Points differential in MP attack/defend skirmish games.

[rbodleyscott]

I am thinking that the points penalty for the defending player may currently be too harsh.

Has anyone who has played MP Attack/Defend skirmishes got any views on the matter?

[nikgaukroger]

I am thinking that the points penalty for the defending player may currently be too harsh.

Has anyone who has played MP Attack/Defend skirmishes got any views on the matter?

I've defended in one and was one sided in favour of the attacker.

[pantherboy]

I have tried it once as each side versus the AI just to see what it entailed and wasn't impressed. It is overly simple to reduce one sides points but give them fortifications in compensation. The fortifications are almost useless versus another player (but against the brainless AI they work to draw in suicidal attacks or on the otherhand pin there own forces allowing them to be flanked). It is too easy to flank them and thus turn the battle into simply a slug fest on each flank where the superior numbers of the attacker will overwhelm.

[Aryaman]

Pantherboy resumes my opinion, now what could be done to improve it? IMO 2 things
1. Use a target/flag the key of the scenario, so the attacking player should take the flag before a number of turns (and it should a tight number so that there is little time for outflanking manouvers)
2. Put the flag in rough terrain/building or top of a mountain, surrounded for some trenches, not a straight line like it is now.
BTW I amaware this setup makes cavalry largely useless, maybe could be another kind of scenario in which you have to race to take the flag in the open across the map.

[shawkhan2]

When defending in this period, the inferior force was usually in a town or fortress being attacked.
As battle was seldom forced upon a side, it was usually voluntary. If a commander felt himself out-matched he would usually just march away.

[Aryaman]

When defending in this period, the inferior force was usually in a town or fortress being attacked.
As battle was seldom forced upon a side, it was usually voluntary. If a commander felt himself out-matched he would usually just march away.

Not always the case, sometimes armies got too close for safely disengage, as the baggage train was slow and easy to catch in those instances, besides a general could select a strong defensive position blocking the route of the enemy advance.