Difficulty Levels - Detailed Combat

[skaifeman]

Hi.

I'm new to the game and am having some difficulty understanding the effect of difficulty on detailed combat. I've tried various levels of difficulty and no matter which I've chosen the combat messages keep indicating that the AI opponent is receiving a hefty boost to his casualties caused against me due to the difficultly level. I want a reasonable challenge so I don't want to turn the difficulty level down too far. So - is there a difficulty that makes the combat reasonably challenging but doesn't give the AI an arbitrary advantage in combat? The lowest I've tried so far is Major. Apologies if this quesion has been asked before but I'd like to get something that I feel is true to the spirit of the ACW i.e. my troops aren't unfairly disadvanatged in an equal combat, without making it too easy.

Many thanks.

[terje439]

I think around the 4th from the top is where there are no bonuses at all to either side, however after a few battles you will realize how to cripple the AI armies (I will not tell you how as to spoil your games), and then you need to stop yourself from exploiting it.

Terje

[skaifeman]

Thanks for the speedy response.

Yes - hopefully as I get used to the mechanics I will improve - but just want to start on a level playing field and not have my elite troops whupped by a brigade of militia. I'll bear in mind your advice - I like the game and want to have as much of a historical feel as possible without necessarily winning (if that makes sense)

Cheers.