Paradox Interactive (formerly a division of Paradox Entertainment) is a Swedish company based in Stockholm that is known for producing historical strategy computer games. It is also a game publisher, publishing its own games as well as a few others.
Characteristics of Paradox Games
Unlike most in this genre, the games use real-time, but with the ability to make any and all changes while paused, providing realism lacking in the turn-based format while remaining true to traditional format of strategy games. The games also demonstrate a strong commitment to historical accuracy and attempt realistic game mechanics. This generally results in a highly detailed playing experience which is very attractive to the experienced and knowledgeable gamers Paradox aims its products at.
They are popular with their fans for continually developing their games for years after they have shipped, and adding numerous new features though patches — which helps mitigate the bugs in some early releases. The patches sometimes include significant upgrades to game AI.
There is also a strong modding community for the games, based on the official Paradox forums, taking advantage of the easily modifiable text files that they store their games data in.
Paradox Games
- Europa Universalis (I and II): Loosely based on the board game of the same name, the first covered the period 1492–1792, and the sequel expanded to cover the period 1419–1819.
- Hearts of Iron (I and II): A World War II grand strategy game dealing with the period of 1936–1948.
- Victoria: A game about the Victorian era spanning the period 1835–1920.
- Europa Universalis: Crown of the North A English language version of the Swedish game Svea Rike 3 — the predecessor to Europa Universalis. This game was released in North America together with a rereleased Europa Universalis 2, featuring new scenarios. The game map features only Scandinavia and the Baltic coast. It follows the struggle for dominance of the area between the various factions.
- The Two Thrones A game which is virtually the same as Crown of the North except it is based during the 100 years war so it has a different map (France, the Low Countries, the British Isles and the northern fringes of Spain) and a few new units.
- Crusader Kings: A game of Medieval strategy running from 1066–1453. Unlike other Paradox games, the player controls not a country, but a dynasty. Crusader Kings games can be exported into Europa Universalis II, allowing the player to continue his campaigns for 400 more years.
- Knights of Honor (as publisher): an RTS game by Black Sea Studios, which allows for European conquest during the middle ages.
- Diplomacy, under development. A new computer version of the classic Diplomacy game. Paradox's stated aim is to provide a more authentic computer-based Diplomacy experience, with a graphical diplomatic interface and a diplomatic AI that builds on Paradox's previous experience with strategic AIs.