Paradox Interactive Thread: V2 The cartographers nightmare.

[Sobotnik]

[img_thumb]http://i.imgur.com/N30bEyk.jpg[/img_thumb]

[b]WHAT GAMES ARE THESE?[/b]

These are the main and most popular Paradox Interactive games buddy. Here's a link to each one, and helpful mods as well:

Crusader Kings 2 (Top left of above picture)

[url]http://www.grandstrategygeneral.org/games.php#ck2[/url]

Europa Universalis 3 (Bottom left of above picture)

[url]http://www.grandstrategygeneral.org/games.php#eu3[/url]

Victoria 2 (Top right of above picture)

[url]http://www.grandstrategygeneral.org/games.php#vicky2[/url]

Hearts of Iron 3 (Bottom right of above picture)

[url]http://www.grandstrategygeneral.org/games.php#hoi3[/url]

Here is a gameplay video of Hearts of Iron 3:

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LamgAfVj980&bpctr=1361993271[/media]

[b]ARE THERE ANY OTHERS?[/b]

Here are the other games, which are less popular, and some of which are more experiments than full games. That doesn't stop them from being fun though.

[url]http://www.grandstrategygeneral.org/games.php#sengoku[/url] (Basically Crusader Kings 2 inside Japan)

[url]http://www.grandstrategygeneral.org/games.php#dh[/url] (It's essentially Hearts of Iron 2, but reworked)

[url]http://www.grandstrategygeneral.org/games.php#eurome[/url] (A really weird one set in the Roman Empire, that nobody plays)

[url]http://www.grandstrategygeneral.org/games.php#mote[/url] (The Napoleonic Wars, and the most recent game to date)

[b]ANY FUTURE ONES?[/b]

There's also a bunch of new games coming up:

[url]http://www.grandstrategygeneral.org/games.php#evw[/url] (Hearts of Iron 3 for the Cold War)

[url]http://www.grandstrategygeneral.org/games.php#eu4[/url] (The latest in the Europa Universalis titles)

[b]HOW DO I PLAY THE GAME?[/b]

Each game plays differently. Play through all the tutorials that the game supplies (you can skip the broken parts), read the manuals, and go through the wikis on Paradoxian. Then play through a game. It's alright if you lose, as long as you learn from your mistakes. If you're at a loss, then you can ask in this thread.

Here is a long /gsg/ post about babbys first Europa Universalis 3 game by the way.

[img_thumb]http://filesmelt.com/dl/eu3_tutorial_thing.png[/img_thumb]

[b]WHICH NATION FIRST?[/b]

Crusader Kings 2: Anywhere in Ireland or Denmark. Play as a duke.
Europa Universalis 3: Castille, France, England, or Brandenburg.
Victoria II: Prussia, Netherlands, USA, Japan, or Canada.
Hearts of Iron 3: Germany, Hungary, Romania, or Canada.

You might think that choosing a really small or really big nation will save you from getting buttfucked. Nope! You'll just get overwhelmed, and then other countries will annex you since you have no idea what to do.

[b]SHOULD I GET EUROPA UNIVERSALIS 3: COMPLETE?[/b]

For the love of whatever you hold dear, no!
Get Europa Universalis 3: Chronicles.
COMPLETE IS NOT COMPLETE
It's missing two expansions.
Can't afford Chronicles? Save up!
Chronicles "includes" Complete and the two expansions.

[b]WHICH GAME DO I GET FIRST?[/b]

Try Crusader Kings 2.
Europa Universalis 3 is also good, but GET CHRONICLES, NOT COMPLETE.

However, that doesn't mean you can't start with whatever game interests you.
Many people on /gsg/ started with the Hearts of Iron or Victoria series.

[b]WHY DOESN'T MY GAME LOOK GOOD?[/b]

If you're playing Europa Universalis 3, you probably bought Complete, you fucking retard.
If you bought Chronicles/Divine Wind, then you're probably looking for the DAO map.
Check the games page to see more information about it.

[b]WHERE CAN I GET MODS?
WHY CAN'T I SEE THE MOD FORUMS?
WHERE CAN I GET THE LATEST BETA PATCH?[/b]

Check the games page linked earlier for popular /gsg/ mods, or head over to the Paradox Forums.

Make an account and register your games or you won't be able to access the mod and tech support forums. The tech support forums have the latest beta patches, so if Steam is acting up if you want to try the latest beta, head over there. Usually, the beta patches are available on the games page
You need your CD key to register your game.
If you're having trouble, there's usually a help guide on how to register on every subforum.

[b]WHERE CAN I GET THEM?[/b]

You can get most Paradox games on Steam, as well as their expansions and DLC.
If you don't like Steam, or it doesn't have the game you're looking for, then try other places like Gamersgate, Amazon or even physical local retailers such as Gamespot or even Walmart.

Europa Universalis 3 is a bit dated, although fun to play. Now there's Europa Universalis 4.

[url]http://www.paradoxplaza.com/games/europa-universalis-iv[/url]

[img_thumb]http://www.europauniversalis4.com/sites/default/files/screenshots/europauniversalisiv_pdxcon_screenshot_03.png[/img_thumb]

It's more or less a revamped and improved version of Europa Universalis 3.

A guy is playing the new Europa Universalis 4 title in a playthrough:

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pepYGRty7k&feature=c4-overview&list=UUTP2hlFqdfG8_0T2fCkbLrg[/media]

We have a steam group as well, if you wanna join it. Asking some of the players (including me) might help with your queries too.

[url]http://steamcommunity.com/groups/facepunchparadox[/url]

If I missed anything or need to change something, yell at me to change the OP.

[Thomas45]

In my games of EU3 France always dies pretty quickly, Burgundy master race.

[deltasquid]

It might be worth mentioning that there are user-made mods out there that convert saves from one game to the other. You could technically play from CK2 all the way to HoI3 (and later probably EvW) but then the world will be pretty fucked up by the time you get there.

Still, it's fun, and that's what counts.

[Tuskin]

Interesting Hands Off game of Kaiserreich:Darkest Hour

The American Civil War started off, the American Union State easily took on the USA and Syndicalist America, but the PSA came in and kicked their ass, as the AUS was distracted USA rebelled in Washington and New York, carving out their own little piece of the eastern US, when the PSA finally defeated the AUS, the USA took annexed New England and got Alaska back from Canada.

the UK was liberated by Canada and given control of the Entente, Canada also conquered Southern Italy and formed the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies

They were unable to liberate France before the Germans, besides, Nationalist France for some reason left the Entente and allied with Liberia.

Most of the world as of June 1948
[URL=http://minus.com/liA2HbL3wtsJ2][IMG]http://i.minus.com/jiA2HbL3wtsJ2.png[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://minus.com/lbtK9LEW8VrJcO][IMG]http://i.minus.com/jbtK9LEW8VrJcO.png[/IMG][/URL]

[Funky Mummy]

Why was the old thread randomly closed?

[ewitwins]

Garry

[lifehole]

Garry lowered the postlimit to 1k I think.

[yawmwen]

[QUOTE=CommanderPT;39737150]Why was the old thread randomly closed?[/QUOTE]

after 1000 posts threads get insta-locked now. threads being too big uses too many resources.

[editline]27th February 2013[/editline]

hey guys here's a question that's been nagging me. is there a "best" retinue composition in CK2? i just spam heavy cav because who doesn't like an army of 20k knights everywhere? but is there a more...effective way?

[lifehole]

[QUOTE=yawmwen;39737265]after 1000 posts threads get insta-locked now. threads being too big uses too many resources.

[editline]27th February 2013[/editline]

hey guys here's a question that's been nagging me. is there a "best" retinue composition in CK2? i just spam heavy cav because who doesn't like an army of 20k knights everywhere? but is there a more...effective way?[/QUOTE]

Honestly, I think army composition in CK2 is not something even worth micromanaging other than knowing that anything with heavy in it's name is better. Generally in that game, numbers and and to an extent tech win the battle more than anything, because it lacks a clear rock-paper-scissors system.

[Sobotnik]

[QUOTE=yawmwen;39737265]after 1000 posts threads get insta-locked now. threads being too big uses too many resources.

[editline]27th February 2013[/editline]

hey guys here's a question that's been nagging me. is there a "best" retinue composition in CK2? i just spam heavy cav because who doesn't like an army of 20k knights everywhere? but is there a more...effective way?[/QUOTE]

Just spam archers.

As England/Wales, I can make a 20k longbow stack and beat armies twice my size often.

[ThaBus]

[QUOTE=lifehole;39737401]Honestly, I think army composition in CK2 is not something even worth micromanaging other than knowing that anything with heavy in it's name is better. Generally in that game, numbers and and to an extent tech win the battle more than anything, because it lacks a clear rock-paper-scissors system.[/QUOTE]

This is very very wrong, check out this thread: [url]http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/showthread.php?664959-Combat-mechanics[/url]

(basically cultural retinues are insane)

[DaysBefore]

[QUOTE=yawmwen;39737265]hey guys here's a question that's been nagging me. is there a "best" retinue composition in CK2? i just spam heavy cav because who doesn't like an army of 20k knights everywhere? but is there a more...effective way?[/QUOTE]
I usually use pikes and bows because I rely on retinues to defend locations while I muster my levies, not lead the assault. I'll usually add some knights into the mix to run down fleeing enemies.

[Zillamaster55]

Wait holy shit it's like, 2 months until EvW is destined to come out.

Swagalicious

[Tuskin]

So doing a Darkest Hour Full game with the latest beta patch, for the first time I just saw Vichy France fight with Germany, so Germany gave them the North French territory.

Normally Vichy France stays neutral in the war and only controls southern France.

[editline]27th February 2013[/editline]

Also, Italy just invaded Newfoundland

[URL=http://minus.com/lbyTfvtQP66JZn][IMG]http://i.minus.com/jbyTfvtQP66JZn.png[/IMG][/URL]

[Kaz]

[QUOTE=ThaBoss;39737649]This is very very wrong, check out this thread: [url]http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/showthread.php?664959-Combat-mechanics[/url]

(basically cultural retinues are insane)[/QUOTE]He is right though. CK2 combat is more about having bigger numbers and using terrain to your advantage (rivers is a prime factor here).

[scout1]

[QUOTE=kamikaze470;39740137]He is right though. CK2 combat is more about having bigger numbers and using terrain to your advantage (rivers is a prime factor here).[/QUOTE]

Mountains have destroyed more armies than rivers ever did

[profan]

[QUOTE=scout1;39740171]Mountains have destroyed more armies than rivers ever did[/QUOTE]

Even in HoI3 rivers wreck your shit if your armies aren't full of engineers :suicide:

[Kaz]

[QUOTE=Profanwolf;39740208]Even in HoI3 rivers wreck your shit if your armies aren't full of engineers :suicide:[/QUOTE]Europe; where every other fucking province is a river deathtrap on the offense.

[scout1]

I bought march of the eagles yesterday. It doesn't seem to have BB, and the truces expire in 1 year (which means that the popups "Truce will expire soon!" immediately come up). Also it seems every war I wage is one of aggression. Anything I'm doing wrong so far?

[BlkDucky]

Playing March of the Eagles having never really touched the genre before. I have no idea what I'm doing but it's fun. :v:

[editline]27th February 2013[/editline]

is MotE a good intro to the genre?

[Tuskin]

RIP in peace North America

[URL=http://minus.com/lbrU7pSAMCDvze][IMG]http://i.minus.com/jbrU7pSAMCDvze.png[/IMG][/URL]

[Zillamaster55]

Is that, Japan?

[Tuskin]

Canada is the only member of the Allies left, USA left after they surrendered to Japan. The Allies stopped warring with Germany after the UK surrendered, Japan left the Axis to continue their war on the Allies.

[URL=http://minus.com/lbmMtweJ0mN8Nx][IMG]http://i.minus.com/jbmMtweJ0mN8Nx.png[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://minus.com/lLbEfZOBv5H8w][IMG]http://i.minus.com/jLbEfZOBv5H8w.png[/IMG][/URL]

[editline]28th February 2013[/editline]

Woah, the US loosing the war seems to have caused the CSA to revolt?!

[URL=http://minus.com/lwnRgzZchRSLG][IMG]http://i.minus.com/jwnRgzZchRSLG.png[/IMG][/URL]

[DanRatherman]

Wow lol, who is the CSA's leader there? I can totally see a horde of pissed off Dixiecrats storming federal buildings following a loss to Japan.

[Tuskin]

President is Earl Long, Vice President is Richard Leche. Tallahassee is the capital.

They have very little troops, don't think the war is going to last long, Germany also just declared war on the Spanish Republic.

Every US province has 13% Dissent, I'm guessing that was caused by the loss of the war, and the dissent caused the CSA to revolt.

Interestingly none of the Japanese controlled American and Canadian provinces have no dissent. Japanese must be good at keeping down rebels. Unless all the Americans on the west coast fled.

[editline]28th February 2013[/editline]

Texas just rebelled, but only with one province because the rest of Texas is controlled by the CSA

[editline]28th February 2013[/editline]

Wait.. Texas got Kansas City in the revolt, the heck.

[editline]28th February 2013[/editline]

US just turned communist

[URL=http://minus.com/lRXCZZKuqXqxq][IMG]http://i.minus.com/jRXCZZKuqXqxq.png[/IMG][/URL]

[croguy]

[QUOTE=BlkDucky;39740636]Playing March of the Eagles having never really touched the genre before. I have no idea what I'm doing but it's fun. :v:

[editline]27th February 2013[/editline]

is MotE a good intro to the genre?[/QUOTE]

Kind of. You'd want a more smoother combination of political intrigue/meddling and combat if you'd want to quickly adjust yourself to the series, but if MotE is your starting game you'll probably have a better time playing out the combat role(especially in HoI3) if you stick to it for long enough.

[GrizzlyBear]

MotE gets pretty dull quickly though, i think its meant to be the only paradox game ever where online is probably the main selling point. Also if Norway manages to hold on to England, ( i cheated for them a bit and destroyed the kingdom of England title before observing.) they become monstrous later on, its good fun to watch them be the only ones to take on the Mongols without getting completely crushed.

[Tuskin]

Back to my Darkest Hour game, changed some of the Texas CSA borders, Commie USA decalred war on the CSA, and then Germany declared war on the USA. Though, the US only has to defend their East Coast because Japan isn't part of the Axis, and Japan controls all of the west coast. As well, the US left the Allies after the war, so Canada isn't at war with Germany, so its every Axis nation (minus Japan) vs America.

Axis Nations
[img]http://i.minus.com/ibx4OepKkulKTf.png[/img]

[URL=http://minus.com/lUmj4LJxNG3kl][IMG]http://i.minus.com/jUmj4LJxNG3kl.png[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://minus.com/l9kK5zyyJkkYd][IMG]http://i.minus.com/j9kK5zyyJkkYd.png[/IMG][/URL]

[editline]28th February 2013[/editline]

Germany just launched the first nuke in the game, then 2 others, they also nuked partisans in Cyprus.

[URL=http://minus.com/lhJloEJeV2zUS][IMG]http://i.minus.com/jhJloEJeV2zUS.png[/IMG][/URL]

[editline]28th February 2013[/editline]

New Vic2:HoD DD

[url]http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/content.php?1324-Heart-of-Darkness-DD-2-The-Crisis-System[/url].

[croguy]

"We have also made some of its thinking visible to the player, so you can now see exactly why it does or does not want to agree to your proposal:"

YES! YESSSS!

[red pan]

Played a game through Europa III, converted it to Vic2, thats why the names are all messed up. I can't find the mod that gets all the EU3 countries into Victoria for the conversion, so it'll do. Anyway, Brunei wants land from Italy, both great powers, so the world plunged itself into the Great War. :v:
Basically Blue Vs Red besides Saxe-Weimar and the UK, this also doesn't show the massive war on the far east, China tried invading me but I pushed them back.
[t]http://filesmelt.com/dl/Fufufufuf.JPG[/t]
And here is the war score after I conquered China
[t]http://filesmelt.com/dl/fafafafa.JPG[/t]