Crusader Kings III: All Under Heaven - A Dynasty of Delight and Despair
Conquer the East, One Bureaucratic Ladder at a Time
Launch Day Larry
Crusader Kings III’s latest DLC, “All Under Heaven,” is like a historical buffet where you can feast on the rich flavors of East Asian governance, with a side of political intrigue and a sprinkle of performance issues. This expansion promises to take your medieval strategy experience to new heights—or at least to the top of the bureaucratic ladder.
Gameplay: A New Dynasty of Complexity
The “All Under Heaven” DLC introduces a smorgasbord of new gameplay elements that are as mechanically rich as a chocolate lava cake. With three new government mechanics, players can now choose their path to power, whether it’s through the Chinese Celestial government, the Japanese Ritsuryo, or the Southeast Asian Mandala. Each system offers a unique flavor, requiring players to adopt fresh strategies and providing a welcome departure from the base game’s familiar mechanics.
The expanded map and updated visuals are generally well-received, though they might make your computer’s fans sound like they’re auditioning for a role in a wind tunnel. While the new mechanics are engaging, some players find them as deep as a kiddie pool, with the novelty wearing off after a few playthroughs. The gameplay loop can also feel repetitive, with players clicking through recurring events like they’re stuck in a medieval Groundhog Day.
Performance issues, particularly on Linux systems, are a thorn in the side of an otherwise enjoyable experience. Severe FPS drops and stuttering can make the game feel like it’s running on a potato, though some players have found temporary solutions by adjusting graphics settings. Despite these hiccups, the DLC offers substantial content and replayability, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking to dive deep into the game’s new mechanics and expanded map.
Graphics: A Feast for the Eyes, If Your System Can Handle It
Visually, “All Under Heaven” is a mixed bag of beautifully detailed maps and characters that sometimes look like they’ve been crafted from glue and paint. The new art direction, including the work on loading screens and event backgrounds, is praised for its unique flavor and attention to detail. Improvements in portrait lighting and skin shaders have also been noted as significant enhancements, addressing previous concerns about character appearances.
However, these graphical improvements are overshadowed by performance issues that make the game feel like it’s running on a slideshow. Linux users, in particular, report drastic FPS reductions, suggesting a lack of optimization for these systems. Some players have found temporary solutions, such as deactivating advanced shader effects and adjusting reflection quality, but these issues still impact the overall experience.
The contrast in user experiences suggests that the update’s impact may vary significantly depending on individual system configurations or settings. While the graphics are a strong point, the performance problems, particularly on Linux, are a significant drawback that needs addressing to fully enjoy the game’s visual potential.
Story: A Historical Epic with a Side of Intrigue
“All Under Heaven” offers a rich and complex narrative experience that immerses players in the intricacies of historical East Asian governance systems. The storyline is deeply rooted in the political and cultural dynamics of medieval China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, providing a detailed and authentic portrayal of these regions.
Players navigate the bureaucratic ladder within various historical government systems, making strategic decisions that could rival the plot twists of a K-drama. The narrative is enriched by the introduction of new elements like the Silk Trade Route, diverse religions, cultures, and military units, adding layers of complexity to the story.
Role-playing is a significant aspect of the game, with players able to embody historical characters from various periods, such as the Genpei War and the Heian and Kamakura Periods in Japan. This level of detail is appreciated by history enthusiasts, though some players find the narrative overwhelming due to its complexity. The story’s depth might be inaccessible to those without prior knowledge or interest in the historical and cultural context, but for those willing to invest the time, it offers a rewarding experience.
Final Verdict
Crusader Kings III: All Under Heaven is a significant and mostly positive addition to the game, offering substantial content and replayability. While the new mechanics and expanded content provide fresh challenges and experiences, performance issues and the occasional lack of depth in new mechanics are notable drawbacks. For those willing to navigate these hurdles, the DLC offers an epic and engaging narrative that honors the rich history of East Asia.
Score: 7.5/10