Crusader Kings 2: An Honest Review of Its Flaws and Features

Crusader Kings 2 is a historic grand strategy game that has captured the hearts of many strategy enthusiasts. However, like any other complex game, it is not perfect, and it comes with its share of flaws. Let’s dive into the most significant issues that players might face and how they affect the overall experience.

The Steep Learning Curve

The game's intricate mechanics and numerous systems can be overwhelming for new players. Understanding the relationships between dynasties, vassals, and the various political and religious dynamics takes considerable time. This learning curve can be challenging, but once mastered, the game offers a rich and immersive experience.

User Interface Issues

The user interface can be clunky and unintuitive. Important information is sometimes buried in menus, making it difficult to access or interpret data quickly. This can lead to frustration, especially for players who are new to the game or those with limited time to play.

AI Limitations

The AI can behave unpredictably or make suboptimal decisions, leading to immersion-breaking situations. Vassals might act irrationally or engage in illogical wars that disrupt the game’s flow. These unpredictable behaviors can be frustrating and may affect the player's enjoyment of the game.

Repetitive Gameplay

While the game offers a lot of depth, some players find that the gameplay can become repetitive over time. After multiple playthroughs, the core mechanics may start to feel familiar and less engaging. This can be alleviated by exploring different scenarios or creating custom maps, but it's a consideration for long-term players.

Balancing Issues

Certain mechanics, such as marriage alliances or character traits, can sometimes lead to unbalanced gameplay. Players might exploit these mechanics to create powerful dynasties too easily. This can affect the game's fairness and the satisfaction of achieving a difficult victory.

Performance Problems

As the game progresses and the map fills with characters and armies, performance can lag, especially on older hardware. This can detract from the overall experience, making gameplay less smooth and enjoyable. Upgrading your hardware or using performance-enhancing mods can help mitigate these issues.

Lack of Clear Goals

The open-ended nature of the game means there are no specific objectives. This can leave some players feeling directionless, especially if they are accustomed to games with clear victories. However, this open-endedness allows for great freedom and creativity, making the game flexible for different playstyles.

DLC Dependency

Many of the game's most interesting features and mechanics are locked behind downloadable content (DLC). Some players feel that the base game lacks depth without these expansions, leading to a fragmented experience. Purchasing DLC can enhance the game, but it is an additional cost to consider.

Historical Inaccuracies

While the game aims for historical authenticity, it sometimes simplifies or alters events and relationships for gameplay purposes, which can frustrate history buffs. These simplifications can make the game less accurate but more accessible and engaging for a wider audience.

Despite these flaws, Crusader Kings 2 remains a highly sought-after game for those passionate about historical grand strategy. The rich world, complex systems, and deep gameplay make it rewarding for dedicated players. Whether you love the game or are cautious about its imperfections, there’s a lot to appreciate in Crusader Kings 2.