AoW: SM The Hive

[E.T.]

This ones brutal played first time around. To refresh: this final challenge of SM plays on three huge maps simultaneously, quickly consuming your allies with overwhelming forces by the All Devourer [not to mention you start out w/no resources].

Anyone who has beaten this have suggestions/tips? I've managed to survive till turn 100 or
so, but am starting the downhill slide against AI.

On SURFACE map, Ive managed to build up two citites only [its tough as Allies own everything on map...maybe I should have broken alliances early on so as to have option of sacking cities??]

On UNDERWORLD map, I own majority of cities/resources, have teleporters for two, but All Devourer has been relentless from turn 30 or so with Demon Lord stacks in multiples.

On SHADOW WORLD map, no luck at all. All Devourer is just too numerous & overwhelming form the get go to get a foothold on this map.

[E.T.]

Experience was the best teacher for resolving this one, especially when you take into consideration the random events generated w/each new runthrough.

Playing this final campaign scenario through three times, I managed to shorten my turns from 450 on first attempt to 280 on third run through. All efforts to stay alive were most difficult during the first 30-40 turns of each game experince.

Aside from Massive Assault, this has been the most challenging TBS map I've played to date.
Wish TBS games enjoyed more popularity amongst gamers
:(