Crusader Kings preview

Crusader Kings takes place between 1066 and 1453, taking in the reign of William the Conqueror to the rise of the Ottoman Turks. Developed using the Europa Universalis 2 engine, Crusader Kings is set to drive the game’s focus towards empire building. Using a RPG element, a warfare and strategy element, as well as the dynasty element should make Crusader Kings stand out from its own lineage and dynasty as a fresh approach. Crusader Kings is not trying to escape its heritage, however, as game saves will be compatible with Europa Universalis 2, further expanding the history available for that title.

What is it good for?

While religious wars and land ownership will be important features for Crusader Kings, as with past Europa Universalis titles, Paradox are trying to shift the focus to other important historical themes. Crusader Kings will force you to consider your family’s feuds and internal politics in your strategy, as you take on the role of your preferred heir when your time comes. You will also need to ensure that your house is free from internal struggle when your character dies, otherwise your neighbours and enemies may well take advantage and expand into your territory. While this new strategy aspect gives Crusader Kings a new approach to the Europa Universalis concepts it will still be a game where the ultimate aim is to become the most powerful ruler in Europe.

More stats please

Crusader Kings is set to expand the RPG elements of the Europa Universalis series with character stats such as ‘diplomacy’ and ‘martial’ and traits like ‘vengeful’ and ‘honest’. These stats will be applied to every character in the game expanding this aspect of the title. This is bound to affect your strategy as you try to keep your house in order so that you can guide the stats of your preferred heir, who can then carry on where you left of when you die. Crusader Kings will force gamers to balance friends and foes. Claiming the title of a neighbouring land will make you unpopular with its present ruler but gives you a legitimate reason for going to war. The actions you take will also influence the events that occur during gameplay in the form of multiple choice historic events, as in the previous Europa Universalis titles.

Progress but not revolution

Featuring four hundred years of gameplay with five crusades, Richard the Lionheart, Saladin and the hundred years war, Paradox is betting that the Europa Universalis series is still interesting and enjoyable. Making the game compatible with Europa Universalis 2 will strengthen this feeling as it demonstrates that the developers don’t believe in re-inventing the wheel when they have a perfectly good game engine. The enhancements here are likely to appeal to most Europa Universalis fans but even if they alienate others there’s still four hundred years of Europa Universalis 2 to get to grips with. Gamers can make up their own minds this spring when history gets re-written again.