Crusader Kings II is maybe the finest, most in-depth grand strategy game I have played. It brings the usual Paradox level of detail to the medieval age. The game itself takes place between the mid 11th and late 15th centuries, though the Old Gods expansion pushes that range wider, by providing an alternate starting date at the middle of the 9th century.

I called CK2 a grand strategy game above, but it would be more accurate to call this game a dynasty simulator. You will play not as a nation, but a medieval ruler. You can start low as a count or high as an emperor, the end goal is the same: ensure the prosperity of your dynasty through diplomacy, intrigue and conquest. You can play as virtually any noble of medieval europe from the rank of count all the way to kings and emperors. Ever wanted to see if you can unite the world under the banner of Iceland? Well.. here is your chance to see.

Victory and defeat are a little different in this game. You might start out as a king and have your brother knock you from your throne. In other games, this would mean you lost. In CK2 it merely means, that you are now a mere duke, or count, depending on your other titles. Don't make the mistake of thinking this game to be easy however. While it is hard to "lose" in the classical sense (the only way to do that is to lose all titles OR have no valid heirs - leading to the end of your dynasty), it also takes both skill, cunning and luck to "prosper" in the medieval ages.

So what are you waiting for? Grab the game and start building that empire.

Crusader Kings II is maybe the finest, most in-depth grand strategy game I have played. It brings the usual Paradox level of detail to the medieval age. The game itself takes place between the mid 11th and late 15th centuries, though the Old Gods expansion pushes that range wider, by providing an alternate starting date at the middle of the 9th century. I called CK2 a grand strategy game above, but it would be more accurate to call this game a dynasty simulator. You will play not as a nation, but a medieval ruler. You can start low as a count or high as an emperor, the end goal is the same: ensure the prosperity of your dynasty through diplomacy, intrigue and conquest. You can play as virtually any noble of medieval europe from the rank of count all the way to kings and emperors. Ever wanted to see if you can unite the world under the banner of Iceland? Well.. here is your chance to see. Victory and defeat are a little different in this game. You might start out as a king and have your brother knock you from your throne. In other games, this would mean you lost. In CK2 it merely means, that you are now a mere duke, or count, depending on your other titles. Don't make the mistake of thinking this game to be easy however. While it is hard to "lose" in the classical sense (the only way to do that is to lose all titles OR have no valid heirs - leading to the end of your dynasty), it also takes both skill, cunning and luck to "prosper" in the medieval ages. So what are you waiting for? Grab the game and start building that empire.