A unit by unit review of the AWI-TW mod

[[GG] Lord Ashram]

S! all,

Well, as we are considering a Beta v .5 release within days (complete except for a few pieces of windowdressing and some large scale play-testing since you all don't have it yet!), I thought I would post this preview of the units that will be included in American War for Independence - Total War.

S!

[GG]Ashram

[[GG] Lord Ashram]

[glow=red,2,300]FACTION: The British[/glow]

It is said that the sun never sets on the British Empire, as it spans the world from end to end. However, the crown jewel in its colonial empire is surely its first colonies in the New World. After an intense Seven Years War between Britain and France, the thirteen Colonies rebel. You must use the British army, the finest military machine in the Known World, to grind the colonial traitors beneath your boots. For Glory and Eagles!

INFANTRY:

Loyalist Militia: Colonists who remain loyal to the Crown often form these units. Just as determined to fight as the colonial minutemen on the other side of the line, and equipped well by England, these units can hold their own against similar units and support many attacks with its mass of muskets.

British Regulars: The backbone of the British Army are better trained in all the soldiering ways than the Continental regulars facing them, and are in fact considered the finest army across the globe. With good morale, skill with the bayonet, and a fierce ability to deliver fire, British Regulars can be counted on in firefights across the continents. However, while they are certainly skilled soldiers, their dedication to order under pressure can sometimes lead to slow, if militarily precise, maneuvers.

Hessian Line: These mercenaries from the German states are the finest soldiers money can buy. Well-trained at reloading and fierce, they can be counted on to hold the line when other troops might falter, with their sharp bayonets and sharper skills. However, like their British Regular counterparts, their dedication to military precision can lead to slower maneuvers.

Scottish Highlanders: The Highland regiments, made up of Scotsmen, are the things of battlefield legend. Advancing with a roar, Colors waving, kilts and bearskins and bayonets, the savage Scots can be counted on to crush enemy infantry beneath their charge.

British Light Infantry: Essential in the slow moving British army are the British Lights. Fine infantry in their own right, Light infantry troopers can aim more accurately at distance while still remaining in a loose enough formation to be able to take position quickly. While not providing the sturdy base of fire that a unit of British Regulars might bring to a fight, the long touch of their muskets and quick movement is essential to success against the range and speed of the Americans.

British Grenadiers: The best soldiers on Earth. They deliver a volley fast, with far greater accuracy than any other troops on the field. However, they are most deadly up close, being comprised of the most battle-tested troops in the Crowns army. The measured advance of the Grenadiers will test even the bravest American unit.

Native Warparty: Many Native American nations contributed to both the British and American causes in the war for North America. The warparties, while certainly not being the trained soldiers of a regular line regiment, are nonetheless fierce and deadly. They are able to set ambushes from any cover, be it deep in the woods or in deep grass in seemingly open fields. While they fight in very small groups and will quickly flee a battlefield if it appears the fight is getting too serious for their limited numbers, the charge of a Native Warparty can terrify superstitious soldiers. In addition, the immediate impact of such a capable close combat shock force can crumble both the lines and the morale of ambushed troops. Used carefully and with skill, Native Warparties, despite their small numbers, can cause an enemy to crumble.

CAVALRY:

British Generals: England has been waging war since it was first established, and it has always been the very best. In North America, Clinton, Howe and Cornwallis led their men in the field, always counting on their years of experience to see them through a new sort of war.

British Dragoons: British dragoons are the most finely trained cavalry in existence. Deadly in combat, fast, and trained, they can be counted on to crumple enemy lines and disperse enemy cavalry with equal ease. However, use these superior, and expensive, troops well as they are not expendable!

Mounted Scouts: Many Loyal colonists and Native Americans serve as scouts through the New World for the British army. While not a standard combat unit, the Mounted Scouts are the eyes and ears in the densely forested battlefields of North America. Using them will not only enable you to see all corners of the board, they also free up more time to bring your other units up in training and efficiency.

ARTILLERY:

British Artillery: Artillery is the queen of the battlefield. With the sound of thunder, cannonballs can cut through enemy infantry like a scythe through wheat. Of course, these ponderous beasts can be costly to maintain, and obviously need to be kept safe, but if used wisely they can dominate. The light 4lb artillery piece is a small yet quick piece, capable of being maneuvered into position quickly. The 8lb and 12lb guns are progressively bigger and less mobile, being more suited for being set up in the ideal spot initially and then raining shell and shot upon the enemy the entire battle. Do not underestimate artillery.

[[GG] Lord Ashram]

[glow=red,2,300]FACTION: The Americans[/glow]

The Patriots of the thirteen colonies are fighting for independence. Against the most highly trained army in the world, the patriot Minutemen and Continentals fight a hit and run style, never being pinned in combat and destroyed. Instead, they fight and move, constantly testing the limits of the concept of war, ambushing and then melting away into the forests. These armies fought for what the forefathers of the American nation wrote in the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness!”<br>
INFANTRY:

Minutemen: Patriot men of all ages vowed to be ready to fight for their Independence in a minute. Across the thirteen colonies these Minutemen marched forward under the new American flag, ready to face the British war machine. While not the trained soldier that forms the backbone of the British army, the Minutemen are still fast and familiar with the territory and can bring a large mass of locally raised muskets to bear, although under intense pressure they have been known to break and run.

Continental Regulars: Washington’s army is made up primarily of a mix of untrained minutemen and the Continental Regulars, American’s first professional soldiers. While not trained to the level of the feared British Regulars, the Continental Regulars are capable soldiers and are quick to move and readjust to British movement, using their knowledge of the land to stay one step ahead of the English.

American Light Infantry: The best trained of Washington’s Regulars go on to become light infantry. Often veterans of the French and Indian war, these men are both accurate shots as well as able to deploy quickly and effectively on the battlefield. While not as large a unit as a standard regiment of Regulars, the Light Infantry are a far more versatile and able fighting force.

American Riflemen: These dangerous men of the American wild are the finest marksmen on the battlefield. Having honed their skills in a rugged Frontier, hunting and finding trails through the North American forests, the Riflemen are murderous at range on the field. With their long rifles and unmatched skill, the Rifles can rain lead upon an enemy unit long before the unit is itself within range. While they fight in small, quick groups that are unsuited for aggressive charges, the American Riflemen are tough men who are able to match and outreach the range of any British unit.

Green Mountain Boys: The Green Mountain Boys consist of some of the toughest men that the new colonies can raise. They move fast through the difficult American wild. Quick with their muskets, the Green Mountain Boys are used to long range hunting and can engage enemy units before the unit is even ready to fire, then quickly readjusting before being fired upon. But perhaps they are most dangerous as they charge into combat, a combination of knives, bayonets, and tomahawks being wielded with an unmatched skill and a bravery that bore a Nation.

Native Warparty: Many Native American nations contributed to both the British and American causes in the war for North America. The warparties, while certainly not being the trained soldiers of a regular line regiment, are nonetheless fierce and deadly. They are able to set ambushes from any cover, be it deep in the woods or in deep grass in seemingly open fields. While they fight in very small groups and will quickly flee a battlefield if it appears the fight is getting too serious for their limited numbers, the charge of a Native Warparty can terrify superstitious soldiers. In addition, the immediate impact of such a capable close combat shock force can crumble both the lines and the morale of ambushed troops. Used carefully and with skill, Native Warparties, despite their small numbers, can cause an enemy to crumble.

CAVALRY:

Generals: The American army was led by some capable and charismatic men. With former British officer George Washington at the lead, commanders like Gates, Morgan, and Greene led the American army in their desperate fight against an overwhelming military power, and eventually led them to victory.

American Light Horse: Many Americans grew up in the saddle. These men are fast riders and can strike with lightning speed and fury. However, they are not expertly trained soldiers, and can quickly break if engaged by a determined and persistent enemy. But for chasing down enemy soldiers and routing wavering opponents they are unmatched.

American Dragoons: Trained American cavalry, the American dragoons are fast and deadly. While slightly slower than the relatively untrained Light Horse, the Dragoons are able to mix it up with almost any unit on the field. On the charge they are fierce, and when they come sweeping out of woods into the flanks and rears of infantry they can rout entire armies.

Mounted Scouts: Many Patriot colonists and some Native Americans serve as scouts through the New World for the Continental army. While not a standard combat unit, the Mounted Scouts are the eyes and ears in the densely forested battlefields of North America. Using them will not only enable you to see all corners of the board, they also free up more time and resources to increase your other units training and efficiency.


ARTILLERY:

American Artillery: Artillery is the queen of the battlefield. With the sound of thunder, cannonballs can cut through enemy infantry like a scythe through wheat. Of course, these ponderous beasts can be costly to maintain, and obviously need to be kept safe, but if used wisely they can dominate. The light 4lb artillery piece is a small yet quick piece, capable of being maneuvered into position quickly. The 8lb and 12lb guns are progressively bigger and less mobile, being more suited for being set up in the ideal spot initially and then raining shell and shot upon the enemy the entire battle. Do not underestimate artillery.

[[GG] Lord Ashram]

[glow=red,2,300]FACTION: The French[/glow]

An enemy of England for many years, France recently lost the Seven Years War to their North American neighbor. However, with the colonies now in rebellion and Patriots like Benjamin Franklin asking for aid, France sees a chance to contribute to their rival’s downfall. With sturdy professional troops who have served on many battlefields, the French bring to bear more traditionally powerful armies then the Americans, albeit troops not as accustomed to the flow and terrain of the North American battle.

INFANTRY:

French Regulars: The basic soldier in the French army has a rich heritage. At the time of the American War for Independence, King Louis XVI’s troops have fought over almost every continent and against almost every foe. On the North American battlefield, the French Regulars bring some stability and well-trained determination to the American cause. However, like their English counterparts, the French troops sometimes react more slowly and move more hesitantly over the rough North American battlefield.

French Light Infantry: Some of the best French troops, the fast and versatile French Light Infantry are very fine skirmishers. Quick with their muskets and quick on their feet, the Light infantry can force the enemy into awkward positions and to fight on French terms. While not as solid a unit as Regulars, their speed on the field makes up for their size.

French Royal Marines: The Marines form a fine elite reserve for the French army. A fast moving unit of highly trained troops, the Marines have the size of a standard Regular company but fire quicker and are trained for boarding actions and other close combats. The Marines can quickly plug spots in the French lines with determined precision.

French Grenadiers: These French elite soldiers are among the finest on the field. Ferocious in close combat, highly skilled with the musket, and boasting the finest morale, the French Grenadiers are unmatched man for man and can be counted on to rout the enemy from the field.

CAVALRY:

Generals: The French commanders in North America are some of the finest military men in the World. With the Comete de Vergennes organizing the French war effort, men such as the Marquis de Lafayette and the Comte de Rochambeau lead their men to victory time and time again on the battlefields of North America.

French Dragoons: The French cavalry is a branch with a long and illustrious military history. French dragoons are fine soldiers on fine mounts, able to move like the wind and hit like thunder. When used to hit enemy flanks or rears at the right moment, the French Dragoons can be counted on to collapse weakened British lines.

Mounted Scouts: Many Patriot colonists and some Native Americans serve as scouts through the New World for the French army. While not a standard combat unit, the Mounted Scouts are the eyes and ears in the densely forested battlefields of North America. Using them will not only enable you to see all corners of the board, they also free up more time and resources to increase your other units training and efficiency.

ARTILLERY:

French Artillery: Artillery is the queen of the battlefield. With the sound of thunder, cannonballs can cut through enemy infantry like a scythe through wheat. Of course, these ponderous beasts can be costly to maintain, and obviously need to be kept safe, but if used wisely they can dominate. The light 4lb artillery piece is a small yet quick piece, capable of being maneuvered into position quickly. The 8lb and 12lb guns are progressively bigger and less mobile, being more suited for being set up in the ideal spot initially and then raining shell and shot upon the enemy the entire battle. Do not underestimate artillery.

[[GG]Lord von Döbeln]

SWEEEEEET!

[GG]vD

[KHD|BloodnIron]

very nice work and dedication. Im just a bit worried about the fairness. It might be only in words but not in stats but u pretty much described every other British unit as the best in the world. How will this be handled? The american units sound very good strategicly but since this is a mp mod im not sure... I mean hit and run tactics and fading into the forest... on a limited battle field against regulars with no place to run?

[[GG]Lord von Döbeln]

While the British are in general stronger they are also much slower and more expensive, so I think it will be a fair fight. Of course we need to do some 3v3 and 4v4 testing when the Beta is released to find out any problems that might exist. I have played quite a few 1v1 and 1v2 and in these games the balance is nicely struck. But indeed the Americans may be hampered in larger games with less space for movement. Let us see.

[GG]vD

[flippyxtrem]

Americans should get hammered by the British Head on but hit and run? theres where the Americans take the cake ;D

[{TIG} Coolswa]

KHD|BloodnIron said:

very nice work and dedication. Im just a bit worried about the fairness. It might be only in words but not in stats but u pretty much described every other British unit as the best in the world. How will this be handled? The american units sound very good strategicly but since this is a mp mod im not sure... I mean hit and run tactics and fading into the forest... on a limited battle field against regulars with no place to run?

Scare tactics work well, warparties are EXCELLENT on the troops you can surprise, i dont know what map but i defended a small pass with 2 woods on both sides against a superior british force, on both sides i had 2 warparties and cavalry and infantry infront of them, long story short, the brits got boxed and slaughtered leaving 0 survivors.

[somrandomguy]

I realize that I'm a newbie or whatever to this forum, nor have I extensively played the mod, but I think you should know that your representation of the Hessians is severely flawed. The Hessians were far from the elite mercenaries you describe them as. They were for the most part a bunch of conscripted German peasents from Hesse-Kassel sold to the British by their local princes. While they were not poor quality troops (and proved themselves to be quite good soldiers in a few battles), they were not eliite. Their quality varied wildly, but in general I'd put them somewhere above militia and below regular British troops.

[[GG] SeaDogg]

Backtracking here a bit to add that in single play so far I like the balance of forces available on each side. U CAN win with either side if you handle your forces well and have a plan as to how to deploy them.

What I would add to a later version would be some system of graduated abilities for different units from different colonies ( on both sides ) depending on the availability of supplies, weather, battle damage etc. Militia on both sides varied widely just as the above post mentions abt Hessian units, I know you cant help but generalize unit abilities in this game. Theres only so much room. I guess as I contemplate how to make a fair game out of some engagements that were NOT fair I keep coming back to this point.

Also, I keep running into specific mention of 3 and 6 pndr artillery in many battles, rather than 4,8 or 12. Certainly 3's and 6's were present in the southern campaign battles. Were there specific references to 4 & 8 pnds? in other battles.?