The newest entry in the World War 2 strategy series has a concrete(ish) release date. Armchair generals and digital despots can expect to launch their campaigns of world domination on June 6th.
The Hearts of Iron series is a Paradox’s take on World War 2; it combines the grand strategy that the company is known for in managing your nation and the operational level combat featuring air, land and sea assets. It gives players the chance to take the reins of whichever country in the world they desire and take them to victory. As with all other titles developed by Paradox, the game is quite a bit of a sandbox, meaning that ahistorical scenarios like a communist coup happening in a France that subsequently manages to contain Germany is entirely plausible.
Paradox originally announced the game two years ago when it was in pre-alpha and since then have delayed the game several times in order to create a polished experience. Development has come along nicely and they’ve proudly shown off the different aspects of the game via assorted interviews and developer diaries as well as weekly livestreams of actual gameplay.
As a longtime fan of the series, I was ambivalent towards Hearts of Iron 3 and preferred the first two installments. Dealing with the complexities of production, diplomacy and military strategy is a hard balancing act to pull off. Too complex and the game becomes a slog that’s inaccessible to all but the most dedicated. And if it’s too simplistic – it gets boring quickly. I hope that the extra development time has given Paradox the time it needs to strike a good balance and to create a well-rounded and polished experience. This will be the first entry in the series available natively on Linux, too, so I look forward to potentially spending countless hours playing the game.
Though the date is set for D-Day, at their GDC presentation they added the ‘-ish’ suffix, meaning that it might not quite be set in stone yet. Whatever the case, I hope they take their time to make the best game that they can. I’m tired of buggy launches in general and I see it as a positive sign when companies delay games to make sure that their products are up to their standards.
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The Hearts of Iron series is a Paradox’s take on World War 2; it combines the grand strategy that the company is known for in managing your nation and the operational level combat featuring air, land and sea assets. It gives players the chance to take the reins of whichever country in the world they desire and take them to victory. As with all other titles developed by Paradox, the game is quite a bit of a sandbox, meaning that ahistorical scenarios like a communist coup happening in a France that subsequently manages to contain Germany is entirely plausible.
Paradox originally announced the game two years ago when it was in pre-alpha and since then have delayed the game several times in order to create a polished experience. Development has come along nicely and they’ve proudly shown off the different aspects of the game via assorted interviews and developer diaries as well as weekly livestreams of actual gameplay.
As a longtime fan of the series, I was ambivalent towards Hearts of Iron 3 and preferred the first two installments. Dealing with the complexities of production, diplomacy and military strategy is a hard balancing act to pull off. Too complex and the game becomes a slog that’s inaccessible to all but the most dedicated. And if it’s too simplistic – it gets boring quickly. I hope that the extra development time has given Paradox the time it needs to strike a good balance and to create a well-rounded and polished experience. This will be the first entry in the series available natively on Linux, too, so I look forward to potentially spending countless hours playing the game.
Though the date is set for D-Day, at their GDC presentation they added the ‘-ish’ suffix, meaning that it might not quite be set in stone yet. Whatever the case, I hope they take their time to make the best game that they can. I’m tired of buggy launches in general and I see it as a positive sign when companies delay games to make sure that their products are up to their standards.
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I hope it has workshop support, the game looks great but it really would be a shame to limit it to World War two. I'd like to see mods where you could like deploy mechs on new fantasy maps.
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Quoting: chris200x9I hope it has workshop support, the game looks great but it really would be a shame to limit it to World War two. I'd like to see mods where you could like deploy mechs on new fantasy maps.
Agree. The game is an automatic buy for me, like most Paradox titles, but I have to admit I am growing a -bit- jaded of the standard WW2 theme. I have kicked Hitler's ass countless times in various strategy games, so there is that. And while kicking Hitler's ass is obviously a satisfying thing to do, I also wouldn't mind seeing some mods using the awesome HOI engine for a near-total conversion. HOI Middle Earth, or HOI World War III maybe? :D
I am still totally looking forward to that game!
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I really love the grand stategy games from paradox, Europa Universalis is my favorite game from this dev but this game looks like it will be alot harder. I'll keep my eye on this game :)
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Quoting: chris200x9I hope it has workshop support, the game looks great but it really would be a shame to limit it to World War two.But that's how Paradox games are, though. Each one focuses on a different period in history. The Hearts of Iron series just happens to focus on World War 2.
Last edited by Mountain Man on 16 March 2016 at 8:02 pm UTC
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Quoting: Mountain ManQuoting: chris200x9I hope it has workshop support, the game looks great but it really would be a shame to limit it to World War two.But that's how Paradox games are, though. Each one focuses on a different period in history. The Hearts of Iron series just happens to focus on World War 2.
The old HOI went on to the cold war though, or the one before that, can't remember. I assume that will be added as DLC.
It's probably my least favourite series because of the military focus, but I'll still pick it up day 1 since I'll get a lot of time out of it, just not as much as the others.
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Quoting: KimyrielleQuoting: chris200x9I hope it has workshop support, the game looks great but it really would be a shame to limit it to World War two. I'd like to see mods where you could like deploy mechs on new fantasy maps.
Agree. The game is an automatic buy for me, like most Paradox titles, but I have to admit I am growing a -bit- jaded of the standard WW2 theme. I have kicked Hitler's ass countless times in various strategy games, so there is that. And while kicking Hitler's ass is obviously a satisfying thing to do, I also wouldn't mind seeing some mods using the awesome HOI engine for a near-total conversion. HOI Middle Earth, or HOI World War III maybe? :D
I am still totally looking forward to that game!
You could BE hitler!
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I've always been tempted to buy Paradox titles but massive amounts of DLC set me off. I do hope it's more sane this time
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Quoting: LeonardKI've always been tempted to buy Paradox titles but massive amounts of DLC set me off. I do hope it's more sane this timeDon't be put off by the DLC. The base game is always a complete experience in and of itself, and you can pick and choose which DLC appeals most to you. Even better, just wait for a sale since Paradox titles have traditionally received steep discounts. I actually own quite a lot of the DLC for Crusader Kings II, but I've probably spent less than $50 total on the entire game to date thanks to the regular Steam sales. But it's a fantastic game, and I can easily see myself playing it for years.
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With Stellaris coming out in May, this in June plus through in Uncharted 4 for may whilst still being addicted to CK2 and EU4...
God damn it, I'm creating Paradox anonymous. I have a job and family, they'll need an intervention soon!
God damn it, I'm creating Paradox anonymous. I have a job and family, they'll need an intervention soon!
1 Likes, Who?
HOI is an amazing...simulation, I guess. It's just as great as CK2 and EU IV.
It finishes the grand strategy trilogy, too.
It finishes the grand strategy trilogy, too.
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Oh and the name doesn't mean anything but coincidentally could be pronounced as "Buttery" which suits me just fine.
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