For eg. Their civilisation bonus is that will begin with 2 town centers - ( 1 # which would mean they probably can get off to a quick start ) , and will be able to use 'spyglass' ability which will allow them to see selective areas of the map ( 2# this ability might prove to be extremely usefull if even for a short time you can see what your enemy is doing or even just to quickly scout out whats on the map to gain suppremecy )
The portuguese will have a strong navy, strong light cavalry and most effective dragoons ( 3# strong light cavalry is a required hallmark off a good hit and run ) (4# MORE IMPORTANTLY the "Dragoon" is looks to be an excellant unit ) -
The Dragoon is a fast cavalry unit with a ranged attack strong against other cavalry ( So basically it will be like a cavalry archer in AOE 2 but instead be strong against cavalry as well like a camel,pikemen having some type of bonus etc........ THE POINT IS ; who cares in AOE 3 if the new pikemen and musketeers have attack bonuses against the Dragoon , as they wonn't even be able to catch a fast cavalry unit with a ranged attack ! providing your keeping your eye on your Dragoon army and pulling them back when appropriate , of course can be hit by musketeers but as a cavalry units they probably don't take too much damage from that anyway. Plus if one gets to damaged in the group then send it to the back out of harms way so the enemy targets the next enemy but you don't loose the dragoon.
BASICALY gaining dominance of the map is important , this unit the dragoon seems to be quite a good one - take out the enemy villagers thus their economy. Ememy cavalry no problem ! - Dragoons are strong against them. Other units no problem - their too slow to catch them .
People seem to think the British will ne No.1 , but I know ES are not stupid enough to make a game where overall at the end all civilisations are not evenly rounded out.
IN OTHER WORDS - The Portuguese in AOE 3 seem to be what the Huns & Mongols where in AOE 2... strong enough to stand up too and beat the others when used properly like all the civilisations will be.
So am I wrong ?