Is it even possible to win Tenryu in open battle?

[melm]

I'd like to hear your opinion. I've won Tenryu in defensive battle. However, I tried several times but can't beat Tenryu in open battle.

[jomni]

I'd like to hear your opinion. I've won Tenryu in defensive battle. However, I tried several times but can't beat Tenryu in open battle.

Richard would be able to win Tenryū.

[rbodleyscott]

I'd like to hear your opinion. I've won Tenryu in defensive battle. However, I tried several times but can't beat Tenryu in open battle.

Richard would be able to win Tenryū.

Lol. Possibly, but I haven't tried, I have only played up to Shogun level. Tenryū is intended to be the ultimate challenge for grognards.

[melm]

Could you give us some hints if outnumbered, Richard? And If Ming army is played, its cannon even reduced maneuverable force even more.

[rbodleyscott]

Could you give us some hints if outnumbered, Richard? And If Ming army is played, its cannon even reduced maneuverable force even more.

For Ming vs Japanese:

Don't buy any cannon beyond the minimum for Ming armies, they have enough already and the points are better spent on other troops.

Get as many infantry units with regimental guns as possible - they significantly increase the firepower and also reduce the chance of the enemy winning an impact combat.

If you have both, put matchlockmen in the front line, and archers behind to shoot over their heads. The rear line archers can be Raw to get more units for the points.

Don't put troops without light spear protection in the front line.

Don't manoeuvre with the infantry, try to form a coherent firing line that can fragment enemy before they reach it. If possible put the artillery on a hill 2 or more squares behind the infantry (who should be on the lower slope or even on the flat) so that the artillery can shoot overhead.

If the enemy don't advance, wait till they do, the AI is programmed to advance eventually to prevent the game becoming boring. (This means that the AI isn't using optimal strategy, but most players behave in the same way. If I was playing a MP game and I did not see advancing as advisable, I would not advance, and if my opponent did they same, I would be willing to accept a draw rather than commit suicide).

Send cavalry (not just light horse) round one or preferably both flanks of the enemy, to try to draw off as many of their units as possible from their main assault before they reach you firing line.

Put Bubing in woods, marshes or villages on the flanks of your battle line - they are effective in such terrain, and you won't be wasting any firepower.

If the enemy main assault become ragged enough, Ming firepower may be enough to fragment/rout the enemy before most of them make contact.

[melm]

Could you give us some hints if outnumbered, Richard? And If Ming army is played, its cannon even reduced maneuverable force even more.

For Ming vs Japanese:

Thanks, Richard. It seems that I always try to maneuver and outflank the opposing forces. I will try your advice.

And I usually use 'auto' forces assigned(a bit lazy , auto Ming forces usually possess five artillery pieces. Definitely changing to 'default' next time.

For the skirmish, I had experience that AI never advance(for one match) and the other one is that it advanced too late to let me achieve either the two objectives. Finally, as turns run out, I was defeated.

[rbodleyscott]

Could you give us some hints if outnumbered, Richard? And If Ming army is played, its cannon even reduced maneuverable force even more.

For Ming vs Japanese:

For the skirmish, I had experience that AI never advance(for one match) and the other one is that it advanced too late to let me achieve either the two objectives. Finally, as turns run out, I was defeated.

The AI will only advance initially if it deems that it has an advantage in infantry (and adjusts the player forces for this purpose by 150% if they are on a hill).

To keep the game from getting dull, the AI will start advancing half way through the time limit in spite of the above, but, as you have found, there may not then be time to defeat them within the time limit.

[SnuggleBunnies]

Would it be possible in the campaign for the ai not to attack if it is defending a province? As the things stand, the player can always fight a defensive battle, which is pretty advantageous.

[rbodleyscott]

Would it be possible in the campaign for the ai not to attack if it is defending a province? As the things stand, the player can always fight a defensive battle, which is pretty advantageous.

Yes, this is something we should consider changing.

[kongxinga]

On Ming Strategy, should archers be bought with regimental guns if I mean to keep them behind the frontline to shoot over the heads of other troops? Or in other words, do regimental guns get the ability to indirect fire if placed in an archer unit?

Also is it just me, or do attached regimental guns seems to come in twos, instead of 4s like the Europeans have in Pike and Shot? Does this affect the firepower put out or is it purely cosmetic?

One thing to note is to keep your Ming Cavalry within Support range of your shooters. Most nations have superior cavalry, especially when compared to Southern Ming so you don't want to be caught out of position with no infantry support. Use matchlocks to shoot infantry, use crossbows and bows on cavalry. Shock cavalry like Japanese lance cavalry needs to be focused on and are probably your priority target and at least disordered before they reach the troops, else you need to have some warriors or cavalry to flank charge them when they do charge.

Once you do disorder the lance cavalry your regular cavalry is now a match for a single Japanese cav. If you attach a general, it should win the melee rounds.

[rbodleyscott]

On Ming Strategy, should archers be bought with regimental guns if I mean to keep them behind the frontline to shoot over the heads of other troops? Or in other words, do regimental guns get the ability to indirect fire if placed in an archer unit?

No, they don't.

Also is it just me, or do attached regimental guns seems to come in twos, instead of 4s like the Europeans have in Pike and Shot? Does this affect the firepower put out or is it purely cosmetic?

It is 2s in P&S too, I think. Anyway the effect is identical.

[jomni]

On Ming Strategy, should archers be bought with regimental guns if I mean to keep them behind the frontline to shoot over the heads of other troops? Or in other words, do regimental guns get the ability to indirect fire if placed in an archer unit?

Also is it just me, or do attached regimental guns seems to come in twos, instead of 4s like the Europeans have in Pike and Shot? Does this affect the firepower put out or is it purely cosmetic?

One thing to note is to keep your Ming Cavalry within Support range of your shooters. Most nations have superior cavalry, especially when compared to Southern Ming so you don't want to be caught out of position with no infantry support. Use matchlocks to shoot infantry, use crossbows and bows on cavalry. Shock cavalry like Japanese lance cavalry needs to be focused on and are probably your priority target and at least disordered before they reach the troops, else you need to have some warriors or cavalry to flank charge them when they do charge.

Once you do disorder the lance cavalry your regular cavalry is now a match for a single Japanese cav. If you attach a general, it should win the melee rounds.

The regimental guns will only fire direct. Only the bows will deal damage indirectly.
Bows are better against cavalry. If the enemy don't have a lot of them (late Japanese don't have a lot of cav), get mostly firearms since it negates their armour advantage.