Product details

Abstract

CRUSADER KINGS is a strategy game based on the Europa Universalis engine that focuses on the feudal kingdoms of medieval Europe in the time period of 1066 to 1419 A.D. The map is limited to Europe, stretching roughly to the Urals in the east and including parts of Persia and the Arabian Peninsula as well as the coast of North Africa. Unlike Europa Universalis, this game is more about prestige and wealth than traditional empire building. To the player, the honour and power of the royal dynasty are more important than the expansion of the nation's borders (although that is of course still an important aspect of the game). In Crusader Kings, players also have to deal with the feudal lords and bishops that rule the various provinces.

ESRB rating

Violence

Full description

Crusader Kings utilizes the Europa Universalis game engine, but presents the medieval fiefdoms of Europe from 1066 to 1419. The Crusader Kings map includes the Urals on the eastern edge, as well as parts of Persia and the coast of North Africa. In a twist, games of Crusader Kings focus on wealth and honor more than territorial acquisition, with players trying to hoard as much Prestige and Piety as possible. Contending with bishops, feudal lords, and the magnates of other provinces is much of the challenge. Saved games can also be converted into Europa Universalis games for additional gameplay.

Gameplay takes place in real-time, though players can choose to pause the game at any time, allowing for careful strategy. Feudal society is represented with laws, nobles, burghers, priests, peasants, and religious superstitions. Combat features exotic units like Mongolian light cavalry and English long bowmen. As their dynasty gains power and prestige, players receive special awards from the Pope, and can choose to join a religious order like the Knight's Templars, The Knights of St John, The Teutonic Order, the Order of Calatrava, and the Order of Santiago.

Special features

Prestige and Power - Take control of one of the Great Christian Dynasties of Europe and forge the bonds of your vassals from a circle of friends into a Nation. Reenact the crusades, defend against the Mongol onslaught, and form feudal nation-states in Europe.

Nearly 400 Years of Gameplay – Play the campaigns of the Hundred Years War, the five Crusades, and the Mongol Wars. Meet Richard the Lionhearted, Saladin and Subotai.

Huge Map - Map spans from Iceland in the West to the Urals in the East and the deserts of North Africa in the South.

Build a Nation - Build castles and cathedrals, introduce new laws, and follow the heed of the Pope.

Family Dynasty - Recognize every main character in your dynasty or among your enemies as children inherit facial attributes of their parents.

Ready to Play - Intuitive interface, tutorial and manual make for a great gaming experience for novice and advanced gamers alike.

Pausable Real-Time - This real-time game can set at pause at any time or any given event to give players time for planning in an otherwise real-time strategy environment.

Friends and Enemies - Multiplayer allows for up to 8 players to battle for Prestige and Piety over LAN and Internet.

Add Another 400 Years - Extend your gameplay through centuries by exporting your finished game into Europa Universalis 2.