Plentiful Paradox Package [Download]

by Paradox Interactive

Product Details

• ASIN: B008G0ZDZI
• Release Date: June 29, 2012
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars What's So Great About the Paradox Bundle Sale November 27, 2012

By D Porter

I bought two other Paradox packages as I already owned most the games in this one but I had to chime in on the value of this awesome package. ($9.99)

Though Paradox frequently runs sales this is the best price I've ever seen, from one of the best game developers around. I normally don't say much about developers but in this time when many fail at game development and support it is worth noting when customers will not have problems in these areas (exception exist) -- save for just not liking a game.

Also there is no DRM hassles and after activation you can run these games offline.

The titles for the most part are some of the most accessible games Paradox sells, save for Victoria, which requires an interest in substantial micromanagement. There is a strong fan base for Victoria 2 so it continues to be well supported.

Crusader Kings 2 has an easier learning curve to enjoy the game, though is more difficult than Civilization (for a comparison). I have over 600 hours into the game and plan on many more. The package is worth it for this title alone. Note that you will need to buy any DLCs from Steam or Amazon (with Steam activation) in the future. And, there will be more DLCs to come.

Magica is on sale a lot but this is a good collection that normally runs about $10 alone. I'm not a fan of the series but it is quite popular.

The only game I'm not familiar with is Sword and Stars. I see it on sale a lot though.

If you ever had a remote desire to play any of these games, this is the time to buy. I'd pay $9.99 for most these titles separately and for those who love CK2 and Victoria the games are still worth full price.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't ask for a better deal. July 20, 2012

By Thomas Bond

This is a great deal for some very good games. Crusader King II alone is worth much more than 12.50 and you will get unlimited hours of entertainment from it if you have the patience for these games.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun Collection January 7, 2013

By Geomancer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a fun collection of games that can easily suck away a hundred of hours of your time ... on each game (minus perhaps Magika).

Paradox has made a name for itself in the realm of strategy games. Very complex strategy games. If you want fast paced action then most of these games are not going to be something you are interested in.

Victoria 2 and Crusader Kings II:
These two games are somewhat similar, but take place in different settings. Crusader Kings II is all about building a medieval dynasty around the time of the third crusade. The point of the game is to build and maintain your dynasty (your family line) and keep it going through political intrigue. Your vassals and neighbors both have ambitions for your titles and you must make steps to fend them off. The game is mostly focused on politics.

Victoria 2 takes place at the dawn of the industrial revolution, and the goal in this game is mostly diplomacy and economics. World conquest is not something you can do in this game, it takes place after Napoleon conquered much of Europe and countries were very critical of anyone taking over other contries in conquest. For offensive actions you gain "Infamy" and if that value gets too high the entire world (near enough) will declare war on you to put a stop to your expansionist ways.

Sword of the Stars 1 and 2:
These are turn-based strategy games that follow the traditional 4X (Explore, Expand, Exploit, Exterminate) style. They are really complex though, far more than the 'benchmark' game Masters of Orion 2. The first game is pretty polished, if old, while the second game is a bit rough (extreamly rocky release, but most of the issues have been resloved) but adds even more complexity. Combat in these games takes place in real time rather than turn-based.

Magicka:
Honestly, haven't played this one so I can't really comment on it at this time.

So why did I take a star off? Tutorials. They're terrible, and won't give you any idea how to play the game, at all. They'll teach you the interface, but that's about it. These games are extreamly complex so the only way to get into them is trial and error, lots of you tube videos, and reading forums. Once you get past the extensive learning curve though the games can be quite enjoyable. So if you can handle a hard to learn game, and like strategy games, give these a try.