Crusader Kings is a strategy game based on the award-winning and highly successful Europa Universalis engine. It focuses on the feudal kingdoms of medieval Europe in the time period of 1066 to 1453 A.D. The map covers all of Europe, stretching roughly to the Urals in the east and including parts of Persia and the Arabian Peninsula as well as the coast of North Africa.

“Strategy First and Paradox make perfect partners as we are both determined to bring quality strategy titles to the lean strategy game market,” says Don McFatridge, President of Strategy First.

Players take on the role of the leader of a glorious dynasty. You must increase the greatness of your lands and your treasure coffins, build Cathedrals and Castles, and combat Highway Robber Bands and defecting vassals. Get the chance to introduce laws and set taxes, interact with hundreds of courtiers and nobles. Historical multiple-choice events will spawn from the actions of your monarch.

“Crusader Kings has all the traditional elements of an epic strategy game like warfare and diplomacy, but adds an extra dimension with the forming of a dynasty as a central part of the gameplay,” says Fredrik W. Lindgren, Head of Sales and Marketing at Paradox Entertainment. “We are excited about working together with Strategy First, continuing our successful co-operation”.

Game Features

• Prestige and Power - Take control of one of the Great Christian Dynasties of Europe and forge the bonds of your vassals from a circle of friends into a Nation. Reenact the crusades, defend against the Mongol onslaught, and form feudal nation-states in Europe.
  
• Nearly 400 Years of Gameplay – Play the campaigns of the Hundred Years War, the five Crusades, and the Mongol Wars. Meet Richard the Lionhearted, Saladin and Subotai.
  
• Huge Map - Map spans from Iceland in the West to the Urals in the East and the deserts of North Africa in the South.
  
• Build a Nation - Build castles and cathedrals, introduce new laws, and follow the heed of the Pope
  
• Family Dynasty - Recognize every main character in your dynasty or among your enemies as children inherit facial attributes of their parents.
  
• Ready to Play - Intuitive interface, tutorial and manual make for a great gaming experience for novice and advanced gamers alike.
  
• Pausable Real-Time - This real-time game can set at pause at any time or any given event to give players time for planning in an otherwise real-time strategy environment.
  
• Friends and Enemies - Multiplayer allows for up to 8 players to battle for Prestige and Piety over LAN and Internet.
  
• Add Another 400 Years - Extend your gameplay through centuries by exporting your finished game into Europa Universalis 2.
  

Crusader Kings is scheduled to ship to stores in spring 2004. For more information please visit www.paradoxplaza.com or www.strategyfirst.com.

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