Reviews by Andres S

Hearts of Iron IV: Trial of Allegiance
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Optional overpriced content for HoI4

Content is not bad, but it's overpriced compared to similar HoI4's DLCs like "Battle for the Bosporus". It's completely optional, as it contains cosmetics and mission trees for three countries in South America (Brazil, Argentina and Chile) as well as some events/decisions for the region.

by Andres S, Spain - Mar 12th 2024

Hearts of Iron IV: Arms Against Tyranny
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You need this expansion for HoI4

This is undoubtedly the best expansion for HoI4. Features like the Military-Industrial Organizations should be the way to specialize and make countries different rather than content-driven events or decisions. The International Market is also a good addition to the game economy and diplomacy. The rework on special forces is also welcomed.

National focus trees for Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Norway are interesting and funny, though I think "power creep" is starting to be an issue, and several trees need to be revisited sooner or later.

My conclusion is clear: if you like HoI4, you need this expansion.

by Andres S, Spain - Oct 16th 2023

Hearts of Iron IV: Eastern Front Music Pack
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Just good music for Hearts of Iron IV

No more, no less: good music for you while playing HoI4. Several known songs, adapted, from the USSR, Germany, Romania and Poland.

by Andres S, Spain - Aug 15th 2023

Europa Universalis IV: Domination
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Another good expansion for EU4

The last EU4 DLCs and updates are more focused in adding more content and, overall, polishing game features and mechanics, rather than creating new ones, which was the scope of former DLCs which turned out to be counterproductive (Leviathan, i.e.). Domination is improving mission trees for EU4's great powers, like Ottomans, France, Spain, England, China... It's also giving more coherence to mechanics like government reforms or special units, thanks to which these countries feel more unique and replayable, as several alternatives are opened.

Besides gameplay content Domination also includes new graphics, music, etc.

It's a very good addition to EU4, I'd say the best in years.

by Andres S, Spain - May 8th 2023

Stellaris: Toxoids Species Pack
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A fine species pack for Stellaris

I'm not too much into species packs, even they're a bit more interesting after they started including some content in them beyond skins, like thematic new civics, traits and origins. This one is better than the first ones (Plantoids, Humanoids) and I find it more interesting than Lithoids and Aquatics. If you like the variations these kind of DLCs add to Stellaris, you'll enjoy it.

by Andres S, Spain - Jan 1st 2023

Crusader Kings III: Friends & Foes
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Good new content for CK3

This DLC is fine. You get quite a lot of new events (over a hundred, as stated by developers), simple or organized in chains, related to interactions between characters, both friendly and unfriendly. It adds more variety, which is always welcomed.

I like this kind of expansions on Paradox games, thematically designed rather than just geographically, or even features which lack support after its release (this is something Paradox may be changing, as Stellaris is "experimenting" now).

I think this is a good DLC for most CK3 players, as interaction among characters is an essential feature in this game.

by Andres S, Spain - Sep 9th 2022

Stellaris: Overlord
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A very well designed expansion for Stellaris

The three last expansions for Stellaris have been focused on diplomacy, from a peaceful (Federations), hostile (Nemesis) or dominating (Overlord) point of view. Overlord is the best of them.

Not only the main expansion feature (vassalization) is better represented than federations or spionage, but all the content added (new origins, structures, enclaves...) is really well thought, and it adds more "life" to the galaxy, which I think it's the way Stellaris should take.

Although not as essential to the game as Utopia, I'd say Overlord is one of the best expansion/DLCs to Stellaris, specially regarding mid to lategame.

by Andres S, Spain - Jun 15th 2022

HUMANKIND™ - Cultures of Africa Pack
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Well designed content, not what the game needs more

I like Humankind's Cultures of Africa. It includes a new culture for era, most of them interesting to play as they bring some "twists", in special relating to expansion and district interactions.

My only problem... What Humankind needs now is a rework on some of its core mechanics, not new cultures (though these ones are good). I don't think this DLC will help to bring back more players to this game, better chances of that with the announced updates during the year. Looking forward to them.

by Andres S, Spain - Feb 6th 2022

Hearts of Iron IV: No Step Back
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No Step Back? Two steps forward!

The new update and expansion have changed several HoI4 mechanics for good. Though the new supply system, which is great, was included in the free update, there are good reasons to buy this expansion:

1) Tank designer. Making your own versions for tanks, tank destroyers, self-propelled artillery... is funny but also relevant to simulation and strategical choices (adapted variants or multi-purpose tanks to optimize your prodution line?), and it also adds versatility to division composition.

2) Army Officer Corps and Army Spirits. Though it seems the typical Paradox modifiers layer, it feels more organic, as your advisors may be your own generals once they're experienced enough, and there is really a choice behind the multiple options.

3) New National Focus Trees. Though I'm not a fan of the Baltic ones (they're good and funny, but I like "historical" WWII) the Soviet tree is amazing. Alt-history branches are good, but the "historical" path is very good, and there are some choices on which alternative, or on which order, you should take that brings interesting variations even in the most "orthodox" approach.

In conclusion, a great expansion for HoI4. No Step Back would top my HoI4 DLC ranking:

1) No Step Back
2) Waking the Tiger
3) La Resistance
4) Man the Guns
5) Death or Dishonor
6) Battle for the Bosporus
7) Together for Victory

by Andres S, Spain - Dec 23rd 2021

Stellaris: Aquatics Species Pack
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Good, but not so relevant as other Stellaris DLCs. And a bit pricey.

This DLC is a "species pack", so you get what you expect: some new portraits for races, a new graphic design for their ships and special civics and origin for subaquatic empires. All this content is fine.

But it's more expensive than other species packs (Humanoids, Plantoids, Lithoids and Necroids are all 8$ / 8€), and I miss for this "species pack" something more like "Synthetic Dawn", the DLC centered on robotic empires which added all those features but also music and more content (events, a reworked crisis...).

So... Aquatics is good optional content for Stellaris, but I'd like to see on these species pack a more "integral" approach, à la Synthetic Dawn.

by Andres S, Spain - Nov 29th 2021

Europa Universalis IV: Origins Immersion Pack
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Is this a comeback for EU4? I hope so!

After some bad releases (Leviathan, Golden Century), and the "fine but a bit underwhelming" Emperor, this is the first time in a couple of years that EU4 seems to be improving.

First of all, the free update released along this DLC is really good, killing a lot of bugs and improving some features, like institutions.

The DLC itself is good. It is completely optional: if you don't mind about Africa, don't bother to get it. But the content added (16 new mission trees) is an invitation to try something new in EU4. I also like the new approach to mission trees, as the new ones are a bit more complex than the usual "get a casus belli", which I welcome.

Finally, you get a revamped jewish religion mechanic, as well as a some sprites and music tracks.

So, Origins is a good DLC: it's not "required" to enjoy EU4, but it improves your game experience in a good bunch of countries.

by Andres S, Spain - Nov 26th 2021

HUMANKIND™ Digital Deluxe Edition
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Not just an alternative for Civilization

I suppose it's unavoidable comparing Humankind to Civilization, so this is my take on it: I like both, I welcome the innovations Humankind bring to the genre, and I think (and hope!) they will coexist and thrive.

I won't say much about the conventional and expected features in a 4X game: they're well implemented and funny enough. But I think Humankind's main strength lives on its general design, way more streamlined than Civilization.

Though it's possible achieving a technological or "space race" victory, it doesn't feel as "gamey" as the religion or culture features in Civilization; Humankind's approach is closer to grand-strategy games like Europa Universalis IV: economy, diplomacy and military power are the real game, with several mechanics to influence them. I find this approach more organic, coherent and plausible than Civilization's.

I also love its dynamic cultural system, which allows you to "adapt" your strategy to your circumstances.

I'm looking forward to Humankind's development. Amplitude has done a great job in its initial release, so they've won my trust to what comes next.

by Andres S, Spain - Aug 21st 2021

Stellaris: Nemesis
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A really good expansion for the "diplomatic" game in Stellaris

Where Federations (the previous Stellaris expansion) felt incomplete or plain, Nemesis is really adding relevant features as well as immersion.

Nemesis is mostly about the "dark side" of diplomacy: more options to covert ops and espionage, as well as imposing your rule over your partners.You can even become the crisis that could destroy the galaxy!

There are some balance issues still, but, as we know, they'll be fixed more sooner than later.

by Andres S, Spain - Apr 30th 2021

Europa Universalis IV: Leviathan
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One of the worst EU4 expansions. You can skip it.

I assume the numerous bugs and balance issues will be fixed eventually. But, besides that, Leviathan is an underwhelmming EU4 expansion, with a bunch of disarrayed little mechanics that feels awkward in simulation terms (monuments), not well implemented (new diplomatic actions related to favors) or plainly wrong (moving development between countries).

Regarding to content (southeast Asia and Australia, totemic religion...), it's a mixed bag. I don't like the impression that it all comes to be some "buffs" to make easier "painting the map".

It's overpriced, also.

by Andres S, Spain - Apr 30th 2021

Imperator: Rome - Heirs of Alexander Content Pack
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Will you be Alexander the Great's successor?

Alongside this expansion, a free update has brought Imperator Rome to a really great form. But, what's this DLC contribution to this "rebirth"?

First of all, regarding its title, it brings new content for the Diadochi, the generals that ruled the countries that emerged from Alexander's Empire after his death: Macedonia, Thrace, Egypt, the Seleucid and the Antigonid Empires.

It also introduces a new feature: the Wonder designer, that will allow you to build your own monumental Pyramid, Lighthouse, Partenon, etc. At a (great) cost, of course, but it'll improve your country's prestige and influence. This is a feature that, when it was announced, I didn't find it so appealling but once seen in the game I'm really appreciating it.

It also brings additional religion-related content for the Greek wolrd, as well as new music.

In conclusion, though I think it's an optional DLC for Imperator (none of its features are "required" to play), I think it's a very recommendable one.

by Andres S, Spain - Feb 19th 2021

Stellaris: Necroids Species Pack
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The best species pack for Stellaris

Unlike another Stellaris species packs which are basically cosmetical (Plantoids and Humanoids) or which just add a small feature (Lithoids), Necroids bring a new way of playing the game, thanks to the new origin, trait and civics. You'll be able to use other species as a resource, in even more terrible ways than slavery.

I only miss new music tracks! Either way, Stellaris is a totally recommended DLC.

by Andres S, Spain - Nov 25th 2020

Hearts of Iron IV: Battle for the Bosporus
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A very interesting bunch of what-ifs on WWII

Battle for the Bosporus is the first HoI4's DLC which doesn't add features (even 'Death or Dishonor' brought a few but interesting mechanics regarding equipment), so it's as completely optional as actually recommendable.

It adds their own national focus trees to three countries (Turkey, Greece and Bulgaria), which allows you to take another approach to WWII, as there's lot of 'alternate history' options for the three countries (like trying to reinstate the old Ottoman or Byzantine empires, joining one of the main factions in WWII, etc.). Yugoslavia and Romania are also revisited, but you'll need the aforementioned Death or Dishonor to enjoy their own trees.They are all quite interesting.

With all this game content (decisions, events, focus....) it also adds some new graphics for these countries, and three new music tracks, which are really good.

In conclusion, a good addition to Hearts of Iron IV which expands the numbre of countries that are interesting to play.

by Andres S, Spain - Oct 18th 2020

Crusader Kings III: Royal Edition
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A superb game. Don't miss it!

I couldn't know where to start, so... I'll keep it simple. Crusader Kings 3 is a unique game. While other strategy games are comparable so you've got to get down to details to know which is better, CK3 is one of its kind. As a sequel, CK3 clearly improves CK2 (which is not easy as it received no less than 15 expansions in its 8 years lifespan).

I couldn't recommend it enough.

by Andres S, Spain - Sep 3rd 2020

Europa Universalis IV: Emperor
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Good content for keeping EU4 relevant

In its free patch, Emperor expansion has brought very necessary changes and updates, as a totally revamped mercenary system, a better implementation of noble, burghers, clergy... and so on.

The DLC is not so "flashy" but it's still a good one. New content for several countries in Europe (like mission trees), new mechanics for the Holy Roman Empire and the Papal States... as well as a reworked system for the catholic faith. For the late game, revolutions have been improved too, now with new units for the revolutionary armies.

by Andres S, Spain - Jun 20th 2020

Imperator: Rome - Magna Graecia Content Pack
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New content for Greece during the rise of Rome

As in other Paradox games (HoI4 and Stellaris), this DLC is plenty optional. It gives more content to three greek powers (Athens, Sparta and Syracusae): a full set of missions, their own pantheon and some cosmetics (their own models for units and ships as well as new musical themes).

It also adds a little feature which digs deeper in the main theme of the free patch (religion): apotheosis (the deification of former rulers).

So... Magna Graecia follows a good model for DLCs, and its particular content is good enough to give Imperator Rome another try.

by Andres S, Spain - Apr 5th 2020

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