Which game(s) should I buy?

[Math2]

Having been a long lurker and fan of Paradox Games, I've finally decided I was going to put some money down and actually buy a game. I was just wondering which ones I should buy. I am hard set on getting CK2, and I might be able to afford another game or two if I really want to. If I do get another game, I was deciding between EU3 and Victoria 2, as HOI doesn't interest me as much....Should I wait for EU4? Should I get Victoria 2, or is it not worth it? Also, what is your opinion on the "Plethora of Paradox Games" package on Amazon? Thanks

 

[justtoobad]

EU3 is a good gateway into the Paradox universe, but it depends on your own interests, really.

EU3: Over 400 years of gameplay. More generic (not necessarily in a bad way). Very big focus on provinces and diplomacy.

Vicky2: Limited time period, but loads of charts and other details. Some nations are really fun to play as, others are boring. Empire building and industrialisation all the way.

 

[Math2]

I was hesitating to buy EU3 because of EU4...Is EU3 worth getting now, over waiting for EU4?

 

[Weijun]

I was hesitating to buy EU3 because of EU4...Is EU3 worth getting now, over waiting for EU4?

EU4 is a long way away from release. EU3 Chronicles (i.e. with all the expansion packs) is only $14.98 at GamersGate. At that price, it is a great value. Because EU3 has been around for so long, there are some really great mods (check out Magna Mundi and MEIOU). Yes, EU4 looks great, but in the meanwhile EU3 is definitely worth picking up.

Victoria 2 is a great game, but the learning curve is quite steep. It is one of my favorites, but I am reluctant to recommend it as a first Paradox game.

 

[Math2]

I dunno, Q3 is the summer, is it not? It's not that much of a wait, and from what I've seen it's a pretty big upgrade...

 

[Weijun]

I dunno, Q3 is the summer, is it not? It's not that much of a wait, and from what I've seen it's a pretty big upgrade...

Q3 can be as late as September 2013. Only you know how much $15 takes out of your budget. Some folks spend considerably more just going out for an evening; for others, it is quite a hardship. While EU4 looks like it will have great improvements to the fundamental mechanics, bear in mind that EU3 with its expansions is mature and well-polished. Likewise, the major mods are actually worth playing. I think that EU3 is a good value, but ultimately, it is up to you.

 

[Matt714]

I was hesitating to buy EU3 because of EU4...Is EU3 worth getting now, over waiting for EU4?

Paradox games are like wine, the more you wait the better they get.

 

[Math2]

What about this package? http://www.amazon.com/Plethora-of-P...=UTF8&qid=1356446739&sr=8-2&keywords=plethora

Does that seem like a very good deal? I'm not interested in any of the games except Victoria and CK2 though......I was wondering if AHD was included in the package, because it seems odd that they would include just the base game but not the expansion when the expansion had been out for a few months at that point

 

[Math2]

Or an even better deal would be to buy the Pint sized and the Plentiful pack....

 

[Char1es]

Agreeing with the above, EU3 is the quintessential Paradox title. Get it with all the expansions, and it never gets boring.

 

[takedown47]

CK2 should be game of the year in my opinion so pick it up. I think gamersgate is selling the "Complete" version with all the current DLCs

 

[ashandresash]

I love both Victoria 2 and HoI3 over EUIII. If I had to pick one it'd Victoria2. With A House Divided expansion, of course.

I assume you're getting Crusader Kings II. I think it's the ideal game to get into Paradox.

 

[LordTempest]

Vicky II does not have a steep learning curve, at least when compared to the first Crusader Kings or the original Victoria (which probably has the steepest learning curve of any Paradox game.) I would say get the game which best fits your historical interests, as EUIII, Vicky II, CKII and HoI2 (or rather, Darkest Hour) are all superb grand strategy games worth buying.

 

[Math2]

CK2 should be game of the year in my opinion so pick it up. I think gamersgate is selling the "Complete" version with all the current DLCs

In regards to this, they appear to be selling a discounted edition with SOME of the DLC,, but not all, not the two expansions, and those are not discounted, so I'd have to spend more if I bought from Gamersgate

 

[takedown47]

In regards to this, they appear to be selling a discounted edition with SOME of the DLC,, but not all, not the two expansions, and those are not discounted, so I'd have to spend more if I bought from Gamersgate

The expansions might go on sale next year on both Steam and GG

 

[generalolaf]

Play EU before V2. It's a good lead in.

Eventually, though, IMO both are worth the purchase.

 

[Anthropoid]

I'll put in a plug for Supreme Ruler 2020 or SR Cold War (have not played the latter). Very complex games, and very modern but fantastic stuff.

 

[Had a dad]

I'd say that EU3 Chronicles for $15 is the way to go if you are interested in EU4 coming out in Q3. A great price for a great experience.

 

[Cybvep]

HOI3 is good, but you need to get all the expansions. DH is good, too, and it's less complex and less micromanagement intensive than HOI3, so if you want a steady progression in complexity, go for DH->HOI3. You don't need to get HOI2 - if you want to play HOI2 ARMA, DH gives you the option to play it, too. Another nice option is AOD (Arsenal of Democracy), which has some great gameplay improvements (esp. the new logistical system and overhauled production tab), but it's not as well documented as DH and it's quite laggy in mid- and late-war period.

Vicky2 is different from other PI games, as it gives you many tools to affect your country indirectly and the effects often don't become apparent overnight. It's a complex game, but learning curve is not steep at all - the devs really worked hard on making it easily accessible.

 

[takedown47]

HoI3 might not be a good starting game. I remember when I first played it. I was a seasoned veteran of paradox games and even I was like "WTF is this?" hmy: