wait wait waaaaiiit i wouldn't go that far. not at all. if that would be the way it is, then why didn't all medieval armys just used bows and ranged attacks? in a game archers most times are op yes. that is due to the limmits of programming. our imagination has no limmit at all though...it even goes beyond the limmitations of the reality
an archer would be op if you couldn't defeat him.
you fight a warrior and an archer backs him up shooting you in the back. it is the same as if another warrior sneaks behind you stabbing you from behind. ganging up on ppl is not op at all. you could do the same.
warior vs. archer: archer wins as long as he can keep the distance. warrior wins if he get's closer. if the archer is too far away then...run. simple. well ofc run into the opposite direction, not -into- the projectiles and then shouting op!" then you deserved your death
if an archer sneaks on you, assassinating your from a distance...well....that isn't op either. a good assassin could get close too and do the same with a dagger. (assassins creed
at least a refference, if not real
)
armor: if a warrior that choses close combat is not wearing any armor at all, then why blame the archer? that isn't his fault.
i said plate armor is most efficient against projectiles, but even good leather armor helps (the better the armor, the better your defence. it is the same with close combat. leather won't stop a direct swordstab, but can help against slashes. it won't stop a direct arrow-hit, but helps with graze shots)
type of bow: last but not least as some already pointed out it also depends on the weapon. just ask beforehand. shortbows good for short distances, towns and such, crossbows and long bows good against armor and in the open (but long reloadtime), throwing thinks depends on the weapon. axes at least hit you hard, knives disturb you, throwing stars would realy do damage, as long as there is no armor.
a bow is as op as a sword. it isn't. it is a tool, a weapon. what makes them op is ppl not knowing how to use them. a bow is most likely a bit deadlyer and a bit more handy, when you know your stuff. but that is the point. to play an archer you need to know more. everyone can play a swordsman, swinging, stabbing and slashing around.
baning ranged weapons partly or in a whole would totaly ruin any immersion. just as always, think before acting. both archer and his victim
PS. someone said a bow has a realos time of 3 secs. that is correct and if you do that you can shoot many...maaany arrows. but none would hit. if -you- have a reaction time of 3 secs for geting the arrow out, aiming accurately, not panicking, adjusting your aim, thinking about weather and wind and -not- thinking about the pointed end of that sword that is getting closer realy fast, well then i will follow you for i have found the legendary robin hood =0