Land Battles (ETW)
Land battles have always been an important feature of the Total War games. While the new naval battles are certainly the most significant new feature in Empire: Total War, the real-time land battles were improved considerably as well.
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General Information
In order to expand his empire, the player must face and beat his opponents on various battlefields. Land battles in general and sieges in particular are also the only means of conquering new provinces. While land battles still work in a similar way as in previous Total War games, there are some notable improvements. Not only were the graphics improved but the AI got a complete overhaul as well, providing more exciting and challenging battles.
In order to be able to fight a land battle, the player must recruit soldiers and lead them to an enemy army. The 3D campaign map will disappear and the army will have to be commanded on the real-time battle map. The battles themselves are still very similar to the ones in the predecessor games. An army is made up of up to 20 units, each consisting of up to 160 men. Prior to the actual battle, the player will be able to deploy his troops before the encounter begins.
Different Unit Classes
In Empire: Total War there are several main unit classes, each of them having a different purpose. Utilizing their strengths is essential to success in a land battle.
Infantry
Infantry is of course a very important branch of the army. Musketeers and similar ranged gunpowder units form the backbone of most armies in Empire's time period. Infantry holds the main battle line, can defend the artillery and is generally cheaper and more affordable than most other units. However, there are also elite regiments of infantry which can lead charges or hold the most important locations. In conclusion, fighting a battle without a reliable body of infantry is almost impossible.
Cavalry
Horses have played a role in every army for centuries. While the development of gunpowder and powerful muskets has weakened cavalry in the 18th century, it still plays a notable role. Cavalry is used to break up formations, to flank the enemy and to storm artillery positions quickly. It makes your army mobile and is also the perfect tool to chase routers. Therefore, cavalry is still invaluable in most situations.
Artillery
While artillery has existed in older Total War games as well, it has never been as important as now. Cannons can be used to devastate enemy formations and to spread fear amongst the opposing soldiers. With their long range, artillery units can cause damage long before they get into the range of muskets. Therefore, entering a battle without artillery would be foolish and extremely dangerous.
Reinforcements
Usually, a battle will occur when two hostile armies meet each other. However, it is also possible that other armies of either faction or their respective allies are very close to the battlefield. In that case, they will act as reinforcements for the main armies. In previous Total War games, the player could decide to either let the AI control his reinforcements or to command them himself. However, in Empire the former option has been removed and all reinforcements for the player will be put under his control. Since the player cannot control more than 20 units at once, reinforcements exceeding that limit will only join the battle as soon as some other units were killed or have fled the battle.
