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Boxart: Crusader Kings
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Crusader Kings

Rating: 4.5 (238 votes cast)
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Windows 98SE / 2000 / XP Pentium III 450 MHz 128 Mb RAM 600 MB Free Hard Drive Space 4 Mb Video Card DirectX Compatible DirectX compatible Sound Card DirectX 9.0 or higher
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Crusader Kings is a strategy game based on the Europa Universalis engine that focuses on the feudal kingdoms of medieval Europe in the time period of 1066 to 1419 A.D. The map is limited to Europe, stretching roughly to the Urals in the east and including parts of Persia and the Arabian Peninsula as well as the coast of North Africa.

Unlike Europa Universalis, this game is more about prestige and wealth than traditional empire building. To the player, the honour and power of the royal dynasty are more important than the expansion of the nation’s borders (although that is of course still an important aspect of the game).

In Crusader Kings, players also have to deal with the feudal lords and bishops that rule the various provinces (which, incidentally, are at a closer scale than in EU). To retain the focus on medieval feudalism and chivalry, merchant republics like Venice, Genoa and the Hanseatic League are not playable nations; neither are the Mongol hordes nor the three Caliphates. The playable nations are limited to Christian monarchies, principalities and empires.

The goal of the game is to amass as much Prestige and Piety as possible for your dynasty. Saved games from Crusader Kings can be converted into the format of EU 2, so that a player can extend his game into the later centuries by exporting the file to his EU2 game.

  • Pausable realtime grand-strategy - based on the engine used by the award winning EU-series.
  • Unique historical setting - reenact the crusades, defend against the mongol onslaught, and form feudal nation-states in Europe. A simulation of a feudal society, as never before seen in a game, involving laws, commisions, nobles, priests, burghers and peasants as well as religious influences.
  • An evolutionary combat system - which will simulate the effect from mongolian light cavalry to the english longbowmen.
  • Saved games from Crusader Kings can be converted into the format of EU 2!
  • See your dynasty progress – get rewards from the Pope by being successful in the crusades!
  • Play all religious orders – choose between the Knight´s Templars, The Knights of St John, The Teutonic Order or the Order of Calatrava and the Order of Santiago.

 

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CUSTOMER REVIEWS

6th Feb

By Cecasander

Crusader Kings is most certainly the greatest historical medieval strategy game. It might not have slick graphics and battles of MTW2, but it makes it up for by sheer gameplay. The replay value is unpreceeded, and the game has a knack of throwing events in your face that will make you laugh or weep, and great very interresting (believable) situations, like brothers fighting over inheritance. The AI is not very great, but the game dynamics make it that you will have a hard time dominating the game world, or even keep your empire together. So, if you value gameplay and replayability over pretty pictures, CK is definiately worth the try. Also seriously consider buying the expansion 'Deus Vult!' too, as it enhances the gameplay and fun even more.

23rd Jan

By Deathknight15

This is a game that you might love or not really find much in. It is a niche-carving game that heads towards a really specific grand-strategy style. I would recommend it, but I would encourage buyers to also purchase the expansion, as it really adds a lot as well.

8th Jan

By tobysimpson

Very good game without huge depth, but animated figures on a playable map give it a really interactive feel. Battles are basic and not worth playing, but a really good take on resources. Overall no medieval total war, but more than a entertaining distraction. Worth buying.

14th Dec 2009

By Goergyboy

A very in depth game common to the Paradox Interactive name. Instead of a nation though you take control of a dynasty, spreading your family name far and wide, accumulating power and gaining prestige. It is a great fun and very interesting. Until you become too successful. They often balance out the 'becoming huge' factor of your family/nation with the loyalty of the vassals underneath you. Sure empires rise and fall throughout history, but good luck getting yours to remain even slightly prosperous over 100 years. Now I'm not using the Deus Vult expansion pack which many claim helps alleviate some of this, and in fact I even plan to buy it. This game is good, though frustrating. You have vassals becoming disloyal, civil war, empire in turmoil events, and you also have to juggle not angering the pope and your neighbors. I'm not new to the Paradox engine by any means, but still find it frustrating keeping an empire together. This little facet annoys me as I enjoy building empires and watching all that work crumble because the ruler died, then getting everyone angry as I reclaim my lost lands from the traitorous nobles. Still it is a good game, and well worth the price. Still I'd recommend getting the expansion pack as well rather then just the core game.

23rd Nov 2009

By LodossKnight

Classic Strategy game with an 'epic' feel to it. One of the only games where winning can be measured by whatever your objectives are. While it has its bugs, both supported patches and community modifications take away what would otherwise be the most glaringly obvious and terrible flaws within the gameplay. Gameplay can get tedious as you stare at a screen, but if you have patience and a strong will to see things done, then this is a game for you. I do strongly urge you to move on to multiplayer as soon as you can though, because the singleplayer can quickly spiral into boredom if you find yourself unchallenged.

17th Nov 2009

By Juutalainen

If you like playability above graphics then this is a good game for you. Learning how to play the game is easy yet playing the game is challenging enough to make it fun. You can play as many different dynasties but the only complaint I have is that you cannot play any non-feudal christian nations. The game does not crash much but it run more smoothly if you bought the Expansion called Deus Vult along with the game.

31st Oct 2009

By gypsy

The game is definitely bug ridden even with the Deus Vult patch. But it is a classic turn based strategy game and I love it. I've returned to it again and again over the years. Paradox produces some great games and in my opinion this is one of the best they've made. The ability to control your lineage and watch it grow through the years is addicting. One complaint I do have is that sometimes menial tasks such as finding the best bride for your ruler or son can needlessly take forever as you point and click through countries. Sometimes I enjoy this process as it's part of the gameplay and is a challenge but when you are in war mode it can get a little tiresome. This game definitely has my seal of approval.

25th Oct 2009

By JonasJur

One of the best Turn-based strategy games on the market. Paradox has always been renowned for their great TBS's, but this one takes the first place in my heart. I've never been a huge fan of Paradox's (they're just too complicated for my snail-size brain, plus my attention-span is extremely short), but CK manages to be simple and easy to pick up, yet deep and hard to master.

26th Aug 2009

By wryun

As with most Paradox games, in single player mode Crusader Kings is much more about playing against the engine than the AI. By this I mean that the challenge and interest in the game is almost entirely in learning its mechanics, and 'winning' is about exploiting those mechanics rather than beating the AI. In fact, the AI controlled areas change frequently enough that it's hard to treat them seriously at all: there's little sense that 'now I must defeat England' when England is splintered into petty dukedoms which constantly rearrange themselves. Still, the main interest is, as always, in building up your own Kingdom/Duchy, and if that - with a dollop of dynasty management - appeals, then it's definitely worth buying.

28th Jul 2009

By nsvorp

To me, this is one of the more challenging Pdox games, because you can't just go and take over the world right off the bat. You have to instead focus on building relationships with minions, overlords and heathens, and then take over the world. The graphics and interface aren't the best in the world, but the gameplay is stellar, and it's a fun departure from other Pdox games. I highly recommend it, and the Deus Vult expansion makes it even better.

15th Jul 2009

By SecretLlama007

Crusader Kings offers a deep gameplay for those with the time and patience to play. It truly caters to strategy gamers who favor deep and immersive play however not too complex to frustrate new gamers.

12th Jul 2009

By vaftrudner

Crusader Kings was a bold move. The feudal setting, the focus on characters and the sometimes very chaotic gameplay is truly original and inspired, but sadly not quite as enjoyable as the Europa Universalis series. However it is still a good game that you can spend many hours with, and I recommend it to everyone who wants a unique game experience. Just make sure that you get the expansion pack, Deus Vult, because it resolves so many issues and the game finally gets a good interface.

12th Jul 2009

By timwong75

If you ever dream of recreating history, this is a game to play. Truly a grand strategy game overseeing a noble dynasty, the historical accuracy and depth can almost befuddle the new player. Yet once the steep learning curve becomes easy, you'll find yourself more and more immersed in this engrossing game. I found myself cheering on the sons as they became rulers, being involved from their childhood to their deathbed. For those who crave deep strategy that covers generations, Crusader Kings will draw you in like it did me. The combat system is rather simplistic but the other aspects of the game more than make up for it. Better still, get the expansion Deus Vult for it has some significant improvements, and there are a number of excellent fan-made (ie. free) mods and add-ons that one can also download.

11th Jul 2009

By Iuz

I had never played this game until recently, buying it off the back of endless praise and hand-clapping in the hope it would another Europa. However, it's not. The problem, I think, is coming to this game too late after it's release; the fundamental game stuff under the (terrible and highly annoying) interface is excellent, truely inspired and has endless variety. But, as I subtly implied, the interface is highly unintuitive and quite ugly, making it a chore to do any of the fun tasks this game is famous for (killing my fat ugly wife to get with that sexy scottish royal strumpet, for instance): it just doesn't stand up to modern games. Now I'm not talking Spore or Halo, just something as simple and clean as Europa Universallis III. So, roll on Crusader Kings II!

3rd Jun 2009

By EvilCartyen

This is one of my absolute favourite Paradox games, if not the outright favourite. The premise is marvellous - playing a family or dynasty will appeal to most people who like history in the deep. The execution is less than marvellous, but then, we are dealing with a game on an old engine, trying to keep track of perhaps 10 thousand or more individual characters, with friendships, grudges, spouses, character traits etc., in addition to your standard paradox map (of Europe). Buy this game if you don't mind the outdated graphics and the at times slow gameplay, but wish to experience a truly unique idea executed in a good manner. The game is perfect for roleplaying or AAR writing as well. But remember to pick up the expansion, Deus Vult, as it leads to a vast improvement in gameplay. And then join those of us hoping for a Crusader Kings 2 ;)

7th May 2009

By Mutiilation11

Sick of rulling huge kingdom on your own? Sick of calling levies without a word of protest? Sick of medieval world war? You want vassals, treachery, back-stabbing gameplay, the fear of no male descendant, the thrill of being elevated to the rank of Duke with all the land and wealth that comes with, to get attached to characters that can die, suffer, want and pursue goals, then this game is for you. This is one of the most brilliant medieval simulation you will ever play. If you're looking for full 3D battles, then pass your turn but if you want great fun, perfect gameplay and games that will never be the same ever, then buy this game right now. You won't be disapointed. Head to the paradox forums for great stories(aars),mods, tips and more.

2nd Jan 2009

By tomwjoseph

Only buy this game if you are really, really into accurate historical simulations. I can appreciate the complexity and depth of the game, but it was just a little too deep for my gaming style. There are some great reviews for this game, and they seem well-deserved, but be aware this is not for a casual gamer. It is much more complex than the typical 'Civilization' type game (which I bought off this site and really enjoy!).

29th Mar 2008

By Spartan

Crusader Kings is the definitive heraldic simulation. The layers of strategy involved are subtle yet sublime. The player is presented with lots of historically based information and an open ended playing field, where the only real goal is to have your family survive down through the ages while acquiring as many titles and vassals as possible. The gaming environment is rich and dynamic and aesthetically elegant. This is not a title for the "hack & slash" type of gamer. This title is about craftsmanship and dynasty building. Deep thinking and the ability to manipulate things for the long term are key requisites to fully appreciating this work-of-art masquerading as a mere game.

24th Nov 2007

By Odin272007

Excellent, Excellent game, well worth the price for the gameplay and replayability. If you liked Victoria or EU this is right up your alley.

24th Aug 2007

By Gigau

With the EU3, my favorite game... whatever category. Infinite numbers of different games. Getting eager to get my greedy fingers on the Deus Vult expansion.

5th Aug 2007

By euromellows

Excellent Game, this is unique compared to the other great paradox games in that you control a dynasty, not a country. Well worth the price!

22nd Jul 2007

By Blacksheep214

Proof that great games don't need high end graphics. This game kept me in my office at home for days. No game is the same, each time I start a new game It is different from the word "go". I've been a French count, a Bavarian Duke, an Italian King. The fun is limitless. A great buy!!
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