Crusader Kings 2

[Captain Falcon]

This is the kind of game I imagine Rolf would sit around clicking at each day. It's a grand strategy game and there's no REAL object to the game, it's mainly building a lasting dynasty. All of the characters have their own personality, but it's all built into the stats rather than any dialogue. You'll know Mr X is a conniving son of a bitch soon, after he's done conniving bitchson things. You'll know who you can trust and who you can't, all through stats. Definitely give it a torrent and, if you like what you're playing, buy it. There's even a Muslim side to the crusades, now.

[Communicate]

My laptop can't play it, but I've used it a fair bit elsewhere and it's pretty sweet. If I had a better computer, I'd love a zoklet game.

Very much appreciate how it's not built around war, makes the game far more fun and enduring to play.

[InspiredByMe]

Europa Universalis and Hearts of Iron are some other good games in this genre. Just tossing it out there if anyone is looking for grand strategy games.

[Captain Falcon]

Hearts Of Iron was pretty good, but wayyyyy too number crunchy for me. By any metric, you could call me a "hardcore" gamer, but fuck me if I'm ready to get THAT hardcore and invested in a game.

[Rolf]

Have not had time to play many games recently, but Rolf has played Europa Universalis series and they were great, especially the third one, what makes that series better is the fact it is set in an under explored historical setting.

[Eridani]

Yeah paradox games are some of my favourites. Started playing them again recently after my pc blew and can't play anything too demanding on my laptop.

Crusader Kings II, HoI 3, EU3, Victoria II all worth playing, probably in that order of ease to get into. All got a slightly different focus, CK2 character/dynasty based (decent Game of Thrones mod for it too), HoI3 obviously WW2/division level combat, EU3 general nation building/colonisation and Vic2 late 19th century imperialism/industrial revolution.

Can seem a little complicated at first but tutorials/wikis and it's easy enough I thought, have played them all since the originals though which probably helps. Easily my favourite strategy games but should all be played with mods, lot of problems with the vanilla versions that are generally fixed.