To get Crusader Kings II or not?

[Zookie]

I am thinking about getting Crusader Kings II but I am not sure. I have the Original Crusader Kings game with the Deus Vult expansion. It is a fun, deep and creative game, but for some reason I was never able to get into the game that much. I had one game where I united Ireland in to one kingdom, which was fun, but I really did not have much desire to play the game after that or to start a new game.

Anyway my question is how is Crusader Kings II an improvement over the original? And if I did was not able to get into the original is it likely that I won’t click with the sequel? If the games are really similar should I give the original another go before getting the sequel?

Thanks!

 

[Chester Nimitz]

I've only been playing for a few hours, but so far I'd say that CK2 is better than the original in almost every way. More interesting and varied gameplay; better graphics; better sound and music; fun new features. The only downside is that, well, it costs 40 bucks. Well, there are a few minor bugs, too, but so far no one has reported anything earth-shaking. One tutorial did come to a grinding halt for me. And the documentation isn't very detailed.

You might want to check the review threads for a greater variety of opinions. Don't just go by me!

 

[Rex Francorum]

The first one is more simplistic since you don't have the opinion system integrated. I didn't play a whole lot of CK2 yet (I didn't play the demo, I was prefering to wait for the whole thing) but I feel you have to be more careful about what you do. The bright side on this is your realm life is more interesting. Your vassals are not just not a collecton of names but potential assassins. You have to watch your back.

 

[dwillo82]

Mate I was in exactly the same boat with regards to CK1, I just never got massively into it like I did the EU series.

CK2 is different however, and although ive only put about 10 hours into it, I know its going to be a classic and definitely the best game paradox has released for some time. Its what Sengoku should have been.

 

[Omnicronpr]

Ughh I'm also wondering if I want this game, ever since I discovered how awesome HoI3 was I've been following Paradox. But for CK2 I downloaded the demo yesterday and tried it for a bit and felt so overwhelmed that I had to exit. My initial reaction is that I dont want it. But the problem is I want to want it!

 

[robc04]

I also had CK I, and couldn't get into it. So far I haven't really been able to get into this either. For some reason the game is much more difficult for me to understand than EU III or HOI 2. Even though there are a lot of tooltips which provide some info I just don't feel it always gives a clear picture what to expect -- like giving someone a province and then they like you less because their opinion now includes new penelties since they are a land holder in your realm. The tooltip doesn't include these penelties until after you have already given the land to them. If your an expert at the game you may just know what penelties will occur, but for someone trying to learn the game it is kind of bad. I have had better luck getting the basics down by playing a small count in CK II then I had in CK I, but once I tried to step up to a duke I am floundering. It seems like most everyone on the forums is very happy with the game, and I am glad it has been a success for Paradox, but so far I'm not liking it (or just not getting it).

 

[Robert Wyatt]

If it helps, I just couldn't get into CKI, but absolutely love CKII.

 

[unmerged(209891)]

Its pretty amazing. Probably the best Paradox game ever made. Much better than CK1.

 

[James The 1st]

I wouldn't get it if you have a social life, you'll lose it....

 

[AllThat4Nothing]

CKII is well worth it. Really can't put it better than that!

 

[Stateofmind99]

I love HOI3 and EU. I also dl'd the demo and was overwhelmed - didnt have a clue what to do. Thought I wouldn't get the game. But impulse took over. I ordered it. Watched a lets play or 2. Did the tutorials and read the manual (which wasn't that great.) I picked up the basics and began playing as a nice easy count in Ireland. Learning loads from this forum , lets plays and through my own mistakes.

Happy to say a few hours in - this is best release day paradox game I have played and thank god for impulsivity!

 

[unmerged(269936)]

Play the demo!

 

[MasterofMagic]

No, you really shouldn't get this game if you are not willing to put the time in to understand how it plays and how to play it. It's very complex and detailed and it's only for the ELITE of ELITE's to play, sort of a game for the gods sotospeak. No, you should probably just play tiddly winks or the game of LIFE as all you have to do in those games in one or two things. In CK2 you have to think and do a LOT of things, but, not constantly like you might think because it's real time because you can pause the game on a whim. You wouldn't like being able to play 1 of 100's of different factions and characters from that time period....nah that wouldn't be fun at all having to get into those minds and figuring out how to make that particular dynasty grow. It won't be very fun for those that "don't like to read" as there are plenty of pop-ups and tool-tips along the 400+ years to read and deal with. It won't be fun for those that don't like to make decisions for themselves or their relatives or their friends and court members...just no fun at all. It won't be fun for those that are more into wargames of historical realism and value, France will try to conquer Spain and that just won't do for some. Main thing is it won't be fun if you are just not into Medieval times, knights and pikes and arrows and spears, clergymen, burgers (McDonalds) and children in tears (brats whine a lot about everything lol) The game is far too open for some and just presents too much to do an overcome. So, no this game isn't for you, farewell tatah adeu.

 

[Agnstar]

Regardless of whether or not you like the game, you should get it anyway to support PI