Playing Crusader Kings 3 on Console: A Rethink Needed?

Crusader Kings 3 has finally arrived on console, with releases today on PS5 and Xbox Series S/X. As a long-time fan of the series, I was eager to dive in and see how this PC-based game translates to the console. While some aspects work well, others feel like they've been shoehorned onto the console without proper rethinking.

One of the most noticeable changes is the navigation system. The game now features radial menus that appear when you pull the left or right triggers for sustained periods. These menus bring up map overlays, character skill trees, and other non-essential information. While it's nice to have this information at your fingertips, the implementation feels clumsy and awkward.

The cursor system is another area where the game falls short. You can activate a cursor by clicking in the left stick and using it to hover over tooltips for additional information. However, this process feels slow and laborious, making it more frustrating than useful.

Despite these issues, the game still manages to work well enough to play. The controls have been adapted to fit the console format, with quicker trigger-pulls allowing you to cycle through menus at the top of the screen. Bumper presses take you deeper into these menus, and while it may not feel entirely natural, it's functional.

As for gameplay, Crusader Kings 3 remains as engaging as ever. I found myself quickly immersed in the world, making alliances and declarations of war with ease. The ability to call on other factions for aid is particularly satisfying, whether you're fighting off invading armies or negotiating peace treaties.

Overall, while Crusader Kings 3 on console has its flaws, it's still a great game that's worth playing. If Paradox Interactive were to take the time to rethink their approach and create a more console-friendly experience, this could be an even better game. As it stands, fans of the series will find plenty to enjoy here.

So, if you're a fan of grand strategy games or are looking for something new to try, Crusader Kings 3 on console is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for some minor growing pains as you get used to the adapted controls and navigation system.

Ck3 on console