Civilization Match-up Discussion Round 6 Week 15: Burmese vs Vietnamese

Two Rajas civs that have walked markedly different paths since release 11

​

Hello and welcome back for another Age of Empires 2 civilization match up discussion! This is a series where we discuss the various advantages, disadvantages, and quirks found within the numerous match ups of the game. The goal is to collectively gain a deeper understanding of how two civilizations interact with each other in a variety of different settings. Feel free to ask questions, pose strategies, or provide insight on how the two civilizations in question interact with each other on any map type and game mode. This is not limited to 1v1 either. Feel free to discuss how the civilizations compare in team games as well! So long as you are talking about how the two civilizations interact, anything is fair game! Last week we discussed the Portuguese vs Slavs, and next up is the Burmese vs Vietnamese!

​

Burmese: Monk and Elephant civilization

• Lumber Camp upgrades free
• Infantry +1 attack per age (starting in Feudal Age)
• Monastery techs cost -50%
• TEAM BONUS: Relics' initial location visible on map
• Unique Unit: Arambai (Ranged cavalry with massive attack and terrible accuracy)
• Castle Age Unique Tech: Howdah (Battle Elephants +1/+1 armor)
• Imperial Age Unique Tech: Manipur Cavalry (Cavalry and Arambai +6 attack vs buildings)

​

Vietnamese: Archer civilization

• Reveal enemy TC locations at start
• Archery Range units +20% hp
• Conscription free
• TEAM BONUS: Imperial Skirmishers available to team
• Unique Unit: Rattan Archer (Foot archer with massive pierce armor)
• Unique Unit: Imperial Skirmisher (Imperial Age upgrade to Skirmisher-line)
• Castle Age Unique Tech: Chatras (Battle Elephants +50 hp)
• Imperial Age Unique Tech: Paper Money (Tribute 500g to yourself and all teammates)

​

Below are some match up-specific talking points to get you all started. These are just to give people ideas, you do not need to address them specifically if you do not want to!

• So I'm not saying this match up is great for Vietnamese on 1v1 Arabia. However, with their weak Skirmishers, Burmese would ostensibly possess a weakness to archer civilizations such as Vietnamese. Does that give the Vietnamese a chance to shine with their powerful archer units?
• Similarly, how do the Arambai and Rattan Archers compare? Arambai are very powerful, but Rattan Archers fire much more accurately and can tank a good portion of the Arambai's damage. Is this enough to make the Rattan Archer perform well here?
• In a team game setting, Burmese will feel most comfortable in pocket and Vietnamese on flank. Would you rather have Arambai, Battle Elephants, and +7 attack Halbs coming from your pocket, or Rattan Archers and BBTs from your flank?

Thank you as always for participating! Next week we will conclude round 6 with the Aztecs vs Celts. Hope to see you there! :)

Previous discussions: Part 1 Part 2