Themed DAG armies a bit restrictive?

[Epicouros]

This is what I noticed checking the Help file on the new Themed Armies, especially concerning the later medieval period.
The ancient period seems somewhat better off, but maybe I'd like some more 'what if's' there too (as there are quite a few already within the same 'books' anyway...).

For example, the Hussites (from ETE) can't be themed with SOA armies, which seems odd to say the least, as their main opponents are the Austrians (Germans) in the SOA expansion if I'm not mistaken.

This example above is just from the top of my head (maybe it's one of the most glaring ones), but there probably might be others.

Although I love the introduction of Themed Armies and think it's a great idea, generally, I feel the 'Themed Armies' options are a bit restricted at the moment.
On the other hand, it can't be hard to expand the options somewhat in future patches (like theming Hussites with SOA etc...).
Come to think of it, the Hungarians from ETE quite often fought against the Austrians (Germans) from SOA. Another rather glaring example...

Your thoughts, both on the desirability and probability of the Themed Armies options getting expanded?

[IainMcNeil]

The themes are based on historical opponents and based on the army books from tabletop. I think they've been thoroughly checked for accuracy but mistakes could have been made when implementing. If any tabletop players can comment that would be good.

[Epicouros]

The themes are based on historical opponents and based on the army books from tabletop. I think they've been thoroughly checked for accuracy but mistakes could have been made when implementing. If any tabletop players can comment that would be good.

I think that's part of the problem: I checked my FOG TT books and themed armies there seem very restrictive for the later medieval period especially (and I'm a historian, if that counts ).
Part of the problem may be that SOA was one of the first books for the TT to appear and they didn't know at the time of release in which future books Hussites, Hungarians etc. would appear (if at all).


I think the TT books fell a bit short in this regard concerning (especially) the late medieval period. The PC game just follows the pattern of the TT books (logically, but in this case a bit unfortunate).

Maybe this thread can be used to propose and discuss an elaboration on the Themed Armies idea?
I'll start:

SOA:
- Hussites
- Middle Hungarians (except Crusader)
- Later Hungarians


Thinking about this further, maybe in a later patch/version the idea of theming based on 'books' could be left behind.

As it is now, Medieval Swedes can get matched with Granadines (both from SOA, but unhistorical), while Hussites (ETE, though they didn't fight the Ottomans) can't be matched with Austrians/Germans (SOA), their main historical opponents.

Each army could then have a list of historical or 'possible' opponents they could get matched with.
Maybe the challenger could choose 3 categories: 'historical', 'possible' (same period), and 'no restriction' (the 'from any book' category we have now).

Establishing the first two categories would require lots of input from the community though. I'd be willing to contribute if others are also willing to do so, to make this great game even better.

[Bladeheart]

Each army could then have a list of historical or 'possible' opponents they could get matched with.
Maybe the challenger could choose 3 categories: 'historical', 'possible' (same period), and 'no restriction' (the 'from any book' category we have now).

Establishing the first two categories would require lots of input from the community though. I'd be willing to contribute if others are also willing to do so, to make this great game even better.

I know that I am new to this game, but this is something that I would dearly love to see; even it was just a list in the forums that could be used as a source of reference when issuing a challenge, etc.

[IainMcNeil]

I think from a technical point of view its not a big deal - the big task would be research and data entry. And that job only gets bigger with each expansion.

[Epicouros]

I think from a technical point of view its not a big deal - the big task would be research and data entry. And that job only gets bigger with each expansion.

Indeed, but it's also something the community can play a big role in.
If others are willing to contribute, so will I.
I'm planning to make a list of 'historical' and 'possible' opponents for a sample army in the coming days/week, if only to discover how much time it takes.

If a project like this takes off, could such a list be made into a sticky?

[TheGrayMouser]

As an add on to the above request, how about implementing a small message window when you issue an open challenge describing what type of army you would prefer your opponnet brings against you. This would work nicely with a player made and stickied unnofficial "themed list". Panzer Corp already has this ability and when you are in the dag challenge screen, there appear to be a large window near the bottom that describles the battle that could hold quite a bit of additional text.

[stockwellpete]

I would be interested in contributing to this project - anything that can increase the likelihood of being able to play more historically realistic battles in future has my support. I am afraid that I am rapidly tiring of playing what I feel are absurd match-ups such as Irish v Swiss or Swedish versus Condotta (sometimes in a desert!).

[Old_Warrior]

It does factor in Themed Campaigns but not in our games online (DAG armies) as you can always allow an army from any period to be your opponent. So just password protect the challenge and then simply have the Germans fight the Hussites.

I really like the Later Hungarian army. That is one tough army.