Recent reviews by NBroadsword

Dove into the game for a quick test and it's pretty good thus far. Not sure what the Steam review problems are, seem to be mostly performance issues which I haven't had as of yet.

Update 1: I have since been unable to play a game I paid for. I am cycle-crashing in S.T.A.R Labs attempting to save the scientists.

Update 2: S.T.A.R Labs has been passed using the stairs to fight the waves. No ohter serious glitches thus far.

Best queue simulator of 2021.

Such a buggy mess.

TL;DR: I used to enjoy this game.

Hearts of Iron IV, developed by Paradox Studios, initially promises an engaging World War II strategy experience. However, beneath the surface lies a game plagued by a multitude of bugs, questionable DLC pricing practices, a severe lack of graphical sprite varieties, and an AI that resorts to infuriating cheats. Unfortunately, these issues overshadow what could have been an outstanding title.

Let's start with the bugs. Hearts of Iron IV suffers from an abundance of technical problems that hinder gameplay and immersion. From game crashes and freezes to inconsistent AI behavior, it's clear that the development team prioritized pumping out DLCs over fixing fundamental issues. It's frustrating to invest time and effort into a campaign only to encounter game-breaking bugs that force you to restart or abandon it entirely.

Next, let's address the DLC pricing. Paradox Studios has a notorious reputation for milking its player base with overpriced expansions and a never-ending stream of cosmetic DLCs. The pricing model feels exploitative and detracts from the overall experience. It's disheartening to realize that to enjoy a complete and satisfying gameplay experience, you're expected to shell out substantial amounts of money for content that should have been included in the base game.

Furthermore, the lack of graphical sprite varieties is a glaring issue. Hearts of Iron IV's visuals quickly become monotonous, as the same generic sprites are recycled throughout the game. The lack of variety diminishes the sense of immersion and fails to capture the diverse array of units, equipment, and nations that were involved in World War II. It feels like a missed opportunity to create a visually compelling experience that truly represents the era.

Perhaps one of the most frustrating aspects of Hearts of Iron IV is the AI's blatant cheating tendencies. Instead of providing a fair and challenging experience, the AI resorts to artificial difficulty by receiving numerous bonuses, making them seemingly omniscient and omnipotent. This not only feels unfair but also undermines the strategic depth of the game. The joy of outsmarting opponents is replaced by a constant feeling of battling against an unfair and unbalanced system.

In conclusion, Hearts of Iron IV fails to live up to its potential as a captivating World War II strategy game. The plethora of bugs, predatory DLC pricing practices, lack of graphical sprite varieties, and AI cheating mechanics tarnish what could have been an exceptional gaming experience. It's disappointing to see a game with such promise fall short on so many crucial fronts. Unless the developers address these issues, it's difficult to recommend Hearts of Iron IV as a worthwhile investment for strategy enthusiasts.

Still wrist deep, will leave an edited review when all 3 stories are completed.

Crusader Kings 3, developed by Paradox Studios, is a truly remarkable strategy game that immerses players in a rich tapestry of medieval politics, dynastic struggles, and conquests. With its deep gameplay mechanics and intricate storytelling, it offers a captivating experience that will keep you hooked for countless hours. However, it is worth noting that the release of new content has been frustratingly slow, leaving players eagerly yearning for more.

Let's start with the game's strengths, which are undeniably plentiful. Crusader Kings 3 beautifully captures the essence of ruling over a medieval dynasty. From managing intricate family trees to navigating the turbulent waters of diplomacy, the game excels in delivering a sense of agency and consequence. The character-driven gameplay is a breath of fresh air, as it allows you to forge your own narrative and witness the consequences of your actions unfold throughout generations.

The attention to detail in Crusader Kings 3 is astounding. The game's visuals are stunning, with beautifully designed maps, intricate character portraits, and richly detailed environments. The level of historical accuracy is commendable, as it brings the medieval world to life with authenticity and depth. Whether you're forging alliances through strategic marriages, expanding your realm through warfare, or engaging in subtle political maneuvering, every decision feels impactful and contributes to the overall tapestry of your dynasty.

Crusader Kings 3's gameplay mechanics are robust and engrossing. The intricate web of relationships between characters, the dynamic event system, and the vast array of options at your disposal make each playthrough feel unique and unpredictable. The game strikes an impressive balance between complexity and accessibility, making it enjoyable for both seasoned strategists and newcomers to the genre.

Now, onto the elephant in the room: the slow release of new content. It's unfortunate that Paradox Studios has been less prompt in delivering expansions and updates to Crusader Kings 3. The game has immense potential for further development, with opportunities to expand upon different regions, introduce new mechanics, and enrich the overall experience. While the core game offers a substantial amount of content, long-time players may find themselves eagerly awaiting new expansions to breathe fresh life into their gameplay.

Despite the sluggish release of new content, Crusader Kings 3 is still a must-play title for strategy enthusiasts. Its intricate gameplay, immersive storytelling, and attention to historical detail create an engrossing experience that will keep you invested for hours on end. While it's true that players are yearning for more updates and expansions, the core game is a shining gem that stands tall on its own. With its vast scope and endless possibilities, Crusader Kings 3 is a strategy game that will capture your heart and make you feel like a true medieval ruler.

This game brings you back to the root of Star Wars lore. Probably one of the best told stories in recent memory, and has tipped its hat to its previous renditions as well as wider RPG's like Knights of the Old Republic. If you are a Star Wars fan and enjoy a challenge, this is the game for you.

As an avid fan of space exploration and strategy games, I eagerly dived into Stellaris with high expectations. However, my experience with the game left me feeling disappointed and bewildered due to the confusing DLC structure and the controversial rework introduced in patch 2.2. Here's why I found Stellaris to be a somewhat underwhelming experience.

First and foremost, the pricing model surrounding Stellaris and its downloadable content is simply bewildering. Paradox Interactive, the publisher of the game, seems to have adopted a rather aggressive approach when it comes to DLC releases. Stellaris has an overwhelming number of DLCs, each with its own price tag, and it's challenging to navigate this sea of content without feeling like you're being nickel-and-dimed at every turn. As a result, it's easy to lose track of which DLCs are essential and which are merely cosmetic additions, creating a sense of frustration among players.

Furthermore, the rework introduced in patch 2.2 significantly altered the core gameplay mechanics of Stellaris, leaving long-time players like myself feeling disoriented. While it's commendable that the developers aimed to improve and enhance the game, the implementation felt rushed and lacked proper communication with the player base. The changes introduced in the update disrupted the carefully balanced gameplay that had been established over time, leading to a steep learning curve and a sense of disconnect from the game's previous iterations.

Moreover, the rework failed to address several long-standing issues that had been plaguing Stellaris since its launch. The game's AI, for instance, continues to exhibit questionable decision-making, often making baffling choices that hinder immersion and strategic depth. Additionally, the late-game performance remains sluggish, with noticeable slowdowns and extended waiting times that significantly impact the overall experience.

To exacerbate matters, the support and bug-fixing for Stellaris have been somewhat lackluster. While the developers have released numerous updates and patches, they often introduce new bugs or fail to address existing ones satisfactorily. It's disheartening to see recurring issues persisting over time, as it undermines the game's stability and enjoyment.

In conclusion, Stellaris falls short of its potential due to a combination of confusing DLC practices and a controversial rework introduced in patch 2.2. The plethora of DLCs and their individual price tags create confusion and frustration for players, while the rework disrupts the established gameplay mechanics without adequately addressing long-standing issues. Until these concerns are properly addressed, it's difficult to wholeheartedly recommend Stellaris to space strategy enthusiasts who value consistency and a fair pricing structure.

A quirky and delightful city builder. Surprising depth for such a simple game.

DO NOT BUY THIS GAME.

Let me preface this with I haven't had much time to actually dive into this game, but I have watched a lot of videos and streams of the game, and even the recordings of streams as to watch particular sections over and over. Right now, I think this game is okay. There are a lot of legacy issues that have made their way into this title, and the UI for pretty much everything from the campaign map, to the research tree, to the battles is terrible...one might say even garbage. I get the art style they were going for, but it was so poorly implemented. Nothing about it is intuitive and there are even portions where it is buggy and directs you other characters that have nothing to do with what you are doing. Which brings me to the next thing: characters. Character development, satisfaction, how your court functions, etc...it's all for show, and they don't really //do// anything. Why implement this feature if there weren't boons and dooms from it?

I could go on and on about things I could nitpick about. But there are many things about the game that are great. Graphically, the campaign map looks fantastic, as well as some of the battle maps. The battles themselves are very arcade-y (even on Records mode), and try not to zoom in too much or you'll see a lot of things wrong with how units interact. but from an overhead view, things work out very well.

I think the price range for this title is perfect, but Creative Assembly should think VERY carefully about how they intend to do any future DLC/FLC's for this title. Everything should compliment this grand campaign. So far, even the Day 1-DLC has its own issues which does not look well for the future.

I'd say it is okay to buy this title if you are brand new to the Total War series. If you are a TW veteran, this is a "don't buy unless its 50+% off title"