But then the enemy's hoplites would stand their ground and use their spears. They wouldn't be dumb enough to use their swords.

I haven't got significant experience in phalanx battles(mostly played romans) but if the enemy gets too close wouldn't hoplites draw swords even if they are in phalanx?

Are you aware of the alt-attack?

Hold down the alt key and right click on the enemy and the selected unit should change from spears to swords.

That is, assuming, that's what your question was trying to find out.

If not, please disregard this post altogether!

Yes, he wants the alt-attack. Remeember, any unit with two attacks will use the secondary if you hold alt and tell them to attack. If you draw swords and attack the phalanx head on you will get destroyed, they will not leave phalanx formation so long as you are in front of them. Phalanxes are all but designed for street defese. Beat them with superior quality or quantity of phalanxes or missile units. When there is room use your milita hoplites in phalanx formation to attack head on and hold them in place, then get another unit (cavalry, for example) to attack the flank or rear. They will break quickly unless they are very good units.