The Romans in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
With the latest release of Return of the Romans for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, players now have the opportunity to play as the Romans and compete against other popular civilizations in AoE II: DE. The Romans are a Mediterranean European civilization based on the Western Roman Empire with centers in Rome and Ravenna.
Possible Characteristics of the Roman Civilization
Until the release, the following information is only speculation:
- Unique Units:
- Legionary: Robust infantry unit. Replaces the Two-Handed Swordsman and Champion.
- Centurion: Heavy cavalry unit that increases the strength of adjacent Militia units.
- Unique Technologies:
- Ballistae (Scorpions and Galleys fire 33% faster)
- Comitatenses (Militia, Knight, and Centurion units train 50% faster and receive an attack boost)
- Civilization Bonuses:
- Villagers gather, build, and repair 5% faster
- Galley line +1 attack
- War Galleys +1/+1 armor, Galleons and Dromons +2/+2 armor
- Infantry receives double effect from Blacksmith armor upgrades
- Scorpions cost -60% gold and benefit from Ballistics
- Team Bonus: Minimum range of Scorpion line reduced to 1
Roman Strengths and Weaknesses Overview
The Romans are classified as an infantry civilization, but have relatively strong siege weapons (especially their heavy Scorpions), a navy, and decent cavalry. Their infantry receives double effect from Blacksmith armor upgrades, which compensates for the lack of Plate Mail Armor. Their cavalry has all the necessary upgrades for Light Cavalry and Cavaliers, as well as their unique unit, the Centurion.
Like the Romans in Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome, they have very strong siege weapons, but lack Siege Onagers and Bombard Cannons. Their heavy Scorpions are much cheaper in gold and benefit from Ballistics. Their navy has almost all necessary upgrades, and their Galley line not only has an additional attack, but is also one of the most resilient in the game.
However, the Romans also have significant weaknesses. Their archer units are weak due to the lack of important upgrades. The absence of Bracer also weakens their Galley line. Additionally, they lack the Demolition Ship, which makes their navy more vulnerable to Fire Ships. Their Militia units are more expensive due to the lack of Supplies. Their cavalry is incomplete, lacking the final unit upgrades or regional units. Additionally, the Romans lack Heresy, making their expensive army composition vulnerable to conversions. Their defense is somewhat lacking, as they lack Murder Holes and Hoardings.
Stay tuned for the release of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition - Return of Rome and secure your key at Keyfuchs!
