To some extent I might suggest leaving Russia out simply because Col is interesting, in part, because of the east-only starts. I would have to see how a west-start affected things, gameplay wise; it certainly would be interesting, but there is something to be said for the intense early battle for land, between Eng/Fra and Spa/Port.
That's one reason I hope the map isn't too much bigger (unless things are changed to make movement faster and territory larger in general) - if it's a settle your own area builder game right up front, with no strategic decision between settling the Haitian area as France, or settle Canada; or settling the Caribbean versus south america versus florida as Spain, Col is a lot less interesting.
That's one reason I hope the map isn't too much bigger (unless things are changed to make movement faster and territory larger in general) - if it's a settle your own area builder game right up front, with no strategic decision between settling the Haitian area as France, or settle Canada; or settling the Caribbean versus south america versus florida as Spain, Col is a lot less interesting.
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