I've read somewhere (Steam forums, maybe) that FoG:E has automatic battles unless you have FoG2 which you have to 'attach' to FoG:E, resolve battles manually and then 'load' the results back into FoG:E.

Is it so?

That's correct, as indicated on the GOG FoG:E page :

"And, if you want even more direct control, Field of Glory: Empires lets you export and load your battles into Field of Glory II and then load the results back into Field of Glory: Empires!"

Yes. However, it's actually a true option: I think almost nobody use it as it makes a very long game and it's really not nessessary to the game.

i use it, but mostly in "close" fights, sometimes the conversion of foge to fog2 is no always identical, for example i was fighting agains 1 chariot unit in the persian dlc, then when i make the maual battle in fog2 i was fighting agains 3 chariots units but also i got a few more archers in my army too. Plus it will take some time in finish a huge battle

almost i forgot, also you can "cheat" using that option, before a battle when the game ask you if you want the manual or the auto fight you click on the manual option, this will create fog2 save game of your battle.
Then the game will ask you to close foge and open fog2 you click on NO and do the auto battle, if you lose the battle close foge and open fog2, and load the savegame that you create before, of course you have to win the manual fight, if does, you can save it and then open foge and export the battle from fog2, this will overide your foge game, i found this a good way to fight important battles

Dont get me wrong, i really love that feature in foge, but it needs to be a little bit more polished imo

Yes, this was exactly the phrase that reminded me what I read about it earlier, and I decided to post a question.

I don't like the wording here, what is this "even more direct control"? Looks like they feared to state it directly: the game resolves battles automatically (i.e. you have NO direct control), and you have to buy another game where you could control it manually (and it will not be 'even more direct').

I have nothing against automatic battles (Warlords 3 is one of my all time favorite games, after all), I just dislike the confusing manner of presenting the correct information about the game.

Well, it seems that FoG:E has been made as it is now just for promoting FoG2. Reviews that I have read and forum discussions I have had convinced me that its battle system is absurd and premade to be used with FoG2 only.

So excuse me, Slitherine, but NAY.

That's the reverse, FoG2 is used to promote FoG:E. Nope, the battle system is logical and does not need FoG2.

Hello everyone ! :)
I am considering buying FOG Empire on Gog, yet I already have a version of FOG2 on Steam. Can anyone confirm both versions would be compatible with each other ?

I have lost games using FoGE automatic battles. Reloaded the save games and won using FoG2. Takes longer but you can control the outcome and win. FoG2 is the better way to have battles.