Hi skb777!
First of all, my sincere apologies for such a delay in replying. I haven't played any new game since April 2023 and haven't visited the forum for a long time.
Many thanks for your comments and questions. I hope you are still around to check my reply.
I actually had a few games when I used Phalanx in wider formation. Even 4 bases wide and 2 deep. It was against cavalry armies or at least part of the enemy force that was mounted. For example, when there was a relatively narrow passage leading to the flank of my army, I blocked it with wide Phalanx TuG. This allowed me to focus on the half of enemy army with majority of my own force, and having the flank protected. At least for some time.
The same tactics didn't work that well against Mamluks, as they simply shot the Phalagites to pieces. It did buy me some time though, so it was not complete disaster.
In many battles I played the battle line gets broken down to more individual combats often. In such situations the flanks are exposed on both sides. The dynamics of the game means it really depends who is going to activate the right TuG at the right time and at the right place first to take advantage of that.
I also noticed, that it can be turned into a trap. It is hard to resist attacking Phalanx into its flank. However, even in such situation, the attack may not result in quick destruction of the Phalanx. And with some small cavalry TuGs nearby (so that it is easier to maneuver them), it may turn into a disaster for the attacker. Especially when the Phalanx is attacked to the flank only, without being engaged to the front at the same time.
In summary, from my limited experience, it is actually more diverse and dynamic that may look like at first glance.
I hope that helps!
Cheers!
First of all, my sincere apologies for such a delay in replying. I haven't played any new game since April 2023 and haven't visited the forum for a long time.
Many thanks for your comments and questions. I hope you are still around to check my reply.
I actually had a few games when I used Phalanx in wider formation. Even 4 bases wide and 2 deep. It was against cavalry armies or at least part of the enemy force that was mounted. For example, when there was a relatively narrow passage leading to the flank of my army, I blocked it with wide Phalanx TuG. This allowed me to focus on the half of enemy army with majority of my own force, and having the flank protected. At least for some time.
The same tactics didn't work that well against Mamluks, as they simply shot the Phalagites to pieces. It did buy me some time though, so it was not complete disaster.
In many battles I played the battle line gets broken down to more individual combats often. In such situations the flanks are exposed on both sides. The dynamics of the game means it really depends who is going to activate the right TuG at the right time and at the right place first to take advantage of that.
I also noticed, that it can be turned into a trap. It is hard to resist attacking Phalanx into its flank. However, even in such situation, the attack may not result in quick destruction of the Phalanx. And with some small cavalry TuGs nearby (so that it is easier to maneuver them), it may turn into a disaster for the attacker. Especially when the Phalanx is attacked to the flank only, without being engaged to the front at the same time.
In summary, from my limited experience, it is actually more diverse and dynamic that may look like at first glance.
I hope that helps!
Cheers!