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Crusader Kings III

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Crusader Kings III
Item: Crusader Kings III
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2020

GenresSimulation, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Strategy, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableSep 1, 2020

PlatformPlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X

DeveloperParadox Interactive

Overview

Crusader Kings III is the newest generation in the medieval role-playing grand strategy game series Crusader Kings. Expand and improve your realm, whether a mighty kingdom or modest county. Use marriage, diplomacy and war to increase your power and prestige in a meticulously detailed map that stretches from Spain to India, Scandinavia to Central Africa.

Elsewhere

8.2

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics praised the Story of Crusader Kings III, highlighting its immersive storytelling, rich historical setting, and dynamic narrative elements. Critics such as Hobby Consolas and Game Revolution appreciated the intricate gameplay and unique stories that unfold with each playthrough, emphasizing the depth of the storytelling experience. PCGamesN commended the game for focusing on the politics of rulers in a medieval setting, creating engaging personal and political narratives. TheGamer and Trusted Reviews lauded the player-driven story aspect, where players can shape the destiny of historical dynasties through strategic decisions and character development. This positive sentiment towards the storytelling aspect of Crusader Kings III was echoed by various critics, showcasing a consensus on the game's strong narrative foundation. While the majority of critics found the Story of Crusader Kings III to be compelling and engaging, some reviewers noted potential drawbacks. For instance, DualShockers and GameSkinny mentioned that the game's focus on shaping a dynasty's legacy through strategic decisions may not appeal to all players, as it requires a significant investment in understanding the intricate mechanics and relationships within the game. Additionally, Screen Rant highlighted that while the game brings an evolved take on the monarch masterpiece, it may not offer a completely new experience for players familiar with the series. These criticisms suggest that the complexity of the gameplay and the evolutionary nature of the storytelling may pose challenges for newcomers or those seeking a radically different gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Story of Crusader Kings III. The game's emphasis on storytelling, character development, and player agency in shaping dynastic legacies garnered widespread acclaim. Critics such as PC Gamer and GameSpot praised the vast and personal narrative experience driven by player choices, resulting in memorable feats of procedural storytelling. The intricate social dynamics, unpredictable narratives, and immersive storytelling elements were highlighted as key strengths of the game by various reviewers. Despite some minor concerns about complexity and familiarity for existing players, the overall sentiment is that Crusader Kings III excels in delivering a compelling and engaging narrative experience that immerses players in the intrigues of medieval politics and dynasty management.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are raving about Crusader Kings III for its immersive storytelling, rich historical setting, and dynamic narrative elements. They love how players can shape the destiny of historical dynasties through strategic decisions and character development. Some critics mention that the game's complexity may not appeal to all players and that it may not offer a completely new experience for series veterans. Overall, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with praise for the game's emphasis on storytelling, character development, and player agency. Despite minor concerns, Crusader Kings III excels in delivering a compelling and engaging narrative experience that immerses players in medieval politics and dynasty management.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Crusader Kings III for its depth, complexity, and strategic elements. Critics like PC Games highlighted the game's balance of depth and accessibility, offering tutorials and in-game hints to help players navigate the intricate mechanics. TheGamer commended the game for its distinct gameplay philosophies called 'lifestyles,' rewarding different playstyles and allowing for role-playing and strategic decisions. Additionally, COGconnected lauded the unique dynasty gameplay, where players continue as the heir of their character, and the absence of a predetermined win condition, adding to the game's replay value. The game's focus on managing relationships, traits, alliances, and warfare, as mentioned by Game Revolution and GameSpot, provided a complex yet rewarding experience for players. On the downside, some critics noted certain challenges with Crusader Kings III's gameplay. XboxEra highlighted the dense and text-based nature of the game, which could be difficult to manage and required constant attention to the flow of time and decision-making across various systems. TheSixthAxis mentioned the new control paradigm for consoles, which might take some time to get used to, especially with the use of triggers to access menus. While the game's battle system was considered cumbersome by Windows Central, the overall consensus of the critics suggests that these issues did not significantly detract from the overall positive reception of the gameplay experience. Overall, the critics' opinions collectively indicate that Crusader Kings III offers a highly engaging and immersive gameplay experience that caters to both fans of the strategy genre and newcomers. The game's intricate mechanics, deep political gameplay, and endless strategic possibilities were widely praised, with many critics commending its replay value, storytelling elements, and complex decision-making processes. Despite some minor criticisms regarding controls and gameplay mechanics, the overwhelming sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority of critics acknowledging the game's exceptional depth and rewarding gameplay loop. Crusader Kings III stands out as a standout title in the grand strategy genre, offering a rich and dynamic experience that captivates players with its detailed world-building and strategic depth.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praise Crusader Kings III for its deep, complex gameplay, strategic elements, and unique features like 'lifestyles' and dynasty gameplay. The game offers a rich experience managing relationships, traits, alliances, and warfare. Some critics mentioned challenges with the dense text-based nature and new control paradigm for consoles but agreed that these issues do not detract significantly from the overall positive reception. Overall, Crusader Kings III provides an engaging and immersive gameplay experience with exceptional depth, replay value, and storytelling elements, making it a standout title in the grand strategy genre.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

46%

Mixed (50-79)

54%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of several critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Crusader Kings III are varied but overall positive. Critics such as PC Games, DualShockers, and GameSkinny praise the game for its improved 3D character models, detailed world map visuals, and exceptional world-building that accurately depicts cultures and religions. The revamped presentation, including animated portrait systems and unique cultural iconography, is highlighted by GameGrin and Game Revolution. Additionally, the game's detailed visuals, dynamic map, and immersive experience are commended by IGN and Trusted Reviews. The addition of 3D character models, detailed maps, and improved UI design contribute to an appealing and visually engaging experience for players, as noted by several critics. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the Graphics and Visual Design of Crusader Kings III. Hobby Consolas and KeenGamer mention the game's simple visual presentation, lack of dynamic visuals, and overwhelming UI design that can feel cluttered and claustrophobic. IGN Spain points out that while the game features detailed visuals, the interface can feel cluttered at times, impacting the overall experience. The lack of a character creator at launch, as mentioned by Strategy Gamer, is seen as a disappointment by some critics. Additionally, TheSixthAxis notes that some elements of the UI can feel hemmed in and constrained on TV screens, affecting the overall visual presentation. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Crusader Kings III offers a visually appealing and immersive experience, with significant improvements in graphics and visual design compared to its predecessor. The game's detailed character models, expansive world map, and enhanced UI design are highlighted as strengths by reviewers such as COGconnected, GameWatcher, and Wccftech. While some critics point out shortcomings such as an overwhelming UI design and constraints on TV screens, the majority acknowledge the game's improvements in graphics, 3D character models, and overall visual presentation. Crusader Kings III succeeds in creating a visually engaging medieval world that enhances the strategic gameplay experience for players across different platforms.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on Crusader Kings III's Graphics and Visual Design, with many praising its improved 3D character models and detailed world map visuals. Some critics highlight its exceptional world-building and unique cultural iconography, while others express concerns about cluttered UI and lack of dynamic visuals. Overall, the game offers a visually appealing and immersive experience, with significant improvements compared to its predecessor, though some shortcomings are noted.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

45%

Mixed (50-79)

55%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of Crusader Kings III have received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Hobby Consolas and Multiplayer.it both praise the music for setting the medieval tone perfectly and adding to the overall experience of the game. IGN and New Game Network also highlight how the music contributes to the game's atmosphere and immerses players in the setting, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. TheXboxHub and XboxEra commend the atmospheric soundtrack and audio effects, emphasizing the positive impact on the game's ambiance. On the other hand, COGconnected and PC Invasion express concerns about the soundtrack repetition and lack of diversity, which are seen as drawbacks of the game. COGconnected specifically mentions the repetitive nature of the soundtrack as a negative aspect, while PC Invasion notes the lack of variety but still acknowledges the impressive performance optimization. GameWatcher points out that while the soundtrack is beautiful, it may lack presence for some players, suggesting a subjective preference for more impactful music. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards the positive side regarding the Sound Design and Music of Crusader Kings III. The majority of reviewers appreciate how the music enhances the medieval atmosphere of the game and immerses players in the setting. While some critics mention drawbacks such as soundtrack repetition and lack of diversity, the overall sentiment is that the music complements the gameplay experience effectively. Critics like KeenGamer and Softpedia highlight the grandiose and immersive nature of the soundtrack, emphasizing its positive contribution to the overall enjoyment of the game. Despite some minor criticisms, the general consensus is that the Sound Design and Music of Crusader Kings III successfully elevate the gaming experience for most players.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics are divided on the sound design and music of Crusader Kings III, with some praising its medieval ambiance and immersive quality, while others criticize its repetitive nature and lack of diversity. Overall, the majority of reviewers appreciate how the music enhances the game's atmosphere, despite some minor drawbacks.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

54%

Mixed (50-79)

46%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on PlayStation 5, the majority of critics praised Crusader Kings III for running smoothly and efficiently. Critics like Hobby Consolas highlighted the high level of calculations made possible by the SSD, while The Games Machine and TierraGamer noted the game's short loading times and overall good performance on the platform. Additionally, Metro GameCentral and Multiplayer.it both commended the game for its lack of bugs and well-executed adaptation to consoles. PC Games also mentioned that despite minor localization issues, the game offers a compelling experience with extensive mod support. On the flip side, some critics did mention minor technical issues on PlayStation 5. For instance, Multiplayer.it pointed out hidden bugs, and PC Games highlighted minor localization issues. However, these issues did not seem to significantly impact the overall gameplay experience. GameWatcher also mentioned technical issues like slow loading times and AI behavior quirks that may affect gameplay on PC, but these were not explicitly mentioned for PlayStation 5. Overall, the negative aspects mentioned by critics for PlayStation 5 were relatively minor and did not detract significantly from the overall experience. Across all platforms, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the technical performance of Crusader Kings III. Critics like Malditos Nerds praised the game for running smoothly on various systems, making it a must-play for strategy and RPG enthusiasts. Trusted Reviews and Windows Central both noted some technical issues and bugs, but overall, the game was commended for its solid performance. The general sentiment is that while there may be some minor technical hiccups here and there, Crusader Kings III excels in delivering a polished and immersive gaming experience across PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series X.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics overwhelmingly praise Crusader Kings III for its smooth performance on PlayStation 5, with high calculations and short loading times thanks to the SSD. Minor technical issues like hidden bugs and localization problems were mentioned but did not impact gameplay significantly. Overall, the game delivers a polished and immersive experience across platforms, making it a must-play for strategy and RPG enthusiasts.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

93%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the replay value of Crusader Kings III, highlighting its depth, complexity, and the multitude of options and systems it offers. Digitally Downloaded commended the game for its rewarding and replayable nature, while Metro GameCentral and Multiplayer.it emphasized the intrinsic joy, challenge, and endless possibilities that the game provides. PC Games and PlayStation Universe lauded the intricate gameplay, immersive world, and monumental changes in scenarios that contribute to the game's replayability. TheGamer and Game Revolution also noted the unique and open-ended nature of each playthrough, with diverse actions and customization options that encourage exploration and learning. On the flip side, some critics pointed out potential drawbacks of Crusader Kings III in terms of its complexity and learning curve. PC Invasion mentioned that newcomers may struggle with the game's intricacies, while GameSpot highlighted the liberating structure that allows players to set their own goals but may lead to a steep learning curve for some. Additionally, New Game Network noted that it may require multiple attempts to fully grasp the mechanics, indicating a potential barrier for some players. However, these critiques were in the minority compared to the overwhelming praise for the game's replay value. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the replay value of Crusader Kings III. Critics such as GameWatcher, PCGamesN, and Strategy Gamer appreciated the depth of gameplay mechanics, the creation of interesting stories, and the addition of new layers of intrigue and roleplay that enhance replayability. The game's ability to provide unique experiences with each ruler, diverse cultures and religions to play as, and the lack of victory conditions that allow players to set their own goals were highlighted as key factors contributing to its high replay value. With a vast array of possibilities, scenarios, rulers, and regions to choose from, Crusader Kings III offers a rich and engaging experience that can keep players immersed for countless hours, making it a must-have for fans of grand strategy games across different platforms.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics raved about Crusader Kings III's replay value, praising its depth, complexity, and multitude of options. They lauded the rewarding and replayable nature, intrinsic joy, and endless possibilities the game provides. Some critics noted potential drawbacks like complexity and learning curve, but these were in the minority. Overall, critics were overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the game's deep gameplay mechanics, creation of interesting stories, and lack of victory conditions. With diverse cultures, religions, and rulers to choose from, Crusader Kings III offers a rich and engaging experience that appeals to fans of grand strategy games.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

98%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding Crusader Kings III, it is evident that the majority of reviewers had overwhelmingly positive feedback about the game. Many critics praised the game for its depth, complexity, and immersive gameplay experience. PC Gamer highlighted the game's engaging storytelling and refined gameplay, while Game Revolution commended its accessibility and engaging gameplay, making it highly recommended for both newcomers and longtime fans of grand strategy games. Additionally, Trusted Reviews appreciated the new RPG elements, quality-of-life improvements, and immersive storytelling that Crusader Kings III brought to the historically-rooted strategy series. The game was also commended for its ability to offer a unique and rewarding experience, as noted by Digitally Downloaded and COGconnected, who emphasized the game's uniqueness and immersive qualities. On the other hand, some critics pointed out potential negatives of Crusader Kings III. Cubed3 mentioned that the game might be too dense for those not interested in the heavy political focus of the franchise, indicating a potential barrier for some players. KeenGamer highlighted minor flaws in graphics and UI design that could be improved, suggesting areas for enhancement in future iterations of the game. Softpedia mentioned balance issues and weird character interactions as drawbacks, although they acknowledged the post-launch support from the development studio to address these concerns. These criticisms indicate that while the game received widespread acclaim, there are areas where it could be further refined to enhance the overall experience for players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive, with many praising Crusader Kings III as a standout title in the strategy genre. Critics such as GameSpot and PCGamesN lauded the game for successfully modernizing the medieval strategy series and offering a smooth introduction for new players while providing worthwhile improvements for seasoned veterans. The game's depth, roleplaying potential, and captivating gameplay were highlighted by GameWatcher, further solidifying its position as a top-tier strategy release. Despite some minor criticisms, the general sentiment is that Crusader Kings III offers a unique and immersive experience that appeals to a wide range of players, from strategy enthusiasts to newcomers to the genre. The game's ability to provide hours of enjoyment, engaging storytelling, and complex gameplay mechanics makes it a highly recommended title that stands out as a must-have for fans of strategy and RPG games alike.

TL;DR

Critics overwhelmingly praise Crusader Kings III for its depth, complexity, and immersive gameplay, with highlights on engaging storytelling and accessibility. While some note potential issues like game density and minor flaws, the general consensus is highly positive, with the game seen as a standout in the strategy genre. Praised for modernizing the series and appealing to both new and veteran players, Crusader Kings III offers a unique and captivating experience that is a must-have for strategy and RPG fans.

CRITIK

Reviews

121 reviews found

100

GameSpew

Aug 31, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review highly praises Crusader Kings III, stating that it is everything fans of the series could have hoped for and more.

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100

Twinfinite

Aug 31, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Crusader Kings 3 is one of the best RPGs and world simulators, offering a high level of freedom, complexity, and rewarding gameplay.

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100

VG247

Aug 31, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Crusader Kings 3 is praised as the reviewer's Game of the Year so far, offering a strategy title with RPG flair that can provide over 500 hours of gameplay.

100

Strategy Gamer

Aug 31, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Crusader Kings III is undoubtedly one of the best strategy releases of the past few years, combining the best of the grand strategy and RPG genres. While it may not have all the features of its predecessor at launch, it is highly polished and accessible to a mainstream audience.

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100

Malditos Nerds

Sep 9, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Highly recommended experience for fans of strategy games, potentially a top contender for Game of the Year in the strategy genre.

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100

Digitally Downloaded

PlayStation 5

Apr 18, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Crusader Kings III is a complex and rewarding strategy game that may not be for everyone, but offers a unique and immersive experience.

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100

IGN

Aug 31, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Crusader Kings 3 offers a rich and engaging gameplay experience that combines strategy, roleplaying, and storytelling in a historical setting, with customization options and new events specific to different focuses, making it a highly recommended game.

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100

TheGamer

Aug 31, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Crusader Kings 3 provides a complex and rewarding experience for players who enjoy grand strategy games, with a steep learning curve but immense depth and control over gameplay elements.

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PLAY! Zine

Oct 8, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Praised as a flawless game for fans of the genre and Paradox's previous works, despite high price and learning curve.

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PC Gamer

Aug 31, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Deep and engaging experience with refined gameplay and engaging storytelling.

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