Had this not been done exceptionally well, the game would have been absolutely broken, but they did a great job with this system and I let the AI handle most of the specifics in combat while I used my special reserve of elite units for breakthroughs and to attack especially well defended areas. Also, new players should be warned that there is a steep learning curve, with numerous systems to handle which all must be managed well in order to succeed.Ī large part of how this game works involves making plans (like move the front line from here to there or garrison specific areas for defense and occupation) and having micromanaging AIs work out the specific details of moving around single divisions. Compared to their last game, Europa Universalis IV, there is a much heavier focus on troop management, warfare and technological development and less of a focus on diplomacy, mostly just because there are fewer countries and a shorter time period. You can, of course, pause the game to think and issue large numbers of orders at crucial moments.

Then, as the clock runs, all those things happen simultaneously.

You and your opponents choose what you want to research, make plans, prepare invasions and order troops. These games take place in real time, rather than the turn based system in Civilization. This game takes us masterfully through the revolutions in technology and strategy that occurred during the period (1936-1951+), from the wooden planes and trenches of the First World War through the technological revolution and grand strategy of Second World War to the world of missiles and A-bombs of the Cold War.įor those not familiar with Paradox’s games, you choose a country and play through a specific period of time (in this case WW2): training and positioning troops, declaring war, managing technological progress, developing economically, engaging in diplomacy, dealing with internal and external politics and so on. Want to try and ally with the USSR or invade them? Want to change your system of government entirely? Think early development of nukes would have changed everything? HoI4 gives you the ability to explore the grand strategy of World War 2 using Paradox’s “Clausewitz” engine for simulating global strategy and development. Hearts of Iron IV, the latest game from Paradox, puts you into the head of someone fighting World War 2 and gives you a surprising number of options and opportunities for strategic thought. All of these things are difficult, require massive investment and make you feel accomplished. There’s nothing quite like sinking your first carrier, completing an encirclement, causing a superpower to capitulate or dropping the world’s first atomic bomb. Hearts of Iron IV is the most fun you’ll have taking over the world.

Hearts of iron 4 ????