Strategie Complexe — After Strategy

Victoria 3 Expansion Pass 2: A New Era of Historical Strategy

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The Victoria 3 Expansion Pass 2 is an exciting extension for Victoria 3, the historical strategy game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on March 31, 2025, this expansion pass offers an immersive dive into the Victorian era and beyond, enriching the gaming experience with a multitude of new contents and features.

An Enriched Gaming Experience

The Victoria 3 Expansion Pass 2 transforms the way you interact with the game’s world. With new game mechanics, you will be able to explore unprecedented aspects of empire management in the 19th century. Whether you are a veteran of the series or a newcomer, this expansion pass will offer you hours of entertainment and strategic challenges.

New Game Mechanics

Reworked economic system: dive into a more complex and realistic economy. Manage resources, trade and industry with increased precision.
Dynamic population: populations evolve based on your decisions. Manage migrations, education and public health for a prosperous empire.
Technology and innovation: invest in research and development to unlock new technologies that will transform your empire.

New Regions to Conquer

One of the big novelties of this pass is the addition of new regions to explore and conquer. These unprecedented territories offer unique resources, varied cultures and specific challenges. Whether you choose to colonize distant lands or strengthen your borders, each region brings its share of surprises and possibilities.

Exploration and Colonization

Unknown lands: send expeditions to discover new lands rich in resources and opportunities.
Cultures and traditions: interact with local cultures, respect their traditions or impose your own. Every choice will have consequences.
Colony management: develop your colonies by managing infrastructure, local relations and environmental challenges.

Captivating Historical Scenarios

The Victoria 3 Expansion Pass 2 also introduces exciting historical scenarios that will plunge you into the heart of the 19th century’s landmark events. From the industrial revolution to colonial tensions, each scenario is carefully designed to offer you an immersive and realistic experience. You will have to face moral dilemmas, make crucial decisions and manage the consequences of your actions.

Historical Events

Industrial revolution: manage the transition to an industrial economy, with its social and economic challenges.
Colonial tensions: navigate the murky waters of colonial rivalries and territorial conflicts.
Social movements: face the demands and revolutionary movements shaking your empire.

Strengthened Diplomacy

Diplomacy takes on a new dimension with this expansion pass. Interactions between nations are more complex and nuanced, allowing you to weave alliances, negotiate treaties and declare wars with increased precision. Every diplomatic decision will have long-term repercussions, influencing not only your empire but also the global balance of power.

Diplomatic Strategies

Alliances and coalitions: form strategic alliances to strengthen your position on the international stage.
Negotiations and treaties: use your persuasive power to negotiate advantageous treaties and avoid conflicts.
Espionage and intrigue: develop a spy network to obtain crucial information and influence events behind the scenes.

Graphic and Sound Improvements

In addition to the new features, the Victoria 3 Expansion Pass 2 brings graphic and sound improvements that make the game even more pleasing to the eye and ear. Landscapes are more detailed, animations smoother and the soundtrack more immersive. Every game is a true dive into history, where every detail counts.

Visuals and Atmosphere

Improved graphics: enjoy more realistic and detailed visuals, with varied environments and dynamic weather effects.
Epic soundtrack: let yourself be carried away by an enchanting score that accompanies every moment of your adventure.
Immersive sound effects: realistic sound effects that plunge you into the heart of the action, whether on the battlefield or in the bustling streets of your cities.

Expansion Pass Content

The Victoria 3 Expansion Pass 2 includes a variety of contents that enrich the gaming experience:

Trade Ships Bonus Pack: adds three new merchant ship models to the world map.
Charters of Commerce Mechanics Pack: use the power of trade and business to strengthen your alliances or weaken your rivals.
National Awakening Immersion Pack: explore the complex history of the Balkans with growing nationalist energies and a declining Ottoman empire.
Songs of the Homeland Music Pack: accompany your global expansion with new inspiring music.
Iberian Twilight Immersion Pack: bring the Spanish and Portuguese empires back to life by taking part in the era’s great political debates.

The Victoria 3 Expansion Pass 2 is much more than a simple expansion: it is an invitation to rediscover the world of Victoria 3 under a new light. With its new regions, captivating scenarios and enriched game mechanics, this pass offers you an unmatched historical strategy experience. So, get ready to write a new page of history from March 31, 2025!

Sources

Age of Wonders 4: Giant Kings

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Age of Wonders 4: Giant Kings is an exciting expansion for Age of Wonders 4, the fantasy strategy game developed by Triumph Studios and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on April 1, 2025, this expansion introduces new challenges and features that enrich the gaming experience. Let us dive into what this expansion has to offer.

A New Type of Ruler

With Giant Kings, you can now embody a mighty Giant King, dominating mortals with unmatched power. Giant Kings possess unique terraforming abilities and can use the Item Forge right from the start of the game. Call ancient weapons to fight by your side and unlock powerful runes to forge unique equipment. Choose among four fearsome clans and transform the world around you: flatten mountains, raise peaks, shape lava and freeze the lands!

Unique Abilities

Terraforming: modify the terrain at will to create strategic advantages.
Item Forge: create powerful equipment to strengthen your armies.
Ancient Weapons: summon legendary weapons to fight by your side.

A New Crystal Dwelling

The expansion introduces a new imposing structure, the Crystal Dwelling, which houses the souls of ancient Giants embedded in crystalline matrices. Win the favor of the Speaker of the Council, improve your relations and access a unique shop offering exclusive skills, magical equipment and artifacts.

Dwelling Features

Unique shop: access rare and powerful items to strengthen your armies.
Exclusive skills: unlock unique abilities for your heroes and units.

Crafting Regions

The world of the Astral Seas has been enriched with the addition of 38 carefully designed decorative regions, harmoniously integrated into existing environments. These regions offer new exploration and conquest opportunities.

Exploration and Conquest

Unique regions: discover varied landscapes and unprecedented challenges.
Quests and rewards: complete quests to obtain legendary artifacts.

Destined Region Event System

A new realm trait, Legends of Myrrida, introduces nine unique regions with captivating stories tied to the forgotten history of the Giants. Embark on a journey to unveil the mysteries of each region and complete their quests to obtain legendary artifacts offering powerful economic bonuses.

Quests and Rewards

Legendary artifacts: collect three artifacts to trigger a special endgame event with a unique reward.
Economic bonuses: improve your economy thanks to the bonuses offered by the artifacts.

New Units and Wildlife

Face new fearsome creatures roaming the lands:

Lithorine Units: enigmatic beings forged of crystal, guarding the depths.
Primordial Units: colossal tier-5 beasts, ready to challenge players in Ancient Wonders.

New Tomes

The expansion also includes new powerful tomes:

Dungeon Depths Tome: build a vast underground empire and defend it at all costs. Transform your provinces into a new dungeon theme with economic bonuses and four special province upgrades.
Geomancy Tome: transform your units into geomancer crystal beings, attuned to the earth’s energies to amplify their damage and resistances. Recruit Geomancer units to harness the powers of the earth and arm your forces with resonant, cutting weapons.

Additional Content

Realm traits and model: 3 new realm traits and a new realm model.
Ancient Wonders: 2 new ancient wonders to discover.
Music and interface: 4 new music tracks composed by Michiel van den Bos and a new interface for total immersion in the underground aesthetic.

Age of Wonders 4: Giant Kings is much more than a simple expansion: it is an invitation to rediscover the world of Age of Wonders 4 with new perspectives and challenges. Get ready to dominate the Astral Seas like never before from April 1, 2025!

Sources

Europa Universalis IV: An In-Depth Exploration of History and Strategy

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Europa Universalis IV, developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive in 2013, is a grand strategy game that immerses players in the management of a nation across several centuries of history. Renowned for its strategic depth and commitment to historical accuracy, Europa Universalis IV (EU4) is a must-have for strategy game fans who want to relive and redefine world history.

Gameplay: Complex and Detailed Management

In Europa Universalis IV, you lead a nation from 1444 to 1821, with the freedom to choose any country in the world. The game stands out through its complex management of political, economic, diplomatic and military aspects, offering a rich and detailed historical simulation.

Economic Management

Economic management is a central pillar of Europa Universalis IV. Players must balance their budgets, manage taxes, trade and resources, while investing in the development of their provinces. Creating efficient trade routes and managing colonies are also crucial to ensuring your nation’s prosperity.

Diplomacy and International Relations

Diplomacy plays a crucial role in Europa Universalis IV. You must navigate alliances, treaties, and wars while maintaining stable international relations. The diplomacy system is deep, allowing complex interactions such as royal marriages, coalitions, and influence over other nations.

Conquest and War

War is inevitable in Europa Universalis IV. Players must raise and maintain armies, plan military strategies, and manage the consequences of conflicts. Managing casus belli, military alliances, and truces adds an extra layer of complexity to conquests.

Unique Game Mechanics

Europa Universalis IV is known for its unique game mechanics that enrich the strategic experience.

Technology Tree

The game features a technology research system where players can invest in military, administrative, and diplomatic advances. These technologies determine the effectiveness of your armies, your resource management, and your diplomatic capabilities, directly influencing your nation’s success.

Religion and Culture

Religion and culture play a decisive role in Europa Universalis IV. Players must manage religious tensions, promote conversions, and handle cultural particularities to maintain their empire’s stability. Religious reforms, such as the Protestant Reformation, can have considerable impacts on the political and military dynamic.

Exploration and Colonization

Europa Universalis IV allows players to engage in the exploration and colonization of the New World. You can establish colonies, exploit exotic resources, and extend your influence across continents, while facing other colonial powers for control of territories.

Expansions and DLC

Since its release, Europa Universalis IV has been enriched by numerous expansions and DLC that add new mechanics, nations, and scenarios. These expansions allow players to rediscover the game from new perspectives, adding features such as revolution management, advanced government systems, and additional economic mechanics.

Art of War

The Art of War expansion introduced major improvements to the military system, allowing finer management of wars, occupations, and military alliances. It also brought significant changes to the way players can interact with rebels and manage civil wars.

Rights of Man

Rights of Man adds new diplomatic and dynastic features, while enriching the government system. Monarch personality traits now directly influence events and decisions, making each game even more unique.

The Cossacks

The The Cossacks expansion focuses on interactions between nations and their vassal states, as well as internal conflict management. It also introduces the concept of favor in diplomatic relations, making alliances even more dynamic.

Community and Modding

Europa Universalis IV benefits from an active modding community that continuously enriches the game with new content. Popular mods add alternate history scenarios, custom nations, and additional game mechanics, offering almost infinite replayability.

Popular Mods

Some of the most popular mods include Extended Timeline, which allows playing over an even longer historical period, and MEIOU and Taxes, which adds unprecedented economic and demographic depth to the game.

Conclusion

Europa Universalis IV is a masterpiece of the grand strategy genre, offering a gameplay experience rich in details and depth. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a seasoned strategist, this game gives you the opportunity to rewrite world history your way. With its numerous expansions, its community support, and its infinite replayability, Europa Universalis IV continues to be a must-have for strategy game fans.

Sources

Civilization II: A Timeless Classic of Turn-Based Strategy

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Civilization II, developed by MicroProse and released in 1996, is a cornerstone of turn-based strategy games. Sequel to Sid Meier’s legendary Civilization, this game perfected the original formula while introducing significant improvements. In this article, we will explore in depth the game mechanics, the improvements over the first installment, and the lasting impact of Civilization II on the strategy game genre.

Game Context and Objectives

In Civilization II, the player takes control of a civilization from the dawn of humanity to the space age. The main objective is to build a prosperous and dominant empire, whether through military conquest, technological superiority, diplomacy, or space colonization. Each game is unique, with randomly generated maps and dynamic interactions with other AI-controlled civilizations.

Game Mechanics

The game takes place on a map divided into squares, each square representing a specific type of terrain. Players must manage their resources, build military and civilian units, erect buildings and wonders, and develop new technologies. The technology tree is particularly crucial, as it determines access to more advanced units and structures.

Diplomacy and Conflicts

Diplomacy is a key aspect of Civilization II. Players can engage in negotiations to form alliances, sign peace treaties, or declare war. Managing international relations requires well-thought-out strategy, as alliances and conflicts can change quickly depending on the actions of other civilizations.

Improvements Over Civilization I

Civilization II brings many improvements over its predecessor:

Isometric graphics: the switch to an isometric view considerably improved the graphics, making the game more visually appealing and making the map easier to read.
Improved artificial intelligence: the AI of other civilizations is more advanced, offering more complex challenges and more realistic interactions.
New game mechanics: introduction of new concepts such as trade, different types of government, and more detailed management of resources and cities.
Scenario editor: the game includes a scenario editor, allowing players to create and share their own custom scenarios, increasing replayability.

Impact and Legacy

Civilization II had a profound impact on the strategy game genre. It set high standards in terms of complexity, replayability and strategic depth. The game is still widely celebrated by fans and has influenced many other strategy games. Its popularity led to numerous sequels and expansions, each building on the solid foundations laid by Civilization II.

Beyond its mechanics, Civilization II also shaped how a whole generation discovered history through play: its advisors, civilopedia entries and animated leaders made every technology feel like a real milestone worth remembering.

Conclusion

Civilization II remains a timeless classic of turn-based strategy games. Its unique blend of empire management, military strategy and diplomacy makes it a rich and captivating experience. Whether you are a series veteran or a new player, Civilization II offers unmatched depth and complexity that continue to captivate players around the world.

Sources

Diving into the Universe of Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion is a real-time strategy (RTS) game combined with space management elements. Developed by Ironclad Games and published by Stardock, it offers an epic gaming experience where the player must manage a galactic civilization, explore the universe, colonize planets, and face other factions for supremacy.

Unique RTS and 4X Combination The game stands out through its innovative blend of RTS and 4X gameplay (explore, expand, exploit, exterminate). Players must not only build and manage fleets of spaceships in real time, but also develop colonies, research new technologies and form alliances or rival other empires.

Diverse Factions and Sub-Factions Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion introduces new factions and sub-factions, each with its own strengths, weaknesses, and unique units. This diversity offers strategic richness and lets players choose play styles that match their preferences.

Epic Gameplay and Space Battles Space battles are at the heart of the experience. Players can command huge fleets and engage in spectacular fights against AI opponents or other players in multiplayer mode. Tactical management is crucial, with strategic choices about unit positioning, the use of special abilities and the coordination of attacks.

Graphical and Technical Improvements With Rebellion, the game benefits from significant graphical improvements, including detailed ship models, impressive visual effects, and overall optimization for smooth performance even during the largest battles.

Enhanced Multiplayer Mode The multiplayer mode has been enriched to offer more dynamic and competitive games. Players can form temporary alliances, betray their allies, and use diplomatic tactics to reach their goals.

Exploration and Expansion Exploring new solar systems and colonizing planets are essential aspects of the game. Players must manage resources, build infrastructure and defend their colonies against external threats.

Strategies and Tips

To excel in Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion, mastering several aspects of the game is essential:

Balance Economy and Military: it is crucial to find a balance between economic development and military buildup. Investing in infrastructure and research can provide a long-term advantage, but neglecting defense can be disastrous.
Exploit Factions and Sub-Factions: understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each faction lets you leverage their unique advantages and effectively counter opponents.
Coordinate Attacks: using your ships’ special abilities and planning coordinated attacks can change the course of space battles. Tactical fleet management is crucial for victory.
Diplomacy and Alliances: diplomacy plays an important role, especially in multiplayer mode. Knowing when to form alliances and when to break them can prove decisive.

Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion is a game that brilliantly combines real-time strategy with 4X elements, offering a deep and immersive gaming experience. Whether you are a strategy fan, a science fiction fan, or simply looking for a complex and engaging game, Rebellion has plenty to captivate you for many hours. Dive into this vast universe and become the undisputed master of the galaxy.

Sources

Official Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion website (Stardock)

Total War: Warhammer

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Total War: Warhammer is a real-time strategy game released on May 24, 2016, developed by Creative Assembly and published by Sega, plunging you into the Warhammer universe. There you lead one of the sixteen distinct factions of the Warhammer world. Each faction has its own characteristics, troops and command units.

The game offers large-scale real-time battles with thousands of units fighting simultaneously on the map. You can also explore and conquer new territories on the campaign map. In addition to real-time battles, you can also plan and manage your empire through city management, unit production and diplomacy with other factions.

Beyond its roster, the game also shines through its presentation: the battlefields remain readable despite the chaos, the voice acting brings each faction’s leaders to life, and the soundtrack blends Warhammer’s epic tone with the series’ orchestral punch.

Paid DLC

The Realm of the Wood Elves - Adds the Wood Elves faction.
The Bretonnia - Adds the Bretonnia faction.
Norsca - Adds the Norsca faction.
The Queen & The Crone - Adds two new heroines for the Dwarfs and High Elves factions.
Call of the Beastmen - Adds the Beastmen faction.
The Grim & The Grave - Adds new units for the Vampire Counts and Tomb Kings factions.
The Curse of the Vampire Coast - Adds the Vampire Coast faction.
The Hunter & The Beast - Adds new units for the Empire and Bretonnia factions.
The Land of the Tomb Kings - Adds the Tomb Kings faction.
Blood for the Blood God - Adds new gameplay features and visuals for bloody battles.

Free DLC

The Foundation Update - Adds new features for existing factions.
The Update of the Living Dead - Adds new units for the Vampire Counts faction.
The Update of the Dead - Adds new units for the Tomb Kings faction.
The Update of the Old World - Adds new units for existing factions.

Watch the official Total War: Warhammer trailer

Discover some images of the game

Sources

Total War: Three Kingdoms

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Total War: Three Kingdoms is a Total War installment by Creative Assembly focused on China during the legendary Three Kingdoms chronicles. Like the other episodes, it mixes a turn-based strategic mode with real-time battles.

The main scenario begins in 190 AD, during the fall of the Han dynasty. The young emperor’s manipulation by the warlord Dong Zhuo and his excesses lead to the rebellion of a coalition of local lords, plunging China into a civil war that will last for decades. Each lord pursues his own dream: restore the empire, build a kingdom, or simply survive the turmoil.

Two Ways to Play

The game offers two distinct modes. Record mode, faithful to history and the chronicles, focuses on managing generals, their armies and the balance of power between factions. Romance mode, more romanticized, borrows from epic tales and hero duels, with characters whose individual abilities are remarkable. This duality lets you approach ancient China both from the historical angle and from the heroic tale angle.

The game was particularly praised at launch, with scores of 16/20 on Jeuxvideo.com or 8/10 on Gamekult. Unfortunately, in 2021 Creative Assembly announced the end of support for the game, provoking a wave of anger and heavy bashing on Steam. Despite this premature end of support, Three Kingdoms remains one of the most polished episodes of the saga in terms of real-time battles.

The Game’s DLC

As always with Total War, the game received many paid DLCs:

Yellow Turban Rebellion released in May 2019
Reign of Blood released in June 2019
Eight Princes released in August 2019
Mandate of Heaven released in January 2020
A World Betrayed released in March 2020
The Furious Wild released in September 2020
Fates Divided released in March 2021

Note that two free mini-DLCs are also available:

Dynasty Mode released in August 2019
Tao Qian released in January 2020
White Tiger Yan released in March 2020
Shi Xie released in September 2020

Watch the official Total War: Three Kingdoms trailer

Discover some images of the game

Sources

Total War Saga Thrones of Britannia: Monotony in Strategic Phases and Battles

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

An installment of the Total War series released in 2018, Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia rode the hype around the Viking era. Developed by Creative Assembly and published by Sega, the game plunges us into 878 AD, when the Great Viking Armies land on the English coast and upset the balance of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.

Despite high expectations and an ambitious marketing campaign, the game did not achieve the expected success. The reason: a campaign many players found monotonous — real-time battles where the AI lacks creativity, and repetitive strategic phases, an almost identical cycle over and over — army development, Viking invasion, army development, new Viking invasion.

A Solid but Underused Historical Setting

Yet the game shines through its immersion. Ten factions are playable: the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of Wessex, Mercia or Northumbria, the Viking duchies of Jorvik and the Great Heathen, as well as the Gaelic kingdoms and the Picts. Each has its regional units, traditions and specific buildings. Fortified town sieges and naval battles provide welcome breathers, as does the management of esths — these temporary army levies — which force Cornelian choices between territorial defense and conquering ambition.

Why the Campaign Runs Out of Steam

The main criticism remains its overly predictable gameplay loop. The strategic AI struggles to surprise, and real-time battles lack the tactical creativity of neighboring installments like Total War: Warhammer or Total War: Rome II. The map, confined to the British Isles, further limits the variety of strategic situations. Mods and the community nevertheless extend its appeal, especially on balance and the addition of new factions.

What Thrones of Britannia Still Does Well Today

Despite its flaws, the game remains an affordable entry point into the Total War universe for those who like Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages. Its contained price, its honest campaign length for a Saga episode and its successful sieges make it a pleasant installment, provided you enter it with the right expectations.

Watch the official Total War Saga Thrones of Britannia trailer

https://www.youtube.com/embed/-Fu0UPnk4kc

Discover some images of the game

source: wiki.totalwar.com

Total War: Warhammer 3 - Game Guide and Fantasy Universe

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Total War: Warhammer 3 was released on February 17, 2022 and takes place in the fictional Warhammer universe. It follows Total War: Warhammer released in 2016 and Total War: Warhammer II released in 2017. In this game, turn-based strategy is mixed with real-time tactics. It was developed by Creative Assembly and published by Sega.

Warhammer, What’s That?

Many peoples share the territories of the Warhammer world. Most of them are humans from the Old World, Araby, Norsca, Nippon and Cathay.

There are also many other non-human races: some are biologically close to humans, like vampires, halflings (hobbits) and ogres, or physically like elves and dwarfs. Other races are completely apart, like the green-skinned races (orcs and goblins), the skaven, the lizardmen, trolls and other monstrous creatures.

Wikipedia

As in most Total War games, you control cities and provinces. You can develop their economies and their economic or military buildings. Indeed, through these choices you will be able to focus either on increasing your treasury or on recruiting well-equipped and well-trained soldiers. The difference here? Magic, monsters and creatures of all kinds!

The Developers’ Synopsis:

The world is on the brink of chaos.

The last roar of a dying god tears the border between worlds, opening a portal to the Realm of Chaos. The four Ruin Powers — Khorne, Nurgle, Tzeentch and Slaanesh — emerge from this maelstrom, spreading darkness and despair.

The fierce warriors of Kislev and the vast empire of Grand Cathay are on the front line, threatened by a Daemon Prince seeking revenge and destruction against those who corrupted him. All will be caught up in the coming conflict. Will you manage to triumph over your daemons… or command them?

Watch the official Total War: Warhammer 3 trailer

Discover some images of the game

Total War Rome 2

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Total War: Rome II is the second installment of the Rome Total War games. Once again, like any proper Total War, it mixes turn-based strategy phases and real-time battles (a little feeling of recycling this sentence in every article about a Total War game).

As its name suggests, the game is set in Antiquity, more precisely during the Roman era. The main campaign begins during Rome’s rise. It is not yet a great empire but is beginning to dominate Italy little by little. If you want to play the Republic, you can thus decide to expand in a fairly historical way. Or explore other possibilities (uchronias are fun).
For example, head full steam east! Conquer Greece, Anatolia and why not all the way to Persia and reconstitute Alexander the Great’s empire? Or head north and subdue the Germanic tribes and become a powerful continental empire.
In short, the possibilities, as always in this type of game, are infinite!

You will have understood: the map is big, bigger than in the predecessor Rome: Total War. From Britain to Persia via Arabia and Central Europe… there is plenty to do!

The game also brings a new political management system. Indeed, powers are made up of factions that compete for power. These power struggles can, for example, lead to revolts or even civil wars. You will therefore have to be vigilant about these intrigues. It would be a shame to build a huge empire only for it to split at the first opportunity.

The game received several DLCs adding mostly new playable factions, but some offer new campaigns focused on a very specific period and event.

Caesar in Gaul: campaign focused on the Gallic Wars
Hannibal at the Gates: campaign focused on the Punic Wars
Wrath of Sparta: campaign focused on the Peloponnesian War
Empire Divided: campaign focused on the civil war in the empire
Rise of the Republic: campaign focused on Rome’s rise in Italy

Watch the official Total War: Rome II trailer

https://www.youtube.com/embed/1OHV628oGiU

Discover some images of the game

source: wiki.totalwar.com

Empire: Total War — Dive into the 18th Century with This Strategy Saga

Sun, 31 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Empire: Total War is one of the most famous games of the Total War franchise, focused on the 18th century and the birth of colonial empires. Developed by Creative Assembly and published by Sega, it was released in 2009 and, like the other installments, mixes a turn-based strategic mode with real-time battles.

Its particularity: three distinct theaters of operations — Europe, North America and the Caribbean, and the Indian subcontinent. This expanded world map completely changes the strategic game: securing your maritime trade routes becomes as vital as conquering inland provinces.

Land and Naval Battles

Land battles are of course present, but Empire: Total War stands out through its large-scale naval battles: ships of the line fighting broadside to broadside, bombardments of coastal forts, skirmishes against Caribbean pirates. Fleet management and control of trade routes are at the heart of victory, as is diplomacy with the native powers of America or India.

Your goal is to take control of a power of the era and establish the mightiest empire possible, by force or by diplomacy. But beware: religious conflicts, popular revolts and even a revolution can destabilize any power, even the most fearsome and solid ones.

A few months after release, The Warpath Campaign expansion added a whole new campaign focused on the conquest of North America and the rivalries between France and Great Britain. Today, the Definitive Edition available on Steam lets you download the game and its expansion in a single pack.

The sound design deserves a mention too: cannon fire, rigging creaks and the murmur of port cities give each naval battle a cinematic weight that few strategy games of the era matched.

Watch the official Empire: Total War trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/Yrmsh54J-nA

Discover some images of the game

Sources

Official Total War website

Medieval 2 Total War

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Medieval 2 Total War is one of the most famous installments of the Total War saga. In this game, turn-based strategy is mixed with real-time tactics. It was developed by Creative Assembly and published by Sega.

As in most Total War games, you control cities and provinces. You can develop their economies and their economic or military buildings. Through these choices, you will be able to focus either on increasing your treasury or on recruiting well-equipped, well-trained soldiers. These provinces let you raise medieval armies and defend your kingdom — and of course try to expand it. But beware! If the population is unhappy, you will have to fight many revolts. Not an easy job being a medieval lord!

But after all, it is not all about war! You can also take power over the rest of Europe through diplomacy, with royal marriages, or by sending religious envoys to convert a province’s population.
The map consists of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Games span a large portion of the Middle Ages, from 1080 to 1530.

The specificity of Total War games lies in the mix between turn-based strategic phases and real-time battle phases. Indeed, when two armies meet or during a siege, you can take control of your troops and lead them to victory!

The mods deserve a special mention: Stainless Steel and Third Age transformed the base game so thoroughly that many players spent years on them, extending the 1080-1530 timeline with new factions, units and campaigns.

Watch the official Medieval 2 Total War trailer

https://www.youtube.com/embed/8eMMVZBBT_s

Discover some images of the game

Sources

Total War Saga: Troy — Dive into the Bronze Age and Face Mythical Heroes

Sun, 24 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Total War Saga: Troy, by Creative Assembly, had a rather original release. Indeed, it was first available on the Epic Games Store in August 2020, free for almost a year. It then went on sale on Steam in 2021, much later…

Discovering the Bronze Age and the Age of Heroes!

As its name suggests, the game tackles the mythical period of the Trojan War and the Iliad. Hero combat (in duel format), large land and sea battles, and economic development are all there!

On the program?
**Fight to save or conquer the kingdom of Troy by embodying one of the eight mythical heroes, including the famous warrior Achilles, the noble protector Hector, the rebellious prince Paris and the vengeful king Menelaus.
In the middle of a battle, it is possible to call upon mythical units inspired by Greek mythology creatures, such as the Minotaur, the Cyclops, the Giants and the Centaurs.

So, a soft spot for the Greek camp, or rather the urge to save the legendary city of Troy?

DLC Side

As always with Total War, the game received many paid DLCs:

Amazons released in September 2020
Blood & Glory released in October 2020
Ajax & Diomedes released in January 2021
Rhesus & Memnon released in December 2021

Note that two free mini-DLCs are also available:

Artemis Religion Pack released in October 2020
Hephaestus Pack released in January 2021

The economy underneath all this stays true to the Total War formula: taxes, trade and province development fund your armies, while god-favored heroes can turn the tide of a whole campaign with a single duel victory.

Watch the official Total War Saga: Troy trailer

Discover some images of the game

Sources

Surviving the Aftermath: Post-Apocalyptic Management Game with Politics and Resource Management

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Surviving the Aftermath was released on November 16, 2021, developed by Iceflake Studios and published by Paradox Interactive. This original game is a city builder set in a post-apocalyptic world: at the head of a small group of survivors fleeing devastated lands, you must rebuild civilization, one colony at a time.

At first, the goal is to keep your group alive with limited resources, facing terrible storms or harsh winters. Exploring ruins, recovering ancient technologies and defending against raiders pace the first hours. Then comes reconstruction: housing, farms, mines, factories, and finally the specializations that will make your colony strong — agriculture, industry, research or military defense.

Choosing the Society to Rebuild

Who says rebuilding humanity says politics. You can choose what type of society to rebuild in this new world: a police state dominated by an armed militia caste, a democracy open to all refugees, or an autonomous community based on sharing. Each choice influences your colonists’ loyalty, the colony’s output and the events that punctuate your game.

But be careful: the choices you make can lead to revolts or food shortages. It is all about finding the right balance. Because yes, who says devastated world says scarce resources: managing them will clearly take up a good part of your time, and each of your projects will be a real challenge. The only downside: this management can sometimes feel tedious and frustrating. Fortunately, as in any good Paradox game, mods are there to bring new challenges!

Colony specializations also stack in interesting ways: an agriculture-focused colony feeds a larger population but needs more defenders, while an industry-heavy one rushes advanced tech but drains your limited resources faster.

Watch the official Surviving the Aftermath trailer

https://www.youtube.com/embed/pmJCtf893Fw

Discover some images of the game

Source image: Steam

Sources

Crusader Kings III: Discover Paradox Interactive's Medieval Saga

Sat, 09 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Released in September 2020 on PC and March 2022 on console, Crusader Kings III is the third installment of Paradox Interactive’s saga. It follows in the footsteps of the studio’s latest games, with similar grand strategy mechanics, a fully reworked interface and a map approaching that of Europa Universalis.

The game is set in the medieval period, from 867 to 1453. You embody the head of a noble dynasty, whether an emperor, a king or a simple provincial count. The goal: grow your family’s fame and wealth, or simply your domain. But beware, the game has many surprises in store — attacks from unscrupulous neighbors, court intrigue, great royal conflicts. Even at the height of its power, in Crusader Kings III everything can collapse overnight.

The map is immense: from the British Isles to the Russian lands, from West Africa to India, via the Middle East and Eastern Europe. So many diversities of cultures, religions and political systems that make each game a unique story.

The Art of Court Intrigue

What sets Crusader Kings III apart from other strategy games is its focus on characters. Each member of your court has personality traits, ambitions and secrets: jealous vassals, turbulent children, calculating spouses. Arranged marriages, commissioned assassinations and armed rebellions pace your dynasty’s life. Managing these human relations is what makes the game so flavorful, far more than territorial conquest.

A Critical Success and a Loyal Community

From its release, Crusader Kings III won over critics and players, becoming one of the saga’s most popular installments. Expansions like Royal Court, Tours and Tournaments or Legends of the Dead regularly enrich the experience, while the modding community transforms the game in depth. Several years after its release, the game continues to thrive thanks to exemplary support from Paradox.

The 3D map and character models were a big step up from CK2: watching your armies march across a rendered Europe, or your ruler age in his portrait, gives the dynasty a tangible, almost storybook feel.

Watch the official Crusader Kings III trailer

https://www.youtube.com/embed/xjn66Cl3pMA

Discover some images of the game

Sources

Hearts of Iron 4: World War II Simulation | Economic, Military and Political Management

Sat, 09 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Hearts of Iron IV is a grand strategy game developed by Paradox Interactive, released on June 6, 2016. Heir to a cult saga, it is devoted to simulating World War II over the 1936-1945 period. As often with Paradox, most nations are playable, from the great powers to secondary countries.

You take control of a nation and manage the country’s economic, military and political aspects. Each nation has its own national focus tree, which gives access to varied advantages and lets you choose your place in the coming conflict. For example, you can decide to trigger a communist coup in France in 1936 and completely change the course of the war, or try to save Poland from the German invasion.

Building Your War Machine

The heart of the game lies in preparing for conflict. You must design your division templates, organize your industrial production, manage your supply lines and train your officers. Battles are fought on a tactical map where terrain, morale and weather matter as much as numbers. A poorly prepared invasion quickly turns into disaster, while a well-executed breakthrough can turn the tide of the front.

Rewriting History

One of Hearts of Iron IV’s great attractions is the immense quantity of mods available. The community is very active and Paradox developers have set up many tools to help modders: total conversions like Kaiserreich or Old World Blues, alternate scenarios, new nations and technologies. Enough to replay World War II dozens of times without ever getting bored. The game also benefits from constant support, with major expansions regularly reworking production, naval combat or diplomacy mechanics.

The division designer is where much of the depth hides: mixing battalions, support companies and equipment lets you tailor armies to the terrain, from cheap infantry for holding rivers to armored spearheads for breakthroughs.

Watch the official Hearts of Iron IV trailer

https://www.youtube.com/embed/cXvzru3WtU4

Discover some images of the game

Sources

Imperator: Rome — Grand Strategy Game by Paradox Interactive

Sat, 09 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Imperator: Rome is a grand strategy game developed by Paradox Interactive and released on April 25, 2019 on PC, Mac and Linux. The player embodies an ancient nation, from the young Roman Republic to the Hellenistic kingdoms, via Carthage or the Iberian tribes, at the pivotal time when Rome begins building the empire that will dominate the Mediterranean.

The game takes place between 304 BC and 27 BC, the period that sees the end of the Roman Republic and the advent of Augustus. As in most Paradox games, all nations are playable: from the post-Alexander Greek cities to the great Indian kingdoms, via the Persian monarchies and the Germanic peoples. There you will find the studio’s homemade recipe: detailed map, deep economy, demanding diplomacy and tactical real-time battles with pause.

Building an Empire, One Law at a Time

Imperator: Rome’s specificity lies in its political management. Each character has attributes, traits and loyalties that must be watched closely: governing Rome means juggling the Senate, provincial governors, ambitious generals and rival factions. Laws are debated and voted on, cultures assimilate or rebel, and every decision can trigger a major crisis. On the military side, wars are fought on a tactical map where terrain, fortifications, army composition and logistics decide the outcome of battles.

A Mixed Reception Despite Real Potential

At launch, the game disappointed some fans, who found it too close to Europa Universalis with less depth at that stage. Paradox continued free updates for almost two years — civil war rework, economy balancing, cultural content — before announcing the end of active support in 2021. Today, the mod community keeps the game alive and gives it a second youth, from total conversions to fine-tuned adjustments.

The population system adds another layer: each territory tracks citizens, freemen and slaves by culture and religion, and unhappy or unassimilated populations can swell the ranks of pretenders and rebels against your rule.

Watch the official Imperator: Rome trailer

Discover some images of the game

Sources

Victoria 3: Industrial Revolution, Colonizations and Total Strategy | Ultimate Management Game

Sat, 09 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Victoria 3 is a historical grand strategy video game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. It was released in 2022.

The new Victoria installment covers the historical period 1836 to 1936, just like its predecessor Victoria 2. The game focuses on the industrial revolution era and the great upheavals that took place during this period… Colonizations, colonial races but also popular revolutions — challenges abound in the Victoria universe.

Victoria 3 is expected to take up most of its predecessors’ mechanics, but reworked and modernized.
If you like what could be called total strategy, Victoria is for you! In Victoria, every layer of society is covered. Diplomacy and war of course. But the political simulation is extremely deep. Social evolution of the population, religious conflicts, immigration and the fight for civil rights are at the heart of the game’s intrigue.

The economy is also at the heart of the game. Choices in industrial development, taxes or customs duties directly influence the construction of more or less profitable factories, which will later allow you to dominate your rivals.

In short, Victoria is among the ultimate strategy/management games. Even if getting to grips with this kind of game can take a while, given their complexity, Victoria and its competitors offer virtually infinite gameplay possibilities.

The little bonus, as often with Paradox, the game will certainly be accompanied by a myriad of mods quite quickly.

Watch the game’s latest trailer

https://www.youtube.com/embed/5ftmdd1g4hE

Discover some images of the game

Source images: Steam

Victoria 3 remains one of the most complete grand strategy simulations of the 19th and early 20th centuries: industrialization, diplomacy, colonization and internal politics are all simulated in depth. Whether you want to build a liberal utopia, restore a monarchy or industrialize at any cost, the game gives you the tools to shape a nation — and to live with the consequences of your choices.

Strategie Complexe — After Strategy

Victoria 3 Expansion Pass 2: A New Era of Historical Strategy

An Enriched Gaming Experience

New Game Mechanics

New Regions to Conquer

Exploration and Colonization

Captivating Historical Scenarios

Historical Events

Strengthened Diplomacy

Diplomatic Strategies

Graphic and Sound Improvements

Visuals and Atmosphere

Expansion Pass Content

See also

Sources

Age of Wonders 4: Giant Kings

A New Type of Ruler

Unique Abilities

A New Crystal Dwelling

Dwelling Features

Crafting Regions

Exploration and Conquest

Destined Region Event System

Quests and Rewards

New Units and Wildlife

New Tomes

Additional Content

See also

Sources

Europa Universalis IV: An In-Depth Exploration of History and Strategy

Gameplay: Complex and Detailed Management

Economic Management

Diplomacy and International Relations

Conquest and War

Unique Game Mechanics

Technology Tree

Religion and Culture

Exploration and Colonization

Expansions and DLC

Art of War

Rights of Man

The Cossacks

Community and Modding

Popular Mods

Conclusion

See also

Sources

Civilization II: A Timeless Classic of Turn-Based Strategy

Game Context and Objectives

Game Mechanics

Diplomacy and Conflicts

Improvements Over Civilization I

Impact and Legacy

Conclusion

Sources

See also

Diving into the Universe of Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion

Strategies and Tips

See also

Sources

Total War: Warhammer

Paid DLC

Free DLC

Watch the official Total War: Warhammer trailer

Discover some images of the game

Sources

See also

Total War: Three Kingdoms

Two Ways to Play

The Game’s DLC

Watch the official Total War: Three Kingdoms trailer

Discover some images of the game

Sources

See also

Total War Saga Thrones of Britannia: Monotony in Strategic Phases and Battles

A Solid but Underused Historical Setting

Why the Campaign Runs Out of Steam

What Thrones of Britannia Still Does Well Today

Watch the official Total War Saga Thrones of Britannia trailer

Discover some images of the game