Crusader Kings II Released!

[Lotheron]

I downloaded the demo, edited it to play more than 20 years. I haven't had this much fun in a game in a long time.

I preordered on steam so its' waiting for me at home, but if the demo is any indication of the final product, it's easily the most polished game from Paradox.

Anyone else picking it up? Or interested in multiplayer?

 

[obidamnkenobi]

yes! I preordered it on Steam last week. Only played the demo for an hour, since I knew I was getting the game anyway and didn't want to bother playing it "unfinished". The Steam app now say it's released! Anyone got try it out yet?

Really looking forward to playing the full game. Probably won't get much game time before the weekend, but have ready through the manual to minimize "learning time" and maximize "game time"

Any suggestions what a good/interesting starting lord is? I know enough to find my way around in EU3, but I'm new to crusader kings, except for the demo and reading about it.

 

[crownjules]

Castille was a good starter kingdom in CK1 and seemed to be the same when I played it in the CK2 demo. A king with 4 provinces and due to the familial relations you have with many of the other kingdoms, duchies, and counties in the Iberian peninsula, sometimes you luck into inheriting some new territory. Plus you have plenty of nearby Muslims to openly declare war on if you want to fight.

 

[Lotheron]

In the demo I started as the Count of Kildare twice and ended up as the King of Ireland. The second time I ended up taking both Scotland and Wales before my King suddenly died trying to take his claim of England.

His heir must have been well unliked as all my vassals all rebeled and allied against me.

Was a fun game

 

[orbster556]

I am considering picking this one up so I was wondering if anyone else, having already purchased and played it, has thoughts on the game.

I like both the historical setting of the game and the gameplay of Paradox's games but am hesistant to pick up so soon after release because of Paradox's less than stellar reputation vis-a-vis technical issues. Thus, I am particualrly interested in the stability of the game.

Thanks, in advance, for any insight you might be able to share.

 

[obidamnkenobi]

I am considering picking this one up so I was wondering if anyone else, having already purchased and played it, has thoughts on the game.

I like both the historical setting of the game and the gameplay of Paradox's games but am hesistant to pick up so soon after release because of Paradox's less than stellar reputation vis-a-vis technical issues. Thus, I am particualrly interested in the stability of the game.

Thanks, in advance, for any insight you might be able to share.

It's perfectly stable for me. One duchy has "+++" at the end of the name on the map and there was a bug at one point of the tutorial, but that's the only problems I've seen. To me it's as good as fully patched EU3 I played 3 weeks ago..

Pretty much everything I've read about the game say that it's a remarkably stable, bug free release. And not just "..for a Paradox game" but stable overall.

But I haven't read everything about it on the internet, I've been too busy playing what is an incredibly addicting game! If you like Paradox, strategy and/or history I don't hesitate to recommend it!

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

Mulling over getting it. I've dumped insane amount of time into EU3/expansions. I'm guessing like most paradox developed games this is better to get on gamersgate rather than steam?

 

[Sulaco]

I adore Paradox games, but sadly, they usually are quite buggy and have other...'issues'...until a patch or two comes along.

 

[obidamnkenobi]

I adore Paradox games, but sadly, they usually are quite buggy and have other...'issues'...until a patch or two comes along.

oh? Have you read much about buggy experiences with CK2? Admittedly I've only read a few reviews, but I thought consensus was that this was a pretty flawless release? There was a mention of flashing graphics with Nvidia cards, but on my AMD card I haven't seen a glitch, stutter or crash from 9 hours of play..

Mulling over getting it. I've dumped insane amount of time into EU3/expansions. I'm guessing like most paradox developed games this is better to get on gamersgate rather than steam?

Patches are supposed to be released at the same time on both platforms. I don't know if there are any other reason to get it on GG? I got the steam version and got the first patch no problem

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

oh? Have you read much about buggy experiences with CK2? Admittedly I've only read a few reviews, but I thought consensus was that this was a pretty flawless release? There was a mention of flashing graphics with Nvidia cards, but on my AMD card I haven't seen a glitch, stutter or crash from 9 hours of play..


Patches are supposed to be released at the same time on both platforms. I don't know if there are any other reason to get it on GG? I got the steam version and got the first patch no problem

As much as I like Paradox games; their history warrants caution with any new releases. Is there some promise of the patches somewhere? As a general rule steam and paradox don't get along when it comes to patch releases.

 

[Baptismbyfire]

Starting with CK2, they're shifting to a DLC model, rather than their standard expansion pack releases. The DLCs are supposed to be more content-packed than your regular Oblivion horse armor pack, and apparently, you can choose to purchase just the ones you'd like, without suffering from compatibility problems. They might still release expansion packs for something big like implementing a new system for just the Muslim kingdoms.

You can get the game through various channels, but as far as I know, except for the Gamersgate version, you have to activate the game on Steam to play. I've got the Gamersgate version, and have had no problem so far. As for the Steam version, developers have said that most of their sales are through Steam, so I don't think Steam users have to worry about being left behind. There's been a patch released already that fixes some minor issues, and they promise to release more.

Of course there are those who worry that Paradox will turn money-greedy with their new DLC system. Given past experience, I think Paradox is excellent when it comes to listening to what their customers want. And this is their best release so far.

 

[Sulaco]

oh? Have you read much about buggy experiences with CK2? Admittedly I've only read a few reviews, but I thought consensus was that this was a pretty flawless release? There was a mention of flashing graphics with Nvidia cards, but on my AMD card I haven't seen a glitch, stutter or crash from 9 hours of play..

See, that's the problem. We're not talking about CTDs and graphical glitches and poor performance, I'm talking about the "under the hood" glitches and holes that plague many Paradox games at release. Things you don't realize are happening until they rear their ugly head and destroy a game for you: broken economy, missing features, AI mismanagement of economy/military, etc.

Not saying this is the case either way, but Paradox games usually don't suffer as much from the technical, VISIBLE issues as from the "behind the scenes" AI/script issues that can actually be just as a devastating when you're 25 hours into a game and you realize, say, the trading system is totally borked.

 

[Baptismbyfire]

See, that's the problem. We're not talking about CTDs and graphical glitches and poor performance, I'm talking about the "under the hood" glitches and holes that plague many Paradox games at release. Things you don't realize are happening until they rear their ugly head and destroy a game for you: broken economy, missing features, AI mismanagement of economy/military, etc.

Not saying this is the case either way, but Paradox games usually don't suffer as much from the technical, VISIBLE issues as from the "behind the scenes" AI/script issues that can actually be just as a devastating when you're 25 hours into a game and you realize, say, the trading system is totally borked.

That's inevitable I feel considering the complexity of the game and limitations of the AI today. But how many developers do you know who still push the envelope, and make games complex enough to challenge your experienced gamer, who's been there and done all that, instead of resorting to the tried and tested cookie-cutter formula with just fancier graphics?

Still, I don't see anything "totally borked", even though the AI doesn't always do the smart thing. As a gamer personally put off my AI limitation, I feel this is the best Paradox title so far. Nothing seems totally broken, and there are so many things going on at one time, that you don't notice the imbalances and bugs as much as the other titles.

I've played HoI 3, EU3, and Victoria 2, and this one is the most polished and entertaining. You can try the demo you know. It's basically the full game, except without saves and the time limit of 20 years, which apparently can be bypassed.

 

[Sulaco]

That's inevitable I feel considering the complexity of the game and limitations of the AI today. But how many developers do you know who still push the envelope, and make games complex enough to challenge your experienced gamer, who's been there and done all that, instead of resorting to the tried and tested cookie-cutter formula with just fancier graphics?

Still, I don't see anything "totally borked", even though the AI doesn't always do the smart thing. As a gamer personally put off my AI limitation, I feel this is the best Paradox title so far. Nothing seems totally broken, and there are so many things going on at one time, that you don't notice the imbalances and bugs as much as the other titles.

I've played HoI 3, EU3, and Victoria 2, and this one is the most polished and entertaining. You can try the demo you know. It's basically the full game, except without saves and the time limit of 20 years, which apparently can be bypassed.

Again, I've been playing Paradox games as long as anyone. I love them. I have easily over 15 on the shelf, plus expansions.
This has just been my experience, in the past decade or so of playing Paradox games. It's a big deal for me, because as I get into a massive strategy game (with single games taking upwards of 50 hours sometimes), I get very seriously connected to the game, and discovering by hour 37 that a crucial aspect of the game was not working properly is the equivalent of being 50 hours into Skyrim and losing all your saves. It's a big deal for me.

Personally, in any strategy game, I always like going in knowing I'm getting the best, most complete experience I can. One of the reasons I despised Civ 5 so much. On this, I think I'll wait for a patch or two, maybe a community mod, and by then, there'll probably be a nice price drop too.

EDIT: On a side note, it's really exciting for me to see so many people (relatively) seem to be excited for this game. I'm always afraid the market for deep, engrossing strategy games might be dwindling, so it's such a plus when there's so much interest in games like this.

 

[lupi]

I'm not worried if its buggy or not since I don't plan on buying until after the first expansion or so has been released and the entire set goes on sale. By then everything should be working fine.

 

[obidamnkenobi]

I'm not worried if its buggy or not since I don't plan on buying until after the first expansion or so has been released and the entire set goes on sale. By then everything should be working fine.

You might have to wait a while then. Paradox has stated that they will focus on smaller DLC packs for CK2, rather than full size expansions. (See a stickied post on the paradox crusader kings 2 forum. I can't access it and get the link here at work unfortunately).

When you load up the game the start-up window let you check off which DLCs you want enabled (in my case 2 cosmetic per-order things), and mods. I have no idea what kind of DLC they will release, and there is of course no guarantee they won't also have a large expansion (as someone mentioned; for playable Muslim countries which is a popular request).

Sulaco; if you are worried about the viability of these kinds of complex grand strategy games, as I am, maybe you should show your support by buying what is considered Paradox's best release?
I've seen CK2 on the top 10 most popular on Steam for a week now. Very impressive for such a niche game!

 

[Baptismbyfire]

It's a steal at $40, and Paradox is one of the few gaming companies I try to support with my wallet.

 

[Lotheron]

It's a steal at $40, and Paradox is one of the few gaming companies I try to support with my wallet.

Yup,

I haven't encountered any bugs that I think think of. It's been a blast and I love the complexity of the gameplay.

It's got more gameplay than even many $60 titles.

 

[Sulaco]

Sulaco; if you are worried about the viability of these kinds of complex grand strategy games, as I am, maybe you should show your support by buying what is considered Paradox's best release?
I've seen CK2 on the top 10 most popular on Steam for a week now. Very impressive for such a niche game!

Ah, but you see, I just spent $20 for an expansion for Victoria 2 (A House Divided), so supporting Paradox isn't too big of a concern for me.

CK2 is looking awfully tempting with all these glowing reviews. For those of you who have experience with other Paradox grand strategy games (Eu 3, Vicky, Rome, etc) please post your comparisons!

 

[Baptismbyfire]

What is especially addictive about this game are the kinds of moral choices you have to make. Even though graphically, it seems like a simple chess-game, you are forced(?) to make decisions that you never had to before in games. Many complain that violence in games corrupts the young, but if you think along those lines, the decisions you often make in this game are worse than senseless violence. Weeding out the "undesirables" through eugenics, whoring out your daughters for a title, wives turning against their husbands, fathers sending assassins after their 2 year old sons, and the list just goes on and on.

 

[Bulldog13]

Got it. Love it. Still figuring it out.

It's like EU3 meshed with an RPG. Very well done GUI.

If you like strategy / RPG games, this is right up your alley. Beware, there is a learning curve, but it is not nearly as bad as previous Paradox games.

Anyone down for some mplayer this weekend?

 

[Lotheron]

Got it. Love it. Still figuring it out.

It's like EU3 meshed with an RPG. Very well done GUI.

If you like strategy / RPG games, this is right up your alley. Beware, there is a learning curve, but it is not nearly as bad as previous Paradox games.

Anyone down for some mplayer this weekend?

Has mutliplayer been fixed yet? if so then I'd be up for it for sure.

 

[obidamnkenobi]

Ah, but you see, I just spent $20 for an expansion for Victoria 2 (A House Divided), so supporting Paradox isn't too big of a concern for me.

CK2 is looking awfully tempting with all these glowing reviews. For those of you who have experience with other Paradox grand strategy games (Eu 3, Vicky, Rome, etc) please post your comparisons!

hmm.. ok I guess that's acceptable..

I just have 20 & 30 hours in EU:rome and EU3 so not sure I'm qualified to comment much though unfortunately. It's certainly different play styles. You are more limited in your power than in EU3 due to things being delegated to your vassals etc, which makes for interesting gameplay, compared to the more direct statemanship in EU3. I was longing a bit for more control like EU at first, but now I'm totally hooked to CK2. Both are great games in their own, unique ways.

The personal relations stuff aspects are much more developed compared to Rome, which I found interesting there but not well utilized. oh, a CK2 style game set in Rome? That would be awesome! Get on it paradox (or modders..)

I watched a series of CK2 tutorials on youtube. Don't remember the guys name though. Search CK2 tutorial or something. Not a great teacher or anything, but a decent introduction and I learned some useful things.

 

[BurnItDwn]

Still haven't picked it up, I finally got around to starting Skyrim pretty recently ...

That said, I love pretty much every Paradox game I've ever played ... and I've played about a dozen or so of them ... so I'll very likely be picking it up in the next couple of months

 

[Anteaus]

I haven't looked into this one yet. Does it use that same tired game engine they've been kicking around from game to game for ages now?

Edit: Just looked it up. It does . Oh well I'm still going to take a serious look.