Originally, a formal review of Crusader Kings 3 was planned. The game was purchased, ready to go for me on release date but was met with the unfortunate collision of our last review. Familiarity with Paradox’s Grand Strategy titles led to a belief that the nature of the game would be an immersive one. This would take a great deal of time to find the nuances to build a substantial critique. This undertaking, admittedly, was one far underestimated as the game consumed my days and nights without mercy. Crusader Kings 3 is a titanic title filled to the brim with intrigue, conquest, scheming and politics that sucks you in from the very first moments. Overall, the impression the game left me with was one that will be long-lasting and filled with anticipation for future content, the first of which is out at the end of the month.
Your Legend Is Now
In Crusader Kings 3, you are able to begin your historical conquest anywhere on a huge map that “stretches from Iceland to India, from the Arctic Circle to Central Africa” as Paradox puts it. You are able to start as far back as 867, picking a ruler from either a small recommended list of characters or the entire world. From here, learning the intricacies of the systems and how they work will be key to taking control of your destiny. Government, religion, culture and technology all work in tandem with not only each other but your character and their subjects. Your council manages various aspects of your kingdom, focusing on an important aspect of your kingdom. This is all controlled by you and works to weave an intricate web of government. This will be the focal point of your gameplay experience in Crusader Kings 3.
Feeling out your place in the world can be as simple as kick-starting as a relatively modern kingdom such as Scotland in 1066, with a stable social structure and technological pursuits. You can also opt for a more primitive start as a Tribal warlord of a distant land such as West Kiilt. A much harsher start, seeing as both your religion and culture must be built into feudal society from nothing. Whatever your choice you will be thrust into a world with numerous paths to victory. This is complete with rival courtiers and councilors who may conspire against you if they sense weakness. While the military combat is a relatively basic numbers game at the end of the day, the real meat always lies in how you raised them and who is in charge. All of this is set with a backdrop of beautiful loading screen artwork and great sound effects that add to the contemplative atmosphere the minimalist soundtrack brings.
The Threads of Fate
While the definitive mode is Ironman mode due to being able to unlock achievements, playing a casual game can be just as intense. The freedom to save at different points during major decisions will not always result in consistency. The legend of your kingdom and its dynasty will always yield an interesting legend, but changing the course at key points can lead to many different branches of the same story. Changing your rulers lifestyle, the marriages of your children, and concocting different schemes can be the deciding factor between a smooth transition of power between you and your appointed heirs or a full-blown implosion of your lands. Civil wars, rival claimants and even distant family members will always seek to overthrow you and take power. It can be a truly mournful experience to outlive an heir, son, or daughter and you may find yourself feeling genuine sadness when they pass. On the other hand, the complete opposite is possible as well. Sometimes it can be a relief to outlive a craven or weak heir to make way for the next in line
This is what makes Ironman Mode the definitive way to play. You get one save which is saved automatically. No manual saves or backups and you are unable to switch characters if you mess up, only able to press on as your heir. This is by far the most intense way to play which makes the achievement rewards satisfying when you hit them. You will be on the edge of your seat while using the pause feature to stop and plan out your next move. When you catch yourself panning out to the rest of the world, checking nations beyond to see their alliances and thinking years ahead, you will feel like a world leader.
You Are History
Within the many systems of Crusader Kings 3, explained well for beginners through its tutorial, there is endless immersion to be had. It will dig its claws deeper and deeper into you as you play, drawing you in with its intriguing systems that allow unprecedented control over your lands. While I neglected the multiplayer feature, I can only imagine it as a cherry on top of a fantastic and feature-filled title. From the court politics, to the military strategy, to the character-defining events and traits that flesh out your monarch, you will be hard-pressed to pull yourself away from this intricate kingdom management simulator.
Even after all this time my journey through Crusader Kings 3 has just begun. I have started a new playthrough as the small kingdom of Vaestvag in 867, along with an Ironman run of West Kiilt. I also have to experience the multiplayer which is sure to be great fun. Crusader Kings 3 is the kick in the pants that the Strategy genre needed and proves that there is life in it yet. That said, the title sets the bar quite high and in a very different direction than what most RTS fans are used to. Give it a try, seeing as it’s free on Gamepass and maybe it’ll keep you up until 4 AM as well.
