Shang/Strategy

Strategy
The Shang civilization do not have any special bonuses that are suited for combat. Neither do they have the ability to train a variety of elite units in the Iron Age. Because of this, they are not a good choice when playing the Deathmatch mode of the game where combat plays a key role in the Iron Age.

However, the Shang makes this up by their ability to create more villagers in the starting game compared to other civilizations. Since their villagers costs only 35 food, they can create as many as 5 villagers on the Random Map mode of the game, with 25 food left over. This makes the Shang an excellent choice in short, early games. Since the Shang do not have any bonuses for combat, it is strongly advised to play this civilization only when the game is set to "standard" where military conquest is uneeded to win the game. Players who find themselves playing this civilization often surround themselves with extensive walls to keep invaders at bay. This strategy is fairly effective since it allows the player to focus more on the economy rather than the military. If this strategy is executed properly up to the very last age, this strategy can be very effective when it comes to constructing and defending Wonders in the Iron Age.

Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths Weaknesses
 * Best if played in early games.
 * Execllent if played defensive.
 * Can implement effective rushes early in the game.
 * Effective on Wonder strategies.
 * Have a strong, stable economy.
 * Not as powerful in deathmatches.
 * Cannot train a variety of elite units.
 * Do not have bonuses suited for military conquest.
 * Not recommended on water maps.
 * Lack certain technologies required for combat.