Crusader Kings II Reviews and more

Based on 10 critics - Overal Score: 86 / 100

GameInfo: The Dark Ages might be drawing to a close, but Europe is still in turmoil. Petty lords vie against beleaguered kings who struggle to assert control over their fragmented realms. The Pope calls for a Crusade to protect the Christians in the Holy Land even as he refuses to relinquish control over the investiture of bishops - and their riches. Now is the time for greatness. Expand your demesne and secure the future of your dynasty. Fill your coffers, appoint vassals, root out traitors and heretics, introduce laws and interact with hundreds of nobles, each with their own agenda.
A good lord will always need friends to support him. But beware, as loyal vassals can quickly turn to bitter rivals, and some might not be as reliable as they seem. Stand ready, and increase your prestige until the world whispers your name in awe. Do you have what it takes to become a Crusader King?
Crusader Kings II explores one of the defining periods in world history in an experience crafted by the masters of Grand Strategy. Medieval Europe is brought to life in this epic game of knights, schemes, and thrones.

Critic	Score
Strategy Informer If you asked me how do you ‘win’ at Crusader Kings II, I would have you say you don’t, not really. Sure, there is an overall ‘goal’ to get as high a score as possible when the game ends, but in a game that’s focused primarily on legacy, playing is winning, and the more you play, the more you win. CK2 is the latest title from Paradox Interactive’s internal studio (now named Paradox Development Studios). Sequel to the original 2004 Crusader Kings, this new game takes advantage of everything Paradox has learned, and everything they’ve done in the past 8 years, and puts to together to form one of the best paradox titles so far Read Full Review	95/100
Newbreview Paradox is getting closer and closer to that 5 out 5. Gameplay wise, they’ve already nailed it, now they just need to make the experience even more approachable and they will even start getting people without any real interest in history excited about their excellent games. Read Full Review	90/100
GameDynamo Crusader Kings II is a sequel to the original Crusader Kings, which was released back in 2004. Much has changed since then, but the heart and spirit and complexity still remain. Read Full Review	90/100
IncGamers For a title that can appear so dry and fusty on the surface, Crusader Kings II is a constant source of dark comedy. Within a few game years you’re guaranteed to become embroiled in a scenario that’d seem outlandish on the most farcical of sitcoms. A new, absurd anecdote about your screwed up dynastic life is always around the corner, and dramatic failure can be just as fun (and funny) as familial success. Magnificent plots to legitimise Anti-Popes, disturbing arranged marriages to imprisoned siblings, multiple ex-wives who each want to kill you in gruesome ways; it’s all here, in glorious medieval detail. In short, Crusader Kings II is a majestic feudal sandbox, the greatest generator of hilarious medieval soap opera ever created and Paradox Interactive’s best title to date. Read Full Review	90/100
Dealspwn Forgive me if I haven't been myself recently. Instead, I've been William The Conqueror. An obscure Polish Prince-Bishop. A Hungarian Duke. A widow queen. I've sired bloodlines that lasted a hundred years, waged brutal crusades, schemed my way to power, challenged the Pope and died, heirless, in ignominy. And all that without suffering from multiple personality disorder. Crusader Kings II is a historical sandbox: over 400 years of real medieval history is our playground and its myriad families are our playthings. Read Full Review	90/100
Cheatcc Paradox Interactive knows its audience, and the developer hand-crafted Crusader Kings II to fit the needs of its dedicated fan base. This is not an accessible game, and it does not pretend to be. Read Full Review	86/100
Hooked Gamers I’m deeply entrenched into George R.R. Martin’s wonderful world of A song of Ice and Fire. This proved to be something of a boon playing Crusader Kings II: the vivid storytelling of the succession war in A Clash of Kings provides the perfect backdrop for a game where the death of a king often leads to insane amounts of chaos and bloodshed. Being heir to the throne is as much a blessing as a curse and donning your new crown is usually the start of open strive, laced with covert assassinations and spiced up with a healthy dose of bribery. Read Full Review	81/100
GameDon This game can be summed up in one word. Marmite. It's the type of game you instantly fall in love with and play for hours at a time, or one you switch off after 20 minutes in a hail of curse words and never play again. It doesn't make this game bad, by far its a very decent strategy game at heart but it s that genre that's not “COD” like. Read Full Review	80/100
New Gamer Nation I wouldn’t blame you if you’re unfamiliar with the Paradox ”grand strategy” games. Paradox ”grand strategy” is a general unofficial umbrella term that refers to Paradox‘s historical simulation series, including such titles as Europa Universalis, Hearts of Iron and Victoria. Each title allows you to lead a country of your choice through a very specific period of history, from ancient Rome to World War II. Crusader Kings is the latest title in this specific niche, covering the medieval era—specifically from just before the Battle of Hastings in 1066 all the way to the end of the Hundred Years war. You’ve probably guessed that it’s an incredibly nerdy title, but it’s also a lot of fun and possibly the best introduction to the “grand strategy” niche. Read Full Review	80/100
Digitally Downloaded In the meantime, might I instead suggest King Arthur 2: The Roleplaying Wargame, another spectacular Paradox title? It's a solid grand strategy game with a twist and features a tutorial that actually explains what to do in a way that you will understand. Promise! Read Full Review	80/100

Screenshots:

System Requirements

Windows XP/Vista/7, Intel® Pentium IV 2.4 GHz or AMD 3500+, 2 GB RAM,
2 GB free hard drive space, NVIDIA GeForce 8800 or ATI Radeon X1900 video
card, Direct X-compatible sound card, DirectX 9, 3-button mouse,
keyboard, speakers, Internet connection for multiplayer

Details: