Are archers/crossbowmen overpowered in that game?
You can sweep archers and crossbowmen with cav lancers.
The Ma Teng cavalry archers though, are literally untouchable.
They balanced it out by making it very hard to play with this faction.
Their starting situation is very weak. And you have to grind a lot in the beginning.
Plus you need to secure horse pastures to bring the price down on cav.