Quite crazy, but I think age of empires 1 would be worse. After all except goth barracks perfusion the bonus are quite tamed in aok 2.
In the first game you have siege with double hitpoints and half cost (combine macedonian + hittite).
Also while vikings have just +20% hp, choson had double hitpoints for main infantry.
Speed bonus was +30% in 1, Celts just had +15%.
Anyway
Elite Huskarl 83 hp, 20 atk, 3/10 armor, 1.5 rof, 1.3 speed, 52F/26G cost
Elite Teutonic Knight 120 hp, 25 atk, 13/6 armor, 1.5 rof, 0.825 speed, 52F/26G cost
Elite Eagle Warrior 112 hp, 17 atk, 3/8 armor, 1.5 rof, 1.625 speed, 15F/38G cost
Elite Cataphract 200 hp, 16 atk (rest is the same)
if you are low on cash try
Halberdier 72 hp, 14 atk, 3/4 armor, 2.25 rof, 1.25 speed no gold
Micronazione Impero