This is the kind of game that will forever top the "best ever" lists of grand strategy as long as the genre continues to exist. Especially when you consider the absolutely mammoth dragon horde of add-ons that have come out since the game first hit shelves years ago. CK2 up to this point is probably 6 times the scope and breadth it was when it started, and it just keeps getting bigger.

So what is it?

Well, to put it bluntly, it's whatever you want it to be. The best way to describe it would be a Royal Dynasty simulator. With all the intrigue, betrayal and surprise of a Game of Thrones episode (don't believe me? Check out the insanely great GoT mod that has been made for this game). You can pick and play any ruler (or Duke, or Count) of significance throughout the entirety of medieval history. With all the addons you can play a game that spans nearly 1000 years. Guiding your dynasty as a lowly count, backstabbing, scheming and marrying your way to the crown.

Marrying is important. When your character bites the dust (and there are soooo many hilarious ways for this to happen...my most recent King shat himself to death) you can continue playing as your heir.

Ack. It's damn hard to explain the insane depth of this game. If you put in the time to learn all the mechanics, you can lose hours as your imagination runs wild, while you plan your next move towards the crown...or the crown next door!

Tl;dr

Conquered half of england as a Scottish count
Caught dysentary on the battlefield
rewarded title of Duke of Northumbria for my battlefield prowess
More diarrhea
Had son
More diarrhea.
Can't hold down water
Dead

would play again