Crusader Kings 3: Console Edition Review - Middle Age Strategy Made Accessible

thegamer.com:

Boiled down to its basics, Crusader Kings 3 is a dynastic life simulation game set in the middle ages. You begin by choosing a noble whose life you wish to take control of and follow their family and realm as the world moves into the medieval period. You’ll have to manage titles, a noble council, wars, familial ties, marriages, religion, and culture shifts - there’s always something to do to make your realm richer, stronger, and more efficient. Invite rich priests from foreign realms just to imprison them to steal their gold, invade the county of your best friend to neaten up your borders, seduce the mysterious new visitor to your court - all possibilities in CK3.

That’s not to say that Crusader Kings 3 is an empty sandbox inside which you’re given no directions - the game has five distinct gameplay philosophies called ‘lifestyles’ that you can pursue to varying degrees based on your goals. A diplomatic lifestyle rewards friendliness by making your character well-liked, while focusing on martial goals will help you expand your realm beyond its original borders and rule with an iron fist. It’s entirely possible, and sometimes a good idea, to pursue both lifestyles simultaneously - these aren’t mutually exclusive. Becoming the most amiable warmonger in Europe is an achievement in and of itself.

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Crusader Kings is a rewarding role-playing experience. Characters have distinct personalities dictated by their traits and experiences, and you must make their decisions accordingly - this can be anything from declaring war on a neighbour to befriending the Pope for money. In Crusader Kings, you get out what you put in, and the sheer range of actions