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Is this more like Risk? Or more like Civilization?

I would say its more like the Paradox games (Europa Universals specially), but with a different spin.
So, its a deep strategy game, definitely much more complex than Risk and more historical than Civilization.
Regards!

ORIGINAL: robbersonr

Is this more like Risk? Or more like Civilization?

Gamespot has a review on this game.

Larry,

It's worth mentioning that I believe that's a review of the original non-updated retail release - the game has come quite a ways since then from what I've seen.

Regards,

- Erik

Gosh I hope so, that's good to see! How has it been upgraded though? I remember reading the review in PCGamer and it was about the same. Maybe they had the same version?

I found it in PCGamer September 2007 but it is called Great Invasions: The Dark Ages "350-1066 AD". Is that the same game?

Anyway the above named game got a 35%.

I believe these are all reviews of the retail version, but I could be wrong. I know there were some fairly major issues in some of the earlier versions, so perhaps that's why the low score. From what I've seen and the folks who've played this version and commented, the updated version is a good game that's definitely worthy of a higher score. I guess my advice is to wait for some of the comments and reviews here if you have doubts.

Yeah, AFAIK, all of the reviews are for the Strategy First boxed release of the game. There is a long sordid story about patching and releasing the game early, but that needs not be discussed here. Needless to say, I think GI is a game that does not appeal to all people, and the major news outlets tend to be more harsh with "non-traditional" games like this.

I do not own either version of the game, but I understand from many people out there that the patched up version is FAR different and MUCH better than the original out-of-box version.

The reviewer for Out of Eight is typically pretty fair with his reviews (and I still think this is an out-of-the-box review, due to how late we got this in the US). Check out what he said.

I bought the AGEOD version of this a while back and no way is it a 35% game. I suspect that reviewer suffered the same malaise as the Gamespot one, can't-be-arsed-to-learn-how-play-it-itis. The Out of Eight review is right on the money, at least regarding the game I played; I know it's been patched since.

This really is one to try for yourself as there is a significant 'love it or hate it' element there. If you enjoy the Paradox games and the period interests you GA is certainly well worth the money.

I imagine it will be like AH's,  "History of the World" or "Brittania".

ORIGINAL: Hertston

This really is one to try for yourself as there is a significant 'love it or hate it' element there. If you enjoy the Paradox games and the period interests you GA is certainly well worth the money.

Then this game needs a demo. I have several Paradox games and I like most of them, except Victoria.

Yeah, when I got Great Invasions it was the first retail version from Strategy First, hence the date on the review. So what does an extra year plus of development reap...

(oh yeah, I'm the Out of Eight guy, just in case you didn't know)

ORIGINAL: JaguarUSF

Yeah, when I got Great Invasions it was the first retail version from Strategy First, hence the date on the review. So what does an extra year plus of development reap...

(oh yeah, I'm the Out of Eight guy, just in case you didn't know)

Just the other day I went through many of your reviews. Thanks for all your work! [&o]

I keep reading that the original version is different from this newer version but have yet to read why?!

It looks like a game i played some years ago which was called Pax Romana!

ORIGINAL: LarryP
Just the other day I went through many of your reviews.

So that was YOU!

ORIGINAL: JaguarUSF

ORIGINAL: LarryP
Just the other day I went through many of your reviews.

So that was YOU!

I tried to be quiet but my mouse was grumpy. [;)]

ORIGINAL: LarryP

ORIGINAL: JaguarUSF

ORIGINAL: LarryP
Just the other day I went through many of your reviews.

So that was YOU!

I tried to be quiet but my mouse was grumpy. [;)]

[:D][&o] ROFL...

ORIGINAL: JaguarUSF

Yeah, when I got Great Invasions it was the first retail version from Strategy First, hence the date on the review. So what does an extra year plus of development reap...

(oh yeah, I'm the Out of Eight guy, just in case you didn't know)

Great site you have there! I trust you WAY more than most of the other news sites out there, particularly because you actually take the time to learn how to play and give a nice and educated review (with funny comments and intelligent comparisons). Gamespot reviews read like a form letter with [insert game name here] is the best/worst of the [insert genre here]. Thanks for all your work!

I am kicking around getting Great Invasions still. Unfortunately, no one made a widescreen mod, like they did with Vicky and HoI2. I could play in a window, which would be okay, but not my main preference.

SoM

I've played all the Paradox games and enjoyed them all, and that's what Great Invasions seems most like.

I bought the game a few months ago from Gamestop and got it fully patched up. Unfortunately, the game seems so clunky and so impenetrable that I've given up on it after a few tries. It seems like it's got some neat ideas hiding in there, but I'm not sure they're worth the time and frustration.

If you're willing to put up with a product that makes the buggy release day versions of Paradox games look perfectly polished you might get some fun out of this, but it's hard to recommend if you have limited time/budget.

ORIGINAL: Fintilgin

If you're willing to put up with a product that makes the buggy release day versions of Paradox games look perfectly polished you might get some fun out of this, but it's hard to recommend if you have limited time/budget.

Sheesh-thanks for the encouragement[:D]. I've only had about an hour of play so far; I can say it is good for a history lesson at least.