Crusader Kings

 PC
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. netjak
    94
    The best game I have played in months. The game managed to create the most complex yet most simple to navigate gameplay mechanism I have ever experienced.
    All this publication's reviews
  2. 1UP
    90
    In all, you're given a huge amount of control over every aspect of your realm, and it's gratifying.
  3. Worth Playing
    86
    This is not a game for the weak minded. One must be mature enough to look beyond the glitz and glamour of gaming to appreciate what Crusader Kings is: an uncompromising exercise in strategy and planning.
  5. Game Chronicles
    85
    The missing tutorial is the only glaring flaw as far as I can see. The developer cites anti-piracy measures as the reason, but as usual this hurts paying customers the most.
  6. GameSpot
    82
    While casual gamers will feel like they've been plunged into a maelstrom of names and dates, anyone with a love of history will appreciate the rigorous attention to detail and epic scope.
  7. Next Level Gaming
    80
    While casual gamers may be put off by its complex political focus, sim and history buffs will love the accuracy this game portrays of medieval politics.
  8. Total Video Games
    80
    Superb grapics, although some may call them minimalistic, an easy to use interface and fleshed out time line/period mark this down as a genre leader for those with an acquired taste.
  9. GameZone
    79
    A very deep and complex game, which will appeal to the crowd that this game is made for. However, the gameplay is a bit complicated, and may alienate more casual strategy gamers. Only hardcore strategy fans need apply.
  10. Gamer's Hell
    78
    All of this high polish is tarnished by the significant, game-stopping bugs that are currently present in the game. If Paradox is able to clean up these bugs, I could highly recommend this game.
  11. Gaming Nexus
    77
    Be warned, however, that there is a lot of work to do before finally wringing enjoyment out of this title, especially if one is new to the series.
  12. IGN
    76
    The family mechanic definitely adds a lot of much-needed personality to the series.
  13. GameSpy
    75
    One of the problems is a lack of meaningful interaction with the rest of the world.

Awards & Rankings

86
#86 Best PC Game of 2004
64
#64 Most Discussed PC Game of 2004

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 47 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 47
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 47
  3. Negative: 6 out of 47
  1. Lachliggity
    Feb 7, 2011
    8
    The only downside of this game is the graphics but if you can get past that it is one of the most epic and realistic medieval games.. YouThe only downside of this game is the graphics but if you can get past that it is one of the most epic and realistic medieval games.. You will not like this game if you do not like random events because this is pretty much 50% of the entire game..… Full Review »
  2. EliasOmhav
    Oct 20, 2007
    10
    Simply awesome.. It's not THAT hard to learn, people are just impatient, it takes maybe 1 hour to learn, if you really put your mind toSimply awesome.. It's not THAT hard to learn, people are just impatient, it takes maybe 1 hour to learn, if you really put your mind to it, and seriously this is a game that you can play for HOURS AND HOURS AND HOURS.. I know I have!

    *nolifer warning*

    My Swedish Empire will soon rule over all of Europe.. And the Arabian lands! "ONWARD YE MEN IN BLUE!"    … Full Review »
  3. Zeca
    Dec 12, 2005
    8
    Innovates the EU2 gameplay by focusing on family, territory and political aspects, from a personal point of view. A pity it was released Innovates the EU2 gameplay by focusing on family, territory and political aspects, from a personal point of view. A pity it was released almost broken and only now, after various patches, can show its shine. Nice game.… Full Review »
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