Strategy game veterans Paradox hosted an announcement showcase last night which held some exciting news for fans of the publisher’s series. We got our first look at new games including Cities: Skylines 2, Crusader Kings III: Tours and Tournaments and more. Here’s a rundown of all the reveals that took place.
Cities: Skylines 2
Marking the eighth birthday of the original Cities: Skylines, the sequel aims to take everything you know about the first game and make it bigger and better. Sadly, we didn’t get any actual gameplay from the trailer but we did get a press release that details some gameplay features:
A modern take on the city-building genre, Cities: Skylines II lets players create and maintain cities that come to life like never before, complete with fully-realized transport and economy systems, a wealth of construction and customization options, and advanced modding capabilities. Revealed during the Paradox Announcement Show 2023, Cities: Skylines II evolves the city-building genre further, letting players build the cities of their dreams with the most open-ended city-building sandbox on the planet.
Here’s the fancy-looking trailer. The game is set to launch in 2023 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC. It will also release on Game Pass at launch.
Crusader Kings III: Tours and Tournaments
There’s a new expansion coming to Crusader Kings II called Tours and Tournaments. The expansion will act similarly to the last major update for the game, Royal Court and is geared towards the RPG side of the game rather than the strategy content.
By assembling an entourage, selecting options for your travel, and hiring a caravan master, you are ready to set out on the road and travel to activities across the world. The Travel system is an integral part of activities, with both the host and guests traveling to reach them – creating a stronger feeling of place as you see your route being plotted and your character moving directly on the map.
There are three new events to explore in the expansion – Grand Tournaments, Grand Weddings, and Grand Tours. You’ll be able to walk around the realm, meet people and feel like a real king. The expansion is set to launch this year.
The Lamplighters League
Paradox announced a new IP during the showcase event called The Lamplighters League. This is a tactical turn-based strategy game set in an alternate 1933. The short announcement sort of looks like Indiana Jones meets XCOM. There are two trailers to watch. The first one is the announcement one and the second is a gameplay showcase. Watch them below.
Join Harebrained Schemes in this first look at the Lamplighters League, an original pulp adventure set in an alternate 1930s that mixes real-time infiltration, turn-based tactical combat, and managing a growing team of misfits. The Lamplighters League will launch for PC and Xbox Series X and S consoles in 2023.
Announcement
Gameplay
Europa Universalis IV
There’s a new expansion coming to Europa Universalis IV called Domination. It offers “new mission trees, new government reforms, new estate management and new events for several of the major powers in the game”.
Prepare to write new stories of the world’s greatest empires in Europa Universalis IV: Domination. More historical flavor will bring you closer to the past as you struggle to hold on to the reins of power. Wishlist today, and claim a seat in the grand theatre of history.
Stellaris: First Contact Expansion
A new DLC pack for Stellaris called First Contact will add a new story to the game. It is also releasing quite soon on 14 March.
You are not alone! The galaxy is vast and full of wonders, but it’s also full of alien empires you’re going to encounter, whether you’re ready or not. First Contact offers a set of new origins and mechanics that give players the chance to tell stories about their civilizations’ early encounters with visitors from the stars — ones that may not have come in peace!
Age of Wonders 4
Paradox released the story trailer for Age of Wonders 4. The trailer confirms the 4 May release date as well as pre-order incentives.
The Wizard Kings return in the new story trailer for Age of Wonders 4, launching on May 2, 2023 for PC, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X and S. The Premium Edition is available now for pre-orders on all platforms, including additional in-game cosmetic options and the game’s Expansion Pass.
Be sure to check out the YouTube channel here for all the trailers and announcements.
