Hearts of Iron II

 PC
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
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  1. Next Level Gaming
    73
    Does a great job of creating a game that simulates the experience of "Axis and Allies" the board game, just updated and enhanced with the power of a computer.
  2. 1UP
    70
    Yes, it targets a small audience, but it hits a bull's-eye.
  3. Computer Gaming World
    50
    The biggest problem is that the province-based movement system doesn't lend itself well to re-creating the kinds of huge land campaigns that give a good strategic war game its sense of scope. [Apr 2005, p.91]
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Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Best PC Game of 2005
52
#52 Most Discussed PC Game of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 107 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 91 out of 107
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 107
  3. Negative: 8 out of 107
  1. Orctownorc
    Oct 4, 2012
    10
    This game gets a 10 to show that I don't have a special hatred of Paradox interactive. It's worth a 9, but we go to 10 to make the point.This game gets a 10 to show that I don't have a special hatred of Paradox interactive. It's worth a 9, but we go to 10 to make the point. While this is NOT the best WWII game ever. It is possibly the best grand strategy WWII game. The best WWII game BY FAR is CCV (Invasion Normandy) modded version Gold Juno Sword, played versus a human opponent. HOI2 meanwhile is still a great game, and far more accessible, functional and user friendly than its bloated decendent HOI3. HOI2 has a far better balance of detail and playability. HOI2 has a much more accessible and enjoyable research system. HOI2 has such obviously useful tools as a way to find units by type, which inexplicably disappeared in the latest game. The only problem with this game is that it needs to be patched or modded with new graphics options so that it can scale properly on present-day monitors. Paradox should swallow their pride and stop making expansions for the HOI3 turkey until they have rebuilt and improved this older but far superior game. Reading the reviews its hard to stop laughing at how seriously Paradox fans take themselves. There is nothing hard, deep, or intellectually challenging about this game. It's easy. It's fun. And it was designed by guys who want to imagine that the Germans could have and should have won the war, which should be a hint as to which faction you want to choose if you want to enjoy yourself. Enjoy yourself. this is a great game. And unlike most Paradox strategy sausage machines you don't have to cheat to win.… Full Review »
  2. krasnyoktya
    Jan 8, 2012
    10
    This game is not flashy, but the combination of historical accuracy and strong online community can turn this game into anything you want itThis game is not flashy, but the combination of historical accuracy and strong online community can turn this game into anything you want it to be. Out of the box, it is difficult to get the hang of, but after a few games you will really feel like you can conquer the world. If the vanilla game gets boring, there are numerous different patches and alterations made by the community to make it more difficult or more realistic. The community adds leaders, events and countless other features. Everything about this game is great, and there are relatively few bugs for such a huge game.… Full Review »
  3. Jack
    Aug 4, 2009
    10
    An intellectually stimulating, historically accurate game that does not use pretty graphics to hide lack of depth, this is HoI II. The focusAn intellectually stimulating, historically accurate game that does not use pretty graphics to hide lack of depth, this is HoI II. The focus of the game is to provide a more accurate RTS. No "great commander" that produces factories on a tactical map, rather a strategic view, this is more akin to what a general would see. Learning the game may take a game or two before you can fully appreciate what you can do. While this may not appeal to those who would rather control a beautifully rendered Sherman and successfully engage five or more Koenigtiger, those who have a true interest in strategy will be captivated.… Full Review »
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