Metascore
81 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 4 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Apr 13, 2011
    88
    Darkest Hour is not just a spin off, it is the real heird of Hearts of Iron 2. A believable and dramatic walk trough the most epic and dramatic moments of the 19th century.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. I'm somewhat disappointed that the game does not span from WWI to the Cold War, but the small WWI scenario is fun never-the-less. The enhancements over Hearts of Iron II are, on the most part, pretty good, and it's all for a cheap price (only $10). Amazing deal.
    The new graphics are great, as well as the vast increase in the number of provinces, allowing for greater strategy in assaults, as well as fixing the problems of not being able to assault certain regions due to being landlocked.
    Still, there are some questionable implementations. The AI rarely makes a push, especially in the WWI scenario. A country, even as a hardcore Fascist, can only have war declared upon them if they have 1 Belligerence. The AI still does not properly conduct amphibious assaults, so the U.S.A. is not an overarching power in Europe. The Ottoman Empire in the WWI scenario is VASTLY underrepresented and does not ever fight in Africa, and is usually knocked out in a few weeks. Production times on all items are greatly increased, and even more so during peace times. Armistices are automatically set in place, so it's impossible to fully annex France if you are doing well.
    All in all, it feels like an expansion to Hearts of Iron II, and that is fitting for it's $10 price tag. If they managed to make a game arching from WWI through the Cold War, this would definitely be a better game. However, being that it's a game made by fans, I'm not one to complain.
    Full Review »
  2. An enjoyable game for those interested in altering history and conquering lands. A significant improvement over Hearts of Iron II, Darkest Hour is a good addition to the series. Questionable AI along with other gameplay mechanics, such as the belligerence system, diplomatic relations and combat may serve to bring down the level of enjoyment. Full Review »
  3. oso
    1
    This Game is bugged to death like every other Paradox Game, it doesnt even run properly on multiplayer. You have to be a computer scientist to get it running via IP and even then it has major desync problems. Absolutely not worth 10€. Full Review »