Fight through the Dark Ages

By JOHN BREEDEN II
SPECIAL TO WASHINGTON POST
Paradox is known for strategy titles, such as Europa Universalis and Hearts of Iron, that force gamers to dust off their freshman-year Western Civ notes. But "Crusader Kings" tops even those in its complexity.
In this game, which re-enacts European history from 1066 to 1453, the world is just creeping out of the Dark Ages, today's countries are split into tiny areas ruled by quarreling families, and you're supposed to survive, prosper and conquer. As in other Paradox strategy games, you control every aspect of government: You decide how much to invest in your infrastructure and military technology; which families your sisters should marry into; how hard to work at currying favor with the pope; and how many people to train for your armies.
Hard not to fight
Combat may not be central to the game, but you can't hope to cross the street in 1066 without starting at least a minor turf war. As a strategy game, Crusader Kings doesn't let you command your men in battle. You'll only win if you've trained them well, given them good weapons and put enough of them on the field before the mailed fists come off.
As a bonus, if you actually survive history, you can import your newly formed country into Paradox's Europa Universalis II and continue playing in medieval times.
X"Crusader Kings," for Windows 98 or newer computer programs, is by Paradox Entertainment.