I used to think the Persians were one of the worst nations due to "mediocre" bonuses. After trying them out recently, I realized that their bonuses and UUs combine to create a potent offensive nation.
Bonuses
Start with 50% Bonus Food-This is a powerful bonus which allows you to reach classical faster or research Mil1 early for a rush
Second City built acts as a second Capital.Both receive Capital border bonus, and both must be captured to eliminate you-This bonus isn't a very big deal, but it allows you to survive for slightly before being defeated
Receive Taxation upgrades for free-Nice to have, but the wealth bonus is minor
Always have the maximum number of Caravans-Allows you to spend the food and timer on economic building and citizens
Civic research 30% Cheaper-Synergizes well with their 50% bonus food to allow a faster classical and get their 3rd city up faster.
In a standard game without ruins the Persians will end up with 142 extra food and 30 extra timer by the time they reach classical, which is a significant advantage.
However, the UUs are what makes Persia powerful
The Persians get ranged HI, which have a ranged attack. Although they are slightly weaker their ranged attack allows the HI to stay out of the range of archers and allows a Persian player to attack an opponent from a distance while suffering minimum casualties
If the opponent attempts to turn the battle into a melee fight, the Persians can use their elephants to defeat the closely packed enemy troops. Also, the opponent risks making any siege in the rear vulnerable to a cavalry attack.
Bonuses
Start with 50% Bonus Food-This is a powerful bonus which allows you to reach classical faster or research Mil1 early for a rush
Second City built acts as a second Capital.Both receive Capital border bonus, and both must be captured to eliminate you-This bonus isn't a very big deal, but it allows you to survive for slightly before being defeated
Receive Taxation upgrades for free-Nice to have, but the wealth bonus is minor
Always have the maximum number of Caravans-Allows you to spend the food and timer on economic building and citizens
Civic research 30% Cheaper-Synergizes well with their 50% bonus food to allow a faster classical and get their 3rd city up faster.
In a standard game without ruins the Persians will end up with 142 extra food and 30 extra timer by the time they reach classical, which is a significant advantage.
However, the UUs are what makes Persia powerful
The Persians get ranged HI, which have a ranged attack. Although they are slightly weaker their ranged attack allows the HI to stay out of the range of archers and allows a Persian player to attack an opponent from a distance while suffering minimum casualties
If the opponent attempts to turn the battle into a melee fight, the Persians can use their elephants to defeat the closely packed enemy troops. Also, the opponent risks making any siege in the rear vulnerable to a cavalry attack.
[This message has been edited by TheOneYakoo (edited 11-08-2009 @ 08:04 PM).]