Crusader Kings III Review (Big Snifty)
This is one of the most complex and immersive Medieval sim games. BUT a word of caution for new players. DO NOT buy this game if you are interested in in-depth medieval war strategy. War in this game is genuinely awful. Considering war makes up a large chunk of this game and medieval history it is by far the most boring and one-dimensional part of the game and can often be bugged out or have wars randomly invalidated.
What this game is is more of a political simulator and via strategic marriages, alliances, schemes and factions.
The other thing with this game has is that almost everything relies on some form of chance (apart from war which is dull and flaccid). You don't play the game so much as it plays you by hurling events and situations your way with limited ways on how to play.
One of the best things about this game is the stress mechanic, which punishes play outside of your characters personality e.g. a compassionate person randomly insulting a vassal at a feast will give stress. It adds a great dynamic for role-playing. A bit like life, this game is very hard to control the outcomes and about 90% of the game (If you are playing a Duke or greater title) is crisis management.
To sum up
Positives:
Great role-playing
Intrigue is interesting and versatile
True political sim
True dynasty building
Interesting historical events and regions
Negatives:
War is dull considering how much of it is in the game
DLCs are expensive and sometimes not worth the money (read reviews to see which are the best)
RN-Jesus can bring a play-through catapulting to a halt via a series of unfortunate events
I would recommend this game.