Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

General


General

Q: What does the shield wall do? Is it the same thing as the phalanx now that the Greeks are gone?
A: To answer the original question, a shieldwall isn’t the same as a phalanx. The shield wall is a formation available to some (mainly barbarian) units. The unit ‘locks’ itself in position, presenting an almost-impregnable front to the enemy as shields are overlapped. This grants a massive defensive bonus, but means that the unit is vulnerable if attacked in the flanks or rear. Units in a shield wall formation can still move, but they are slow and not quite as defensively effective. It isn’t – and this is an important proviso – limited only to spear troops. The Saxon Hearth Troops are heavy swordsmen and are capable of using the shield wall.

Q: Will you give us an AI that can outsmart us once in a while?
A: This has actually been improved. The Demo battles were balanced so as not to be an overwhelming task for most players

Q: What are the playable factions in Barbarian Invasion?
A: The playable factions are the Eastern Roman Empire, the Western Roman Empire, the Sassanid Persian Empire, the Huns, the Goths, the Vandals, the Saxons, the Franks, the Allemannia, and the Sarmatians.

Q: What are the non-playable factions in the expansion?
A: Berbers, Celts, Romano-British, Slavs, Ostrogoths, Western Roman Rebels, and Eastern Roman Rebels.

Q: What time frame will BI take place in?
A: 350 years after the first game, between 363 AD and 476 AD.

Q: Is there a game demo?
A: Yes, it is downloadable at Fileplanet.

Q: What role will religion play in BI?
A: You can now convert religions in campaign mode. Christianity is dominant, however. New religious ancillaries have been added, as well.

Q: What are the main religions in BI?
A: Christianity, Zoroastrianism, and Paganism.

Q: Will each religion have advantages over the other two?
A: Yes, they will. You will also now be able to spread different religions in different parts of your empire.

Q: Will BI add naval battles?
A: No, it will not.

Q: Will the campaign map differ from the original game?
A: The campaign map will cover the same area, but cities, resource positioning, and provinces have all been redone to better reflect the time period.

Q: Are there really going to be night battles in-campaign?
A: Yes, but you will need a general with a specific trait to be able to attack at night.

Q: When will Barbarian Invasion be released?
A: The release date has been set for September 30th, 2005.

Q: Have objectives and goals been added to the campaign such as in previous games?
A: Something similar, yes. Factions must still reach a certain amount of provinces, but also need to hold ‘key’ provinces in order to win.

Q: Will it be possible for barbarian factions to sack settlements as they did during this time period?
A: Yes, barbarian and nomadic factions will be able to sack settlements when they are hordes. It can often be very profitable.

Q: Do I need the original game to play BI?
A: Yes, you need the game to play the expansion.

Q: Will BI add the option of saving campaign battle replays?
A: No, it will not.

Q: Has anything been done in BI to balance out the composition of armies? For instance, have elite units become more expensive to prevent armies consisting entirely of elites?
A: Yes, elite units and mercenaries have been balanced to be a bit less common in the expansion’s armies.

Q: Will BI have its own soundtrack?
A: No, it will use the same soundtrack as the original game.

Q: Will the menu and user interface be different in BI?
A: They will change only in appearance.