So, Darkest Hour or Arsenal of Democracy?

[Hawkerace]

This isn't a thread of which do I get, for I own both, and love both very much.


This is just a curious thread, to which what you think is better? Each are quite too similar to make this easier than I thought I could choose.

Darkest hour has a great event layout, and interesting events overall, as well as the ability to play from 1914-beyond, which is just spectacular. However it does have lots of unfinished nations and is missing some events where it needs it properly, due to it not being the focus of the developers (ie the Russian civil war, and no mods have satisfied my lust for this era) and also has the problem of the AI building its army constantly, at least I think it does, (America with 300+ divisions 1919 after the world war is over)

AoD has the classic hearts of iron look, but with some additional tweaks, information and events that make it very polished (those pictures for most of the nations really impress me) and unlike DH, it still retains the 1944 Campaign, which is just personal, because the '44 scenario is the best when playing Germany. (however on a side note, the 1942 scenario in DH is just as great, trying to free Stalingrad, and reinforce Africa is just TOO damn fun, stop making me enjoy video games)


Just some thoughts, and discussion would be nice.

[Oliolli]

I'v eonly got Arsenal of Democracy, so I can't really say. I've been meaning to get DH as well, since it is the only missing piece of my Hearts of Iron collection (I bought the first HoI retail)

I really like the amount of new tech added in AoD though. Are there similar additions in DH, may I ask?

[Hawkerace]

Originally Posted by Oliolli

I'v eonly got Arsenal of Democracy, so I can't really say. I've been meaning to get DH as well, since it is the only missing piece of my Hearts of Iron collection (I bought the first HoI retail)

I really like the amount of new tech added in AoD though. Are there similar additions in DH, may I ask?

I would say that Darkest Hour has more things needed to be teched, however less slots, with the normal 5 max tech, but through events you can boost your research time speed, which is really awesome.

[mglsharkson]

Played both almost to death. AOD being first is more polish but DH have more options going forward (bigger map, tech tree, events, etc.) DH crashes more but SO many improvements like group transport loadings, choices on air missions (area, providence, region), different style combat, AI seems better, AI beaches now heavy garrison, Nukes reduce in taking out unit stacks, etc.

Playing MP with buddy Me USA he Russia. Now in cold war 1946 after taking out Axis, both sides getting ready for ww3. Some of the new commie states are funny as well as the odd event tables. Parts of the pacific now suddenly under Soviet control (thumb event?) which makes for interesting game playing.

My buddy and I like to try different alliances to beat up on the computer AI, cooperation style. First game MP I as China got hammered by the Japaneses, finally switching to the French, held Paris into Dec '40 with exciting battles then taking US going Japan first play.

My solo game as Soviets enemy at the gates 42 became a nail biter, after taking out Germany in 44 I expanded down thru China to Siam, Vietnam, Dutch east Indies, Turkey, Finland, etc. France finally went to war with me with USA raining nukes all over the place. I got hit 5 times, Commie China 12 times! I manage to hit London and Paris, causing the Brits to switch sides! USA rain 3 more nukes on the turncoats in Britain followed by UK invasion! UK back on allied side, my dissent is at 40%, my nuclear plant blown up and I am being push back in the east with multiple invasions in red china and push back in Raj India. So close to taking Calcutta, New Delhi and Iraq / Iran. All on normal settings, much different then the easy romp in AOD.

[mglsharkson]

The navy battles with AI much harsher in the DH, Japaneses sank so many US ships the Brits had to be brought in to help take Japan, even then holed up in Tokyo Bay I had fits with them down to the final land battle!

[MrFreeman]

Both great but I think DH has a little more to offer going forward. Is AOD still being patched ?

[kalinin]

Originally Posted by Hawkerace

This isn't a thread of which do I get, for I own both, and love both very much.


This is just a curious thread, to which what you think is better? Each are quite too similar to make this easier than I thought I could choose.

Darkest hour has a great event layout, and interesting events overall, as well as the ability to play from 1914-beyond, which is just spectacular. However it does have lots of unfinished nations and is missing some events where it needs it properly, due to it not being the focus of the developers (ie the Russian civil war, and no mods have satisfied my lust for this era) and also has the problem of the AI building its army constantly, at least I think it does, (America with 300+ divisions 1919 after the world war is over)

AoD has the classic hearts of iron look, but with some additional tweaks, information and events that make it very polished (those pictures for most of the nations really impress me) and unlike DH, it still retains the 1944 Campaign, which is just personal, because the '44 scenario is the best when playing Germany. (however on a side note, the 1942 scenario in DH is just as great, trying to free Stalingrad, and reinforce Africa is just TOO damn fun, stop making me enjoy video games)


Just some thoughts, and discussion would be nice.

DH devs said there would be a 1944 scenario in the next patch (and perhaps even a 1943 and a 1945).

Ultimately, I would say DH is superior because it has the most active devs and community. And that really makes a difference over the medium term.