VICTORIA III - Available now!

[Ian C]

The game is not broken. The reviews on STEAM are mostly generally positive, with some negative reviews from players not happy with the military changes, the GUI etc.  I've seen this response with every new Paradox release. However, it is possibly the most daunting Paradox game I've seen so far. The depth is a little intimidating, and I think understanding how to play properly will require some investment of time.
Proper tutorials will help.

[Jarhead0331]

The game is not broken. The reviews on STEAM are mostly generally positive, with some negative reviews from players not happy with the military changes, the GUI etc.  I've seen this response with every new Paradox release. However, it is possibly the most daunting Paradox game I've seen so far. The depth is a little intimidating, and I think understanding how to play properly will require some investment of time.
Proper tutorials will help.

Can you explain what is so "deep" about it? Many seem to be suggesting that there is no basis for this claim and that the game is wide as an ocean, but about as deep as a puddle. At least with respect to the military system, this seems more accurate than not.

[Ian C]

Can you explain what is so "deep" about it? Many seem to be suggesting that there is no basis for this claim and that the game is wide as an ocean, but about as deep as a puddle. At least with respect to the military system, this seems more accurate than not.

Did they say what kind of depth they were expecting or wanted? Did they want it simpler or more complex? The way I see it, 'Deep' as in that there are a lot of systems at work that interact with each other to contribute to success (or not). There are a lot of buttons sliders and levers to pull. It looks 'deep' to me, as I expect that to master the game you have to learn the relationship of a lot of different things in order to achieve success. Or maybe I'm being blinded by those buttons and levers.

The military 'system' in my view, at first look, is rather shallow. It's the most simplified system for warfare I've ever seen in a strategy game. It's like Paradox didn't want to give military gamers anything to enjoy.  As a diplomatic/economic/demographic sim, it does the military basics -  it displays fronts, gives battle statistics, casualties, but that's it. If you are role-playing a head of state, then it achieves that role - you give the general war orders and watch them unfold, but I'm not sure if this kind of gamer is the typical Paradox strategy gamer. I agree it's an odd decision they made. I would have thought warfare could have been really enjoyable for Vicky 3. Especially since the map looks gorgeous.

I've played for under 2 hours. I'm not firing it up again until more reviews come in and then maybe I'll keep it, or refund it and then repurchase after DLC, but for now, I'm keeping an open mind.

[Jarhead0331]

Me too. The only reason I'm being critical is because I really want an excuse to get it. I mean, I want it to be a great successor, I want it to succeed. I want it to be supported and developed over time rather than abandoned like some of the less popular titles.

But I've got concerns based on what I'm seeing in user reviews and I'd like to see these negative points either refuted or confirmed by reliable sources. I understand that may take time.

[ArizonaTank]

I decided to take the plunge... Mostly because I am such a big Vicky I and II fan.

I am just at the 2 hour point. I am happy to keep the game. So far, it is what I expected and wanted.

Some very initial notes / impressions...

-I wasn't real happy about the price. There have been so many great strategy games in recent years that are down around the $29 - $39 range. But the game does have a polished feel to it...so I am not going to complain too much...but I reserve the right to complain about it...am a "grognard" after all.

-The game meets my definition of "deep." There are so many moving parts to understand. Two hours in, and I feel I have just scratched the surface.

-So far, all the detail, buttons and drill down info displays seem to be there for a purpose...not just chrome.

-From what I have seen of military and war (my experience is very limited), it is kind of like a super charged version of risk. Not a bad thing, unless you wanted more "wargamy" play.

So far, the game is what I wanted and expected. But I am also pretty easy on games in general. So far, the game is a nice ride. But I am still very early in my experience with it.

[WallysWorld]

I WAS interested in buying it right away, but after watching some reviews on Youtube comparing 3 to 2, I've decided to sit on the fence for probably quite a long time to see how the game is further developed.

[Ian C]

The problem with early reviews of highly-anticipated new releases are that they are a mixed bag of people with ruined expectations, technical issues, personal nitpicks, euphoria, disappointment, elation, anger, and then there are fanboys and haters. We need level-headed people with no preconceptions or expectations to report back.

EDIT: I'm going back in. I've decided that there isn't enough negativity surrounding the game to make me get a refund or prevent me from playing further.

[nelmsm]

I've played about 3 hours so far and there is a lot to learn.  Took Sweden and have just concentrated on keeping the economy running and the people happy and that is task enough for now.  Lot of wheels turning on the economy in your country and your trade with other countries.

[al_infierno]

I WAS interested in buying it right away, but after watching some reviews on Youtube comparing 3 to 2, I've decided to sit on the fence for probably quite a long time to see how the game is further developed.

Can you link the videos you mentioned?  I did a quick search and only found one by an economist comparing the two, and it's from months before release.

[Old TImer]

 Vicky wiki:
https://vic3.paradoxwikis.com/Victoria_3_Wiki

[al_infierno]

I have to admit I'm still really tempted.  I'd love to sink my teeth into a new economy and diplomacy focused grand strategy, even if the war aspect is ostensibly sub-par.  And if there's one thing you can count on for Nu Paradox (aside from waves of DLC completely overhauling the game), it's that you'll have a good and easy time getting into the game relative to the amount of numbers and stuff to keep on top of.

I just reinstalled EUIV but I'm just not a real big fan of that time period in comparison to the 19th century.

[Jarhead0331]

^I'm still tempted too. lol

[WallysWorld]

Can you link the videos you mentioned?  I did a quick search and only found one by an economist comparing the two, and it's from months before release.

I watched this review (opinion) in its entirety:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDZVMbCaeHI

[SirAndrewD]

I mean, I talk a big game but I had it in my cart for a time yesterday.

Staying strong.

[Jarhead0331]

I mean, I talk a big game but I had it in my cart for a time yesterday.

Staying strong.

Watch the video WallysWorld posted. It will bring you back from the ledge.