Noob question

[unmerged(89298)]

I have tried the Hearts of Iron 2 demo but because of the lack of a tutorial / help file or pdf manual I stopped playing after fifteen minutes. The game seems to be quite interesting and complex and I would like to know some things before I purchase the game.

1. Has the game a good tutorial for a total noob?

2. Is there a pdf format manual in the game I download from Paradox Interactive /GamersGate ?

3. I have never played a "Grand Strategy" game of this kind (I almost played tactical games up to the company level ) but I would like to try one of the games of the series. Is "Hearts of Iron 2" a good choice for a noob like me or would one among the other games (Europa Universalis III / Crusader Kings / Victoria) be an easiest introduction to this kind of game ?

2. Does "Hearts of Iron 2 Doomsday" include the original Hearts of Iron 2 or is it only an expansion ? Or maybe should I purchase "Hearts of Iron 2 Doomsday" instead of Hearts of Iron 2 ?


Thanks

 

[Tanesis]

This game is very good but it doe's have a steep learning curve.

1. The tutorials are ok but not brilliant. They do run through the basics but it will take a few games to properly get to grips with everything.

2. I have heard it been said that they do provide a downloadable manual when you purchase it (Though I purchased mine from a store so...)

3. If you like WW2 era then this is the best 'Grand Strategy' game. In terms of learning curves I found EU2 easier (Can't run EU3) but Victoria was totally mind boggeling. I say if you like WW2 era go for HoI2.

4. HoI2 Doomsday includes HoI2 (Or at least it did in the boxed version).

Tanesis,

 

[unmerged(76495)]

Doomsday is a standalone expansion and cost very little extra compared to HoI2. So I say go for it and buy Doomsday.

If this is your first grand strategy game, then HoI is most likely the best for you in the paradox catagory, but you should remember that all of their games are notoriosly complex with a very steep learning curve. Vicky is a micromanagement hell, so avoid it for your first. Crusader king is most likely not what youre looking fore. So HoI is what you should go for

 

[kucing]

Check out HoI 2 wiki for more help: http://www.paradoxian.org/hoi2wiki/index.php/Main_Page

It has beginner's guide: http://www.paradoxian.org/hoi2wiki/index.php/The_Complete_Newbie_Guide

Make sure to check other guides too if you need more information: http://www.paradoxian.org/hoi2wiki/index.php/Assorted_Guides

In terms of complexity, here's how I rate them (from the most complicated to the simplest):
* Victoria
* Hearts of Iron 1
* Hearts of Iron 2
* Crusader Kings
* Europa Universalis 3
* Europa Universalis 2