Thanks for another great game!
I would say that all the upgrades and "general" effects seem very underwhelming and leave much to be desired, especially with the high randomness of the attack and defense. The game is by far more decided by truce timing and board strategy than by development and tactics, which is a bit of a bummer.
The UI is good. The skill trees and upgrades are perfectly simple. The diplomacy is very good, probably my favorite part. The map seems fairly balanced and well thought out. The players play well.
Took me a while to figure out all the mechanics and messed up on first movement phase thinking that it was only for placing your generals.
Thanks again and take care :)
Edit: I love the coalition. Really shouldn't be losing all 40 troops vs 4 defending when attacking.
Appreciate you sticking around!
Upgrades I agree were a total waste of time and the fact that you contrast them with Reforms being good, is something I would agree with.
Diplomacy was a total rework from Saxon Kings, but I think its heading the right direction considering coalitions are new. It is going to take a few more games to iron out the meta-gaming but it was a good attempt.
In terms of combat I think the aggregate/flat percentage for battles has outstayed its welcome. The next game will probably have combat based on the unit level rather than at the army level.
Nation Wars was intentionally general, it didn't have a theme and was just vague provinces. The goal of the game was for me to think about mechanics. It was always a learning exercise that I would apply to my next theme, either feudal Japan or a rework of my first world war game Battle for Europe.
Thanks for playing the game!