Crusader Kings II 2012

Released: February 14, 2012
Genres: Role-playing (RPG) · Simulator · Strategy
Platforms: Linux · PC · Mac
Developer: Paradox Development Studio
Publisher: Paradox Interactive
More info: Wikipedia IGDB

Where to buy

On sale: $19.35 $38.65 -50% as Crusader Kings II: Dynasty Starter Pack on GOG $34.79 $38.66 -10% as Crusader Kings II: Dynasty Starter Pack on Fanatical More deals on GOG Fanatical, and in Strategy
Digital: GOG Fanatical
Physical: Search on Amazon

Affiliate links: GOG, Fanatical, Green Man Gaming, ININ Games and Amazon

Is it still worth playing?

Paradox Development Studio's 2012 grand strategy game for Windows, set in the Middle Ages. You guide a dynasty from 1066 to 1453, with start dates between 1066 and 1337, playing any landed noble and setting your own goals. The tools are warfare, marriage and assassination, each with rules of its own: war needs a legal casus belli, there are three types of marriage, and inheritance law decides who gets titles. People matter more than borders. Every character holds an opinion of every other, and a genetics and education system passes traits, culture, religion and skills to children. The game ends if your character dies without an heir of the same dynasty, if the dynasty loses all count rank titles, or in 1453. Rules that interlock, rather than a script, still turn each campaign into a different family story today.