Recent reviews by RustyTurban

This game is the current high point of Paradox's fledgling genre innovation. For those with an interest in 19th century politics Victoria 2 is a must have game, for those with an interest in grand strategy games Victoria 2 is the best in its field, if one is interested in both of these, this game is unbeatable.

Beginning in 1836 Victoria 2 spans arguably the most important period of development in human history. You help guide an ancien regime Kingdom into the new era of democracy, representation and the nation-state. The scale of war increases exponentially over the course of the game as these nations bring the increasing destructive power of their economies to bear; exploiting more efficiently the fruits of technological change. This theme is manifested ingeniously in the game throughout a detailed population system that gives every person in the simulated world a purpose. Via this system the player can shift their population towards war, peace, colonisation and industrialisation.

Victoria 2's map is beautifully realised and realistic in 2D, reminiscent of classic board games. Each nation is unique through the makeup of its population and their cultures and varying levels of technological development. This system allows the player to experience the fun of expanding the British Empire or French Empire (or any World power), or the challenge of fighting for survival as Ethiopia as European powers attempt to wrestle control of your homeland. Each nations uniqueness allows for almost infinite replayability and the structure through which the player chooses a nations path can follow the ideologies of the day. A fascist Russia, a democratic and fair Japan or a Communist United States of America are all possible and plausible but acheived with a naturality not present in Hearts of Iron 4 (where the player becomes fascist by pressing 2 buttons and waiting).

The game's combat is fairly simplistic and not its strongest point, although with mods can be challenging and tense. The system of economic management in the game is so complex it's apparantly not fully understood by its developers however don't be put off. The player can choose to engage with every facet of the economic system or with surprising results can take an entirely laissez faire approach, allow the capitalists of the nation to go wild and see what they can do instead, its all up to the player.

These complexities allow for the development of a clear playstyle for each player, which means that in multiplayer is where Victoria 2 really shines. There is nothing quite like holding a conference of the great powers to attempt to defuse a crisis, or betraying your French allies to take more of Africa as Great Britain. Diplomacy and interaction is possible in this game that trancends its mechanics and allows for extra-ordinary campaigns that will be played late into the night and possibly into the morning.

Unfortunately if one takes a look at the graphics options they will find nowhere near enough anti-aliasing graphics options and the game can't maintain a consistent 30 frames per second - 2/10 avoid.

Seriously though Victoria 2 is the current great of its genre and is obviously one of my favourite games of all time.

[Edit] I recommend you all nominate this game as GOTY in the steam awards