So, after both playing against and editing Petra, I have found several features that Petra needs to really stand a chance against a competent player. #1: Petra doesn't build walls. This is a real problem, since it leaves it open to anyone with some siege rams and a catapult or two. It also means that Petra never really acts like a real player, especially when set to defensive (when it should essentially just turtle). #2: Petra doesn't upgrade buildings or units. I know this is more minor, but it is important, as it means that the closer you get to the center, the weaker Petra is, since it built Sentry Towers in Village Phase (with little territory), then started building Defense Towers in Town Phase (as it spreads out). It would make Petra more challenging if it upgraded Sentry Towers to Defense Towers. This also has another problem: Petra never upgrades units, so it has to wait till City Phase to get the Centurions, when it could upgrade them as soon as they reach Elite Rank. Also, the Mauryan Maidens never switch from their melee version to their ranged version, which is a problem. #3: Petra doesn't turret on walls. While this requires walls (see #1), it is another thing that would be useful to add. I know it is too late to put these into A28, but maybe we should try to implement them for A29?

In this case, AI behavior during the game and replay viewing should NOT be linked in any way. I don't know the technical details, but for the user, replay viewing isn't a real game; they can't change anything; they simply follow the actions and analyze what was done during the match (and when exactly), for which the replay is saved. However, AI behavior in the match must be fair. That's all. When Shroud of Darkness and Fog of War aren't used by bots, but are used by real players, it's a completely unfair situation.

if something is considered a balance "emergency" it can be changed still, provided that it doesn't touch strings. There were some of these before the Han were introduced. I wouldn't put it that way, but that is what I typically work on. @Arup care to elaborate?

@LienRag, @Grautvornix, only my opinion.... It would be nice if ship garrison information wasn't displayed in the interface. It would add an element of surprise... You attack a ship and want to board it, thinking it's "empty," but it's garrisoned (even more than yours), and everything goes wrong... The garrison is hidden below deck. It's invisible. And suddenly, during a boarding battle, it turns out it's there... Isn't that wonderful? And it's quite historical. But if they do decide to add information about the ship's troops, they could at least add a flag above the vessel (a simple small flag or something larger with civilization symbols) indicating the presence of a garrison. But in my opinion, that's not as interesting. The element of surprise would be lost.

They will be no balance changes anymore for R28. But if you want to whine, you should stay respectful to those who worked on the release. For balancing, currently @real_tabasco_sauce is the code owner of the templates (unit and tech stats) and he is often open to suggestions.