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Hearts of Iron II

EMAIL PRINT pc

8.4 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 27 critic reviews
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Based on 28 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Paradox Entertainment

Developer: Paradox Entertainment

Genre(s): Real-Time Strategy

Players: 2

ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Release Date: January 6, 2005

Summary

Hearts of Iron II is the sequel to the most appreciated World War II PC game of true Grand Strategic scope! As in its forbear, the map spans the entire world and allows you to play one of over 130 countries during the years of World War II. Hearts of Iron II is a dream come true for every armchair general and forces the player to choose sides when democracy, communism and fascism clash in the battles that changed history. [Paradox]

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GAMES: Hearts of Iron

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What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

netjak

Improved in just about every way imaginable, Hears of Iron 2 will not only satisfy the fans of the previous game, but is now set up in such a way to entice an even larger market segment into enjoying the title.

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FiringSquad

Though it bears similarities in style and setting to its predecessor, at heart is a new game with incredible depth that is accessible to any dedicated strategy gamer now, thanks to the completely overhauled interface.

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PC Gamer

An exemplary game that's a must-buy for wargamers. [March 2005, p.70]

Pelit (Finland)

Takes a totalitarian approach to warfare. It is not just about men or machines, but economy, supply and politics, too. This just might be the most finished, solid game from Paradox yet and is heartily recommended to those enjoying grand-scale strategic wargaming. [Feb 05]

Boomtown

Few will tire of the almost endless possibilites available to England, Germany, Russia and so on. There will probably never be a more realistic and detailed WW2 game for the PC, and if this is the sort of thing that floats your boat, go buy it now.

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Warcry

The game is just amazing. I've always remained on the fringe of Paradox games, but after taking a deep look into Hearts of Iron II, I'm bordering on fanaticism.

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GameSpy

If you're interested a day-by-day re-creation of what is arguably the most dramatic decade the world has ever known, presented in a staggering amount of detail using a complex and sophisticated simulation that affords all sorts of freedom for hypothetical situations, then you won't want to miss Hearts of Iron II.

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Worth Playing

The good news is it's deep and complicated in the way it should be: learning the subtleties of the game and becoming successful, not in just learning how to play the game.

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PC Format

This game is Hardcore, with a capital H-Bomb. Hardcore to the extent that even hardcore gronards will need a few quiet nights with the manual before heading out to invade Poland. [March 2005, p.104]

GameZone

One of the most in-depth strategy games around. There are so many different things you can do during the course of one game it is almost baffling.

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IGN

Undeniably fantastic and a considerable improvement over the original game.

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Game Over Online

A historian’s best ticket to replaying some of the biggest what-ifs in the twentieth century. The depth in this game is almost unparalleled but it is a double-edged sword. At times, it can seem like the game is filled with a lot of waiting for production (when you put the game at the fastest speed) and a lot of micromanaging your troops (when you put the game at normal speed).

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Armchair Empire

As fun as it is for fans, novice players should give it a pass.

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Gaming Nexus

A solid, well polished WWII strategy title using the venerable Europa Universalis engine. It’s deep, it’s complex, and just a bit overwhelming.

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Gamers Europe

By far the most complete RTS you’ll ever find. It makes "Civilization" look like a playground. Not for the light hearted mind.

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Gaming Age

This is a game for fans only, for better or worse, as it has some of the most relentless A.I. developed in an RTS.

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GameSpot

If not for lingering issues with the steep learning curve, the barrage of information boxes, and a couple of bugs, this would undeniably be Paradox's finest hour.

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Gamers' Temple

The patient and detail-oriented strategy gamer will find a lot to love with Hearts of Iron 2, but it may be far too involved for the average player.

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My Gamer

By far the best war-themed strategy game on the market, but it isn’t a game for those with short attention spans. If gamers can survive the learning curve, however, and show some patience, they will find one of the most fulfilling gaming experiences out there.

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DailyGame

Newcomers should stay far away, but hardcore RTS fans will find incredible depth.

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Game Chronicles

With the scope of this title, the online support, the unmatched replay value-Hearts of Iron II should keep the most hardcore of strategy gamers satiated in fighting, researching and leading their respective nation to the top of the food chain.

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AceGamez

One hell of a game; for all your WWII strategy needs, look no further. It's always refreshing to come across a game that'll last you a full year of serious gaming, if not longer.

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PC Gameworld

With incredible flexibility, freedom, and depth, this is a history buffs dream and should not be passed up if you are a fan of the genre.

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Jolt Online Gaming UK

While the strategy is surprisingly engaging and addictive, you do need a lot of stamina and patience to get there, which instantly alienates a huge number of potential buyers.

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Next Level Gaming

Does a great job of creating a game that simulates the experience of "Axis and Allies" the board game, just updated and enhanced with the power of a computer.

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1UP

Yes, it targets a small audience, but it hits a bull's-eye.

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Computer Gaming World

The biggest problem is that the province-based movement system doesn't lend itself well to re-creating the kinds of huge land campaigns that give a good strategic war game its sense of scope. [Apr 2005, p.91]

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 8.4 (out of 10) based on 28 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Aaron H gave it a9:
Obviously intended for a more methodical, intellectual gamer, Hearts Of Iron II is unmatched in the genre despite a number of troubling technical problems. Whether you wish to entertain a personal vision of world domination, twist the events of history as a lesser power or immerse yourself in the complexities of strategic and tactical warfare, this is the culmination of your desires. One can only hope that the sequel well be more of the same with fewer technical issues.

Mike D gave it a9:
The most intense, historically accurate and most complex strategy game ever created. Multiplayer games and the possibility to play as the leader of any WWII country(yes, even Paraguay or Luxemburg etc. who either got rammed completely/didn't take any part in the war) make the game even better. The reason for the rating 9 instead of 10 is the fact that towards the end of a game the massive amount of land, air and naval units will be tough for you computer and the game might get laggy. The other reason is that it has some minor glitches like naval fleets that don't really exist. Most of the glitches are very small and rare and can be fixed by saving and loading the game.

Robert M. gave it a10:
This game blows all others out of the water. To be fully successful, you must master all aspects of the game. Force composition, support firepower and technology are a must before the battles ever start. Thank you for this game!

Kris gave it a10:
Absolutely amazing. The game's not easy to learn, but once you do, it's by far the most impressive strategy game available, stressing on realism and historical fact.

Joe gave it a10:
Hard to get the hang of at first, but once you do I don't think you'll ever put it down!

Simon L. gave it a10:
Having played all of the Paradox Europa engine based games I can honestly say there is as much tension in them as a good FPS or RTS title. Nothing beats those carefull war plans that go "pop" when the action starts!

Alexey S. gave it a10:
Addictive. Interesting. Historical. Well... it gives you at least knowledge of world map and WWII history.

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Hearts of Iron II

Game Info

Summary

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What The Critics Said

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