>>2464I've been trying to get more into HoI3 or other computer wargames since HoI4's inadequacies rag on me; but the combination of the varying narratives, LARP potential, map painting and general user experience makes it hard to put down. Most wargames are more pointed and specific, as well as having minimalist graphics so as to not distract from the gameplay. Base HoI4 is a total mess that I'm loathe to ever play, but regarding mods I'd hope to be able to take my country of choosing and resolve the game in a position of dominance with all the map variation that might come from that power's rise to hegemony.
The aforementioned inadequacies are the watered down strategy mechanics you mention: a completely nonexistent military hierarchy, zero attempt to simulate mustering/recruitment, lack of balance combined with poor AI resulting in the same strategies being employed over and over for maximal efficiency and minimal engagement regardless of situation. (I'm sure there's much more I could find if I spent more time thinking on it.) However despite all of this, the genre is rather slim pickings, and choosing between HoI4 or some of the more diehard autism simulators out there, it's not much of a surprise why people stick to and play HoI4 so much.
Another pet peeve of mine is HoI4's decision to turn anything mechanical into a build-a-bear minigame instead of actually engaging with the unique equipment each side was fielding at the time. Really rustles my jimmies that unless the player goes out of their way, there's no actual difference between what the Italians or Russians are fielding armor-wise. This was even true before the designers came into the picture so really it's just laziness on the part of Paradox.
