Darkest Hour: A Hearts of Iron Game

 PC
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 57 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 57
  3. Negative: 6 out of 57

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  1. Terrifico
    Nov 22, 2012
    7
    An enjoyable game for those interested in altering history and conquering lands. A significant improvement over Hearts of Iron II, Darkest Hour is a good addition to the series. Questionable AI along with other gameplay mechanics, such as the belligerence system, diplomatic relations and combat may serve to bring down the level of enjoyment.
  2. TJarnold92
    Apr 9, 2011
    8
    I'm somewhat disappointed that the game does not span from WWI to the Cold War, but the small WWI scenario is fun never-the-less. The enhancements over Hearts of Iron II are, on the most part, pretty good, and it's all for a cheap price (only $10). Amazing deal.
    The new graphics are great, as well as the vast increase in the number of provinces, allowing for greater strategy in assaults,    I'm somewhat disappointed that the game does not span from WWI to the Cold War, but the small WWI scenario is fun never-the-less. The enhancements over Hearts of Iron II are, on the most part, pretty good, and it's all for a cheap price (only $10). Amazing deal.
    The new graphics are great, as well as the vast increase in the number of provinces, allowing for greater strategy in assaults, as well as fixing the problems of not being able to assault certain regions due to being landlocked.
    Still, there are some questionable implementations. The AI rarely makes a push, especially in the WWI scenario. A country, even as a hardcore Fascist, can only have war declared upon them if they have 1 Belligerence. The AI still does not properly conduct amphibious assaults, so the U.S.A. is not an overarching power in Europe. The Ottoman Empire in the WWI scenario is VASTLY underrepresented and does not ever fight in Africa, and is usually knocked out in a few weeks. Production times on all items are greatly increased, and even more so during peace times. Armistices are automatically set in place, so it's impossible to fully annex France if you are doing well.
    All in all, it feels like an expansion to Hearts of Iron II, and that is fitting for it's $10 price tag. If they managed to make a game arching from WWI through the Cold War, this would definitely be a better game. However, being that it's a game made by fans, I'm not one to complain.    … Expand
  3. Klewer
    Nov 15, 2012
    10
    A game of the highest quality. Builds on the fantastic foundation laid by Hearts of Iron II and runs with it adding more depth and gameplay. Well worth it.
  4. zogondragon
    May 8, 2011
    10
    I really enjoyed this game. However, the patch delivery issues with Steam is quite annoying. Anyway, a great expansion and balancing effort for HOI2 series. In addition, I would appreciate more timelines (scenarios) rather than just two - 1914 and 1936...
  5. oso
    Feb 17, 2013
    1
    This Game is bugged to death like every other Paradox Game, it doesnt even run properly on multiplayer. You have to be a computer scientist to get it running via IP and even then it has major desync problems. Absolutely not worth 10€.
  6. Caio_cadavere
    Oct 8, 2014
    4
    I was curious for the WWI scenario, but was a bitter disappointment. Logistic problems, and troops attrition exist ONLY for players, computer send his troops like a unstoppables waves. Some nations (like ottomans) are in start condition too critical...and scenario starts in 1914...you have time only to send your troops to te front...and not all of them will arrive in time.
    Diplomacy is    I was curious for the WWI scenario, but was a bitter disappointment. Logistic problems, and troops attrition exist ONLY for players, computer send his troops like a unstoppables waves. Some nations (like ottomans) are in start condition too critical...and scenario starts in 1914...you have time only to send your troops to te front...and not all of them will arrive in time.
    Diplomacy is the same of the others heart of iron, with all them problems...BUT...do commercial pact for some resources is impossibile (with ottomans, germany and italy i was unable to import steel)...
    In conclusion ther'are better heart of iron to play...buy it only with steam sale if you want    … Expand
  7. logancool
    Feb 1, 2016
    10
    This game is literally the best strategy game I have ever had the pleasure of playing, if you suck a the game, chances are, it's out of your intellectual league. I understood the game after watching a few tutorials and a quick failure by trying to use mannsteins sicklestroke plan, when the schliefen plan was much better for the game. I had a great understanding of all of the mechanics andThis game is literally the best strategy game I have ever had the pleasure of playing, if you suck a the game, chances are, it's out of your intellectual league. I understood the game after watching a few tutorials and a quick failure by trying to use mannsteins sicklestroke plan, when the schliefen plan was much better for the game. I had a great understanding of all of the mechanics and the limitations of the game afterwards.… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 4 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Gamers.at
    May 20, 2011
    72
    Beginners will be overwhelmed by numbers, facts and statistics, on the contrary professionals can romp with lots of new strategic possibilities.
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  2. Absolute Games
    Apr 28, 2011
    83
    The only drawback of Darkest Hour is that it has only two starting points – 1914 and 1936. If you are completely new to the Hearts of Iron series, this is game you need.
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  3. Multiplayer.it
    Apr 13, 2011
    88
    Darkest Hour is not just a spin off, it is the real heird of Hearts of Iron 2. A believable and dramatic walk trough the most epic and dramatic moments of the 19th century.
    Read full review
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