Crusader Kings 2 Review (Windows PC)

At the 3 hour mark, Time acceleration was increased dramatically so the days, months, and years ticked away at a blistering pace.  By checking messages only periodically a player can stave off death, arrange some marriages, fire some cabinet members, appoint new ones, and then move forward again.  At the 5 hour mark the game had only progressed from the opening in 1066 up to 1148.  Much like inflicting misery in the Sims by deleting the bathroom door, there is quite a bit of fun to be had leaving all wars ignored, failing to treat any plagues, attempting to assassinate anybody that threatens you, excommunicating anyone you capture, and ransoming any prisoners left over.

For the time period involved, nearly any scenario can be chosen and played out: Could Scotland dominate Europe through betrothal and marriage?  What if Hungary decided to conquer Norway.  Maybe Denmark should assassinate the leader of the Byzantine Empire...simulate the real and try to control it, or select a crazy scheme and see if it’s possible.

Paradox Interactive has a lot of experience under their belt in this genre and knows what they are doing.  Crusader Kings 2 is phenomenal and one of the best strategy games on the market.  I never played the first one, so I can’t really offer a good comparison to this title, but I can tell you that this is an instant-must-buy for anyone looking for a deep strategy game that with steal hours from their life.  Those new to the genre will face a bit of a learning curve.   I am learning new things about the game every day, but if you stick in there and learn what you are doing, I am sure you will love it. 

This review was based on the retail version provided by Paradox Interactive through GamersGate.