with no doubt, the best strategic game i'v ever played. sure, it's fun with the traditional real-time strategic games where it's mostly about gathering resourses and recruting soldiers, but if you are looking for more than that, to take into account the diplomacy and economy side of the nations, the schemes, the realtionships, the very nature of human interactions, then you have to play this game. it will take you a couple of hours to make sence of the game (youtube tutorial videos will help too) but once you get familiar with the mechanics, it becoms an exceptional experience. it's not possible to list all the great things about this game since there are SO many amazing details to mention, but i'll try. here is why the game is more than awesome:
- the map, is HUGE (Europe+Asia+parts of Africa) and full of details.
- the history is accurate and major historical events happen in the game. (such as the mongol invasion or viking attacks)
- there are many different faiths and cultures which have thier specific characteristics and affect your game style.
- it's a combination of RPG and RTS where you grow your character with perks you gather and decisions you make.
- you get to create your own dynasty from scratch and make sure it grows in the direction you want.
- it's not easy, and yet the challenges don't make it unrealistic.
- the game is greatly optimized considering all the events that are happening at the same time.
- its not turn-based. (personal preference)