These entries to our list of best Paradox games are sure to delight those who’ve played at least one title made by the said developer. Swedish outfit Paradox Development Studio has been responsible for some of the most interesting grand strategy titles you can lay your hands on. Founded in 1995, it has ever since given us a large number of games to revel in. The studio has achieved near perfection in the grand strategy genre of video games. With back to back offerings that have come to please fans time and again, the developer has created a huge fan following for itself. For those who’re interested in jumping into the excellent offerings that the ace studio brings to the table, we’ve prepped up this compilation containing the finest titles that are on offer. So without wasting more time on introductions, let’s have a look at these games.
1 – Victoria II
2010 saw the release of this wonderful game which acted as a sequel to its 2003 predecessor. Available currently for Windows as well as Mac, it allows you to assume control of a 19th-century state, and manage its political, diplomatic, economic, military and technological aspects. Victoria II has its gameplay and story focused on internal management, industrialization and sociopolitical changes during the phase of 1836 to 1936. The economy of countries has also been laid a lot of importance on, whereas even though warfare is a part of the game, there’s not much significance given to it.
2 – Crusader Kings II
If you’re a fan of the Middle Ages, this one game should definitely be jumped into by you. Transpiring in the Late Middle Ages and even during the early High Ages, it’s essentially a dynasty simulator which enables you to control a Medieval dynasty from 1066 to 1453. Activities that you need to perform in order to achieve your objectives include the strategic use of war, marriages and assassinations. Along the way, the game also lets you witness historically significant figures such as William the Conqueror, Harold Godwinson, Harald Hardrada, Robert Guiscard, Constantine X Doukas, Alexios I Komnenos, El Cid, Richard the Lionheart and Saladin.
3 – Europa Universalis IV
Released in August this year, this game has its focus set on the European colonization era, covering the period between the years 1444 and 1821. This means you are able to witness the consequences of such events as the Hundred Years War, revolutions in the United States and France, the Napoleonic Wars and more. Your decisions during gameplay will determine the final course of history which means that the end results may differ from what actually happened. It can be purchased now for Windows, Mac as well as Linux.
4 – Hearts of Iron II
World War 2 was no doubt one of the most important periods of world history, and that’s exactly what Hearts of Iron II is centered on. You can choose to control any one of over 175 nations that are available within the game, and play out their roles in the massive conflict that the Second World War was. Available for Windows as well as Mac, this single-player and multiplayer game has been blessed with three expansions till date, with each of them containing equally enjoyable offerings.
5 – March of the Eagles
Set during the Napoleonic Wars, March of the Eagles enables you to control any of the major European powers that were active in that era. While your decisions revolve mostly around aspects like armed forces, production and diplomacy, each nation has a different victory condition of its own. It’s an extremely well built game complete with hours and hours worth of enjoyable gameplay. And moreover, March of the Eagles is all the more pleasing when played in multiplayer mode. It was released in February this year for Windows, and it was in May that it was ported to Mac.
6 – Europa Universalis II
Paradox Development Studio completed the making of this game in 2001, and upon its release in November that year, it was met with rave reviews. The empire-building strategy title lets you assume control of the affairs of a particular nation across many centuries, while managing its economy, military, political alliances, scientific development, exploration, colonization, religious affairs and much more. And your gameplay is regularly punctuated by yearly random events as well as scripted ones that are based on historical facts. These events present you with challenging gameplay that’s incredibly hard to let go off. Europa Universalis II’s utterly enjoyable mutliplayer portion too is one of its highlights. This is one classic Paradox game which you can’t afford to give a miss.
7 – Hearts of Iron 3
This last entry to our compilation of the finest Paradox games is the third edition of the Hearts of Iron series which the developer has so beautifully developed. Taking the same grand strategy approach which its maker is known for, it focuses on three main powers, the Axis, the Allies and the Comintern. But you can choose to control almost any nation involved in the Second World War, and see them align with any of these powers on the basis of their actions. Released in 2009, Hearts of Iron 3 is characterized by its detailed and broad gameplay approach which never feels dreary in any way. It can be purchased currently for Windows and Mac machines.
Conclusion:
That’s all we have for you today with this grand roster of best Paradox games. Make sure to keep checking this space regularly for more such lists of some of the most awesome games you can go buy for yourselves.