The captain reminds that there are different additions. Sometimes they allow us to go through a new campaign, as was the case with Majesty 2 and Tropico 3, sometimes they add new fighters and races, tweak the balance and make everything just tastier. Something similar happened with StarCraft and WarCraft 3. But recently I came across an addon that threw me into a stupor. I launch it, but nothing seems to have changed. Only the art is different. I even started playing, but the innovations didn’t catch my eye. And only later it became clear what the developers did with Hearts of Iron 3.

Semper Fi looks more like an amateur modification rather than an addition. But only the one that fans have been poring over for years. They catch all the most “wrong” things, in their opinion, change it, increase convenience, and, like the Goodwins, cram real brains into the AI’s hay-filled head.

And therefore, when you launch the updated Hearts of Iron 3, you don’t immediately see anything new, because you need to play for at least some time, you need to figure it out and take a closer look at the interface and try to perform various actions in order to notice what has changed. However, even sitting at Semper Fi for hours – it’s not a fact that you will find everything that the developers have shoveled. For example, it is difficult to understand how an electronic dummy now thinks and what tactics which state prefers under what conditions.

In this material I will try to list and analyze the main fixes in the add-on, and also give an answer – is the solution Semper Fi a reason to return to Hearts of Iron 3?

Global edits

It’s easy to ignore the first innovation. When we decide which state we will lead, a game mode selection menu appears in a small window on the right. There is a meaning "Arcade". Sounds funny, doesn’t it?? In the most hardcore strategy of recent years.

The developers were able to simplify one of the gameplay elements, which really bothered those who, although they could understand the intricacies of Heart of Iron 3, found it incredibly difficult to conduct combat operations due to the fact that the army first bravely marched deep into the enemy’s country, and then got stuck there for many months. It is more difficult to deliver fuel and supplies to enemy territory, and no one wants to fight on an empty stomach and an empty tank. And then problems began, the process froze..

In arcade mode, fuel and supplies remain, they are still important and starting a war without them is stupid. But the troops are now “eating” directly from state reserves. Wherever they are, they eat equally well. For many, this approach will be a salvation. After all, arranging supplies in Hearts of Iron 3 is still a problem.

But we move on, although we https://lunaslotscasino.co.uk still don’t leave the menu. If you choose the USSR, Germany or another similar state, you can also set victory conditions. This is a very fun thing that allows you to map out your game plan. For example, you – Hitler (yes, interesting turn of phrase). It is necessary to decide what to do during World War II. Open the list and leave what you need and cross out what you don’t need. For example, "Capture London" – in the oven. It’s difficult to do this; you’ll have to fight England on its territory. It’s better to “Capture Moscow”, you still have to go to Russia.

This approach makes the game more flexible. If according to your plan, according to your strategy, there is no need to move to the southeast, if you don’t want to take island states, then don’t do it. Previously, many decisions were imposed on us, and in such an “open” project as Hearts of Iron 3, this is not good.

But the developers didn’t stop at winning goals, they gave us even more freedom. Moreover, meaningful freedom, which is interesting to realize. This is how “achievements” appeared. They give the state various bonuses if you meet certain conditions. For example, if, while ruling Germany, you do not belong to any of the alliances, diplomatic relations with all countries will improve. Another option – if you drag Japan and Italy into the Axis, you will get other benefits.

There are a lot of achievements and each country has its own. But some, in addition to the advantages, also give disadvantages. Especially if the achievement works “halfway”. Something was accomplished, but after that the enemy somehow broke us off. The developers give an example of channel capture. When we have it, we trade better and lead a fleet – this is the achievement bonus. But if the enemy blocks our path there, then it will be bad for the economy.

Well, the last global thing – the game has become more historical. There are a lot more planned events happening now. The number of "quests" has increased greatly. There are also historical battles now. If you manage to arrange a battle that resembles a real one, you will get a slight advantage. It’s doubly good if you were able to change history and, for example, the Germans won the Battle of Stalingrad or gained the upper hand in the battle of Moscow. A certificate with interesting information will immediately appear.

The smartest AI

The developers worked hard to get the AI ​​out of its vocational school and give it a higher education. He wasn’t a fool before, but, let’s be honest, he had enough problems. That’s what the guys from Paradox.

One of the main problems with AI was that it took the order “Not a step back” too literally. And therefore, always and under any conditions, he fought like an angry tiger for every province. And no matter how important she was to the state. The soldiers did not give up anything without a fight.

Now the AI ​​commander is thinking carefully about whether it’s worth spending resources if the enemy breaks through the defense anyway? For example, you surrounded the enemy and can now strike from three sides. There is no chance for him to fight back. And therefore the computer withdraws strength and gives up the area.

Another smart thing from AI is that it builds a second line of defense. You break through the first, and your tired and beaten soldiers are immediately attacked by fresh and strong divisions. Eh..

It has become much more difficult. But only for those who previously simply rushed to attack and prayed for victory. Like, AI is a fool, let me be lucky. Luck’s fee was reduced and she was transferred to the supporting cast. Common sense plays the leading role.

Our friendly artificial intelligence has also changed. The computer now understands better the orders we give. And if you order him to do diplomacy or production, he will do it much more productively. And he won’t go where he shouldn’t. Although he used to show waywardness at times.

Thousands of changes

This chapter could really describe everything that I did Paradox. But, alas, I don’t even suspect something, the rest won’t fit. Therefore, I won’t talk about changes in the interface, you’ll see for yourself. You will also quickly get acquainted with AI. New type of cards – explore. It all comes down to simpler navigation, a more logical use of forces. Yes, and you will find “military” gadgets. Fighting has become much more convenient.

My last words will be that the developers have greatly revised fleet management. Now a huge number of powerful ships sailing together is never cool. In reality, this practically never happened, and therefore there are no people here who know how to manage such complex connections. Therefore, during battle, your troops will receive severe penalties and lose ships faster.

The effectiveness of large ships without cover was also reduced. Battleships are good, but without support they are very vulnerable. And submarines can easily deal with them.

I would like to say a classically approving phrase: “The developers did a good job.”. It’s really true after all. We rarely see additions like this. Campaigns, new fighters and buildings are all great, but usually they’re just expansions of the game. Here is its rethinking, reworking. And this is by no means a cosmetic renovation. So if you are a big fan of Hearts of Iron 3, then Semper Fi – a great reason to return to her.

Pros: AI has become much smarter; the number of historical events has increased; improved interface; battles became more difficult; good arcade mode; thousands of large and small changes that make the game much better.
Cons: If you wanted an expansion that adds new troops, technologies, politicians, and also increases the length of the game, then Semper Fi will disappoint you.