Overall EU3 is there best GSG game out, its length, modding capability, and graphics (with divine wind) make it the perfect grand strategy game, it takes element of Economics, warfare, diplomacy, and intrigue, whilst still not focusing on one of those points, making it more easier to use then Victoria, and making it more action packed then Hearts of iron, but it lacks on diplomacy and intrigue which crusader kings nailed, but I'm not worrying as the modding community is great and there will always be mods.
I'm going with Crusader Kings II as it seems that there is always something to do whereas the other games have a lot of downtime in them.
I have to say Crusader Kings 2 as well, because it's simple and easy to play. I tried Hearts of Iron 3. I did the tutorial's and everything and I still had no freaking idea on how to play lol. Looked up a video on youtube even and it seemed like rocket science to me, I got Crusader Kings 2 learned how to play the first day and had fun with it ever since.
Crusader in easy to learn. hearts of Iron 3 is hard to learn how to play the game but i have finish him after a few months!
I only own crusader kings 2 but im planning to get Europa Universalis 3 (but i like it) soon but i just really don't like Victoria 2 and hearts of iron I have never played
Eu3 is the best paradox game. there is absolutely nothing better than taking the Byzantine empire and rebuilding it from scratch. Also wasn't Sengoku a paradox game?
I voted HoI 2 + Expansions with the understanding that it includes Darkest Hour. Unfortunately I simply haven't played too many Paradox games. Also, you were missing the Supreme Ruler Series! It was by far the most in depth strategic game that I have ever played. Diplomacy systems in these kind of games tend to suck, but SR2020 had a fairly well developed system.
Voted HoI 2. Only one of the above that I keep repeatedly coming back to. CK2 hasn't been out long enough to give the same kind of verdict. And EU3, while obviously good, doesn't really hold much interest for me because I just don't find the period that interesting.
Having played all of them I must say CK2 but that is a bit different because in CK you are a character not a nation. The best nation based paradox game is EU3 + expansions.
Let's all agree, that while paradox loves DLC farming, they care about their community, put love into there games, and make kick ass Vidio Gaemz.