Pride of Nations

Pride of Nations is a deep and complex grand strategy game set in the 19th century, focusing on imperialism, diplomacy, military, economy, and colonization. Players appreciate the historical detail, extensive gameplay mechanics, and broad scope spanning 70 years with many nations and units, offering a rich strategic experience. The game features detailed military units, historical commanders, complex economic structures, and a nuanced diplomacy system. The 19th-century setting allows for diverse playstyles, including arms races, colonial expansion, and alliance-building.

However, the game suffers from serious technical and usability issues. The most prominent complaint is the excessively long turn processing times, often several minutes, which worsen as the game progresses, making it frustrating and sometimes unplayable. The user interface is described as clunky, unintuitive, and difficult to learn, with poor player feedback and limited tutorials. Stability problems such as crashes and bugs persist despite patches. Despite these flaws, many players find the game rewarding if they have patience and a willingness to overcome its steep learning curve.

Highlights

Players praise the game for its detailed military system, including diverse unit types, historical commanders, and realistic combat outcomes. The colonization mechanics are highly regarded for their depth, allowing various expedition types, diplomacy with local rulers, and infrastructure building. The economic simulation is robust, with many structures and national factors influencing gameplay. The diplomacy system is complex, featuring realistic threat assessments and state visits. The 19th-century setting is appreciated for offering multiple strategic paths beyond warfare, such as prestige and wealth competition. The game's music and artwork contribute positively to the atmosphere. Multiplayer and a large selection of major world powers add replayability and social engagement.

Criticisms

The primary criticism is the extremely long turn processing times, often several minutes per turn, which severely hamper gameplay flow and enjoyment. The game is also criticized for poor UI design that is confusing, unfriendly, and inconsistent, with limited tutorials and inadequate player feedback. Stability issues such as frequent crashes and bugs detract from the experience. Some historical inaccuracies and typos are noted, alongside a lack of polish in event scripting and diplomacy. The game is considered overly complex in some areas but lacking in user guidance, making it inaccessible for casual players. Overall, technical shortcomings overshadow the game's potential.