balance problem has a serious effect on gameplay.

I don't think it's so clear cut. Nobody seems to dispute that Pythium and Acroscephale are among the best nations, but I for one don't think they're so much better than the middle of the pack factions. The bottom tier factions on the other hand really are pretty bad.

IMHO multiplayer games are much less susceptible to inbalance, as players tend to adjust their diplomacy to gang up on perceived leaders. For example, I've done just fine against competent players using Pangaea in Dom 1, even despite a weak starting location.