I am about to buy hoi3 and this is after taking about a 3 year break since last playing hoi 2. I don't know which expansion to get? FTM or SF? What is the difference? Pros cons? And where are all the mods????
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HOI -> SF -> FTM
FTM just released a couple weeks ago. The game is VASTLY different the HOI2 so you may want to find a demo if one exists to try out first. Original HOI and SF had some serious performance issues that have just been addressed in FTM as well, so if you do like it, I suggest all 3. I'm pretty sure you need SF for FTM to work.
As for mods, good question. Some of the modders have actually gone to work for Paradox, and have worked on the expansions. Others have stuck with HOI2 since Paradox has released the old engine and it allows them to publish their own versions of the game (for money).. such as AOD and Darkest Hour. Ive also read that HOI3 is not as mod friendly as the old engine was. Of the ones that are available, D-Days ICE was the best IMO, but right now its being updated for FTM so its not working with the latest expansion.
FTM just released a couple weeks ago. The game is VASTLY different the HOI2 so you may want to find a demo if one exists to try out first. Original HOI and SF had some serious performance issues that have just been addressed in FTM as well, so if you do like it, I suggest all 3. I'm pretty sure you need SF for FTM to work.
As for mods, good question. Some of the modders have actually gone to work for Paradox, and have worked on the expansions. Others have stuck with HOI2 since Paradox has released the old engine and it allows them to publish their own versions of the game (for money).. such as AOD and Darkest Hour. Ive also read that HOI3 is not as mod friendly as the old engine was. Of the ones that are available, D-Days ICE was the best IMO, but right now its being updated for FTM so its not working with the latest expansion.
From what I see HOI 3 seems essentialy the same? Same strategy and everything no? Or am I missing something???
The mechanics are different, so that effects strategy... but yes, the end goal is the same.
Units are broken down into Brigades now instead of Divisions, there are Theater of operations now and command structure which takes awhile to learn and get used to (but very much worth it), the unit supply system is a real headache to get used too, I wish that were optional or came with a slider. The Map has about twice (atleast) as many provinces, so that adds much more depth to you combat strategy. The tech tree is different. Tech teams are gone.
THose are just a few of the things off the top of my head. Its defiantly different.
Units are broken down into Brigades now instead of Divisions, there are Theater of operations now and command structure which takes awhile to learn and get used to (but very much worth it), the unit supply system is a real headache to get used too, I wish that were optional or came with a slider. The Map has about twice (atleast) as many provinces, so that adds much more depth to you combat strategy. The tech tree is different. Tech teams are gone.
THose are just a few of the things off the top of my head. Its defiantly different.
For old HoI2 players the OOB-system also might be heavy to wrap your head around, but you'll learn fast enough 
So is the base game HOI3 simply not viable to play on its own without any expansions?
Just like most games the expansions realy improve the game drastically, especially the AI side.
@E%@#$^^
I bought the vanilla when it was on sale for 50% off. After reading the boards, I just bought FTM, because I thought it would be a solid upgrade.... so now I have to go back and buy SF in order to use it??? !@#%@#$% It didn't say that anywhere on the site.
That blows.
I bought the vanilla when it was on sale for 50% off. After reading the boards, I just bought FTM, because I thought it would be a solid upgrade.... so now I have to go back and buy SF in order to use it??? !@#%@#$% It didn't say that anywhere on the site.
That blows.
the system requirements for "for the motherland" do mention that you need the base game "hearts of iron 3" and the expansion "semper fi". all sides selling the game i know of mention that.
sorry, but i don't think it can be made clearer then that.
Plus, without at least the Semper Fi expansion, the game will slow to a crawl as Semper Fi fixes some engine issues. With a good machine (i.e. quad-core processor), it can take around ten-fifteen seconds per day.
However, the game flies with FTM.
However, the game flies with FTM.
I have played them all to some degree.
I admit, HOI3 didn't make enough improvements over HOI2 to please me.
But once I added SF, HOI3 was very good.
I just picked up the FTM expansion, and it has some improvements again over SF.
In short I would jump at least to HOI3+SF. If money's not a concern go all the way to FTM.
I admit, HOI3 didn't make enough improvements over HOI2 to please me.
But once I added SF, HOI3 was very good.
I just picked up the FTM expansion, and it has some improvements again over SF.
In short I would jump at least to HOI3+SF. If money's not a concern go all the way to FTM.
If your willing to be patient Gamersgate will have sales periodically. I think regular price is about $20 per upgrade. (HOI3 - SF - FTM)
PS I've always used GG and never had a complaint. Steam works, but I see a lot of people grumble about not being able to get the latest patches there.
Yes one bundle with a lot of stuff:
http://se.gamersgate.com/DDB-HOICP/hearts-of-iron-complete-pack-bundle
BUT FtM is not included, so you need that one too:
For the motherland
Yepp, this is what gamersgate say for example:
"NEEDS HEARTS OF IRON III AND SEMPER FI TO PLAY"
The only part of system requirement and description that is uppercase even.