So far, using this dude has proven most triumphant. At first glance, it is easy to say (like I did), what's the deal? A Rider with one fewer defense point, for a measley 10 fewer shields? 70 v 60 doesn't seem like much of a savings, and the Arabs seem to get a bum deal on their UU. In reality, neither change seems to make a huge difference.
The real benefit, as with the Rider, is the 3 movement. They do make putting up new defenses in captured cities a bit harder, but the speed makes the lowered defense nearly irrelevant, as a swift blitzkrieg will cripple or destroy all but the strongest of opponents before they counterattack. The lowered cost will allow for you to build them 1-3 turns quicker in cities that can afford them, more like 2-5 turns quicker during the GA. Not a huge deal, but can give you a small offensive edge.
Overall, I'd say a useful UU, definitely an upgrade from the Knight, and the slight benefit from reduced cost balances nicely with the lowered defense, which really doesn't affect the use much. A very good UU, on par with other knight-replacement UUs
The real benefit, as with the Rider, is the 3 movement. They do make putting up new defenses in captured cities a bit harder, but the speed makes the lowered defense nearly irrelevant, as a swift blitzkrieg will cripple or destroy all but the strongest of opponents before they counterattack. The lowered cost will allow for you to build them 1-3 turns quicker in cities that can afford them, more like 2-5 turns quicker during the GA. Not a huge deal, but can give you a small offensive edge.
Overall, I'd say a useful UU, definitely an upgrade from the Knight, and the slight benefit from reduced cost balances nicely with the lowered defense, which really doesn't affect the use much. A very good UU, on par with other knight-replacement UUs
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