Formations wish list

[Michael Gladius]

In the original game, there were only formations, although they could be spread out or condensed. I'd like to propose a list of new formations. Not every unit would be able to use them, and this will give some flavor to elite units.

 

Line, Square, Wedge- unchanged

 

Shield Wall- this would be a modified line that has a stronger defense and resistance to arrows, in exchange for a slower speed.

 

Phalanx- This would be a modified box formation with similar enhancements and penalties as the shield wall.

 

Schiltron- This would be a circular formation with men facing out in all directions. Large units only. Only level-3 units can move.

 

Stakes/Mantlets- These would be available to archers and crossbowmen. Stakes protect against melee units, while mantlets protect from ranged attacks. Units are immobile while using them.

 

Skirmish formation- This would be a thin/loose offensive line formation that enhances projectile units' attack and speed, at a cost to their defense stats.

[Lighthope]

21 hours ago, Michael Gladius said:

Shield Wall- this would be a modified line that has a stronger defense and resistance to arrows, in exchange for a slower speed.

Stronger defense in exchange for slower speed.  I can see this being the go-to formation.  Too OP.

21 hours ago, Michael Gladius said:

Phalanx- This would be a modified box formation with similar enhancements and penalties as the shield wall.

Ditto.

21 hours ago, Michael Gladius said:

Schiltron- This would be a circular formation with men facing out in all directions. Large units only. Only level-3 units can move.

 

Stakes/Mantlets- These would be available to archers and crossbowmen. Stakes protect against melee units, while mantlets protect from ranged attacks. Units are immobile while using them.

 

Skirmish formation- This would be a thin/loose offensive line formation that enhances projectile units' attack and speed, at a cost to their defense stats.

Okay, now you're thinking.  Niche formations used in special circumstances or formations that have a good cost/benefit to them.

I could definitely go with more formations.  More formations, however, make it harder to balance.  We may be asking too much at this point in development.

[Michael Gladius]

1 hour ago, Lighthope said:

Stronger defense in exchange for slower speed.  I can see this being the go-to formation.  Too OP.

Ditto.

Shield walls have vulnerable flanks which can be attacked by fast-moving units.

Phalanxes became more common as the middle ages went on, and the Swiss pike blocks were a major player on the battlefield. Square formations are less useful against infantry, but invaluable against cavalry. They were finally driven off the battlefield by cannons.