France (M2TW Faction)

France in Medieval II: Total War

Much like the Holy Roman Empire, France start with weak units when compaired to what other factions get at this time, however by the late period they have arguable the best unit roster. In the early period, France are distinctly average in terms of troops avaliable but have a very good oppertunity to expand in all directions thanks to the large amount of nearby rebel settlements.

Infantry French Melee infantry is mainly defensive, with only dismounted knights being able to fill any real assault role. But defensivly French infantry can be a serious hindarence to any attacking army, they have acess to vougers and pike's in both cities and castles, that can be lethal in the narrow confines of a city. The French are also in a position to recruit mercinary Swiss and Flemish pikemen should the need arise.

Missile French missile troops are not up to the quality that their English or Milanease neighbours can bring to bear, with a few exceptions such as the longbow armed Scots Gaurds and the crossbow armed Aventuros, both of which can double as heavy infantry and are possibly the most skilled of the hybred missile/melee infantry. Fortunitally for France's foe's, these elite units require a large amount of development to gain acess to and have small recruitment pools. the scots gaurd themselves have another weakness, due to their use of a longbow they will be too tired to fight effectivaly in melee if they use all their ammo so they require some micromanagement on higher difficulty levels.

In terms of artillery, France have an excellent selection, being able to recruit Serpentines as well as Basalisks.

Cavalry France in Medieval II: Total War has the best heavy cavalry of the catholic factions. Including the ability to recruit Lancers who are the "ultimate knights". In addition to this, France have the ability to recruit mounted longbowmen in the unit "French archers" avaliable from an acedemy.

In conclusion France have a very versitile army that can deal with any threat if used properly. their pike militia city garrison troops almost count as cheating. France need these things due to their position, neighbouring 2 of the historical major powers of the medieval period (the Holy Roman Empire and England) and a possible further 3 powers (Milan, Portugal and Spain), France, however, are one of the more rewarding factions due to these challanges.