Symmetry is not your friend.

[Haelix]

So, yeah, I'm giving away all my secrets in these strategy posts.

Now, I've seen some weird formations, like all of us I'm sure, but something that even people with non-outrageous formations need to think about is how to set up their pieces.

First off, the more territory your initial formation occupies, the thinner you have to spread your forces. Granted, this leaves you less vulnerable to magic attacks, but, it's not that worth it. If your forces are all concentrated closer together, then they'll be able to kill any magic units that step up to the plate to take advantage of your closeness. (Someone who uses barrier wards effectively can get a shot off, but then you can heal most of it back with one cleric heal.)

Secondly, have you ever read a book, or seen a TV show where a hero looks for a defensible position, with his/her back to the wall?
It works for TAO too. If you have taken the advice of point one, then you have a closer bunch of units. Where better to stick them than in a corner. If you have them in the centre as symmetry would dictate, then you are open on 3 fronts, and have to protected your cleric from both side attacks. If you have your units in a corner, and have only 2 fronts open, and have to protect your cleric from 1 side attack only.

All of this hinges slightly on my previous post regarding the fact that a defensive formation is the best. If you're a gung-ho attacker, then this might not be the best idea.

Come on! I'm waiting for your counter-arguments with justifications.

Haelix

[xyxaxyz2]

I agree on all points.

[Eldar[TN]]

Magi will slaughter tight defensive formations as I proved to Drunken Dragon.

[AzN_GuY]

heh, you dont have to be tight... just unbalanced

[Eldar[TN]]

There isn't enough space to not have a tight defensive formation without being spread thin o0

[AzN_GuY]

some units do better when spread thinly... but i agree, it's not really feasible

[Lone Wolf]

The way to make it packed in tight but offensive is to setup your units on one side in the forward position. Allowing them all to be in a line. This way they are not vulnerable to side or back hit early on, unless your enemy has a dragon or mud golem. But if they bring those in you can always fall back on top of them. and gang bang the hell out of them. The best part about this formation though is that is flexible. You can go all out attack on them or you can hold back and wait for them. Often you can tell which to do on the first few turns.

- Lone Wolf

[Ahab]

I'm not all bunched up, but I am close enough to close ranks if the opponent is aggressive. If the situation warrants it, however, I can take advantage of bunched up formations by falnking them, something you cannot do when there is a lightening ward in the middle (my preference). Having a frost golem helps the defense immensely, but I will admit it gets a little dicey at times!

My point: you have to be prepared for all sorts of setups, so flexibility is called for. Bunching them together too much loses that flexibility.

[Excession]

Defensive formations can work well - especially with access to gold troops. However, a spread-out force can fight relatively well by attacking from all angles at once - backing away from the defender and reforming the line for maximum effect.

[jaydude6]

personally i think formations are too inflexible.

[AzN_GuY]

what do you propose?

[Eldar[TN]]

Originally posted by jaydude6
personally i think formations are too inflexible.

Then line all your units up in the back two rows o0

[Hammy]

spread your men out and leave the magic ones far back or behind objects. then you get protction against magic and defense for the vulnerable peices.

[Eldar[TN]]

Originally posted by Hammy
spread your men out and leave the magic ones far back or behind objects. then you get protction against magic and defense for the vulnerable peices.

Then its too far forward to be a 'defensive' formation o0

[Hammy]

I guess I don't use defensive formations then.

I find people who do aren't effective. They think the lightning ward will stop 3 knights storming in. they get one shot off and just get slaughtered.

[Eldar[TN]]

Originally posted by Hammy
I guess I don't use defensive formations then.

I find people who do aren't effective. They think the lightning ward will stop 3 knights storming in. they get one shot off and just get slaughtered.

Heh, thats a n00b then =-0
Defensive formations usually have their 3 knights BY their LW

[Hammy]

with 3 knights by the LW, whats to stop you from charging down the sides and surrounding them while killing off the magic units?

[Griphon]

I fight with a defensive position much like the one described. I win alot of my battles. I think a defensive position can be very effective.

[Haelix]

with 3 knights by the LW, whats to stop you from charging down the sides and surrounding them while killing off the magic units?


If you read my post, you'll note that you can only "charge down" one side, and while you're charging to get around the knights and LW, the rest of my force is attacking you at every step.

[Drazil]

The problem with bunching your units up is that, at the beginning of the game, you'll likely be in range of the enemy's magic users, who deal maximum damage to bunched up units, but out of range of the knights, against whom bunching up would actually be helpful. It also severely limits you against a more spread-out opponent, since you'll be unlikely to have any units in position to exploit any weaknesses in the enemy's position.

Bunching up your units can help at some points in the battle, but it shouldn't be your starting formation.

[Aro23r]

I bunch up my units at the start, entirely on one side. But i keep a dragon/LW close at hand to elimate any pesky witches that come knocking at my door. OR i'll sit back and use my two scouts to eliminate anyone that comes within range.