Yes, the HC issue is indeed a big one for people starting with Aoe3 Multiplayer. Always found that a weird way to start off.
Though there are other issues as well, which keep aoe3 from being very competitive unfortunately. For example:
- Pathing can sometimes mess up hard compared to other RTS (and then i dont mean going right and left from a cliff which is your own fault).
- The treasures are sometimes too imbalanced on a higher level.
- The maps are unique, but this matters too much in competitive gaming, which is why Garja's maps (or most of them) were a very good addition. Though this is complicated since civs are different in how they play out and what resources they need.
- Then there is the herding... sure a unique element and goes with the time setting of the game, but its a pain in the ass. I was talking about this with Stanley the other day. A rough calculation learned me that over the years i probably spend like two weeks of just herding animals in aoe3
Anyway, I rather spend time on strategy, micro, positioning, etc, than (re)herding constantly, especially a backherd on the famous GP.
- And ye it would already be much better if they fixed some issues like FTJ, stable reliable servers, a better ranking system which is not as manipulative as current PR, the sound bug a lot of people get, a better way to measure ping i guess and/or just the ability to kick people with bad pings right from the game like in sc2 (after xx seconds?), no discussions just fix your shit or dont play, no more drop hack stuff.