So, right at the start I ramp up my production – maximising factories in Italy whilst sending all my North African forces along with my three mobilised divisions into the conflict at Ethiopia. But also that if you are in a war, you need to win it with the lowest amount of manpower losses possible. My previous failures had given me the knowledge that I should always be planning for the next war whilst in the current one.

Italy also starts out at war (with Ethiopia) giving you a chance to practice your troop control hopefully without serious losses. Starting in 1936 also allows time to make some serious changes to history before the major clashes take place. As the “weak” major power it offers a combination of aggression as well as the ability to ramp things up and perhaps become a power-house without feeling too over-powered at the start.

Italy always seems like a good starting point in this game. Even better it was on special offer at the time, so I paid up and installed it.Īfter a number of false starts and abject failures I feel that I can now report on my current game’s progress. The reviews seemed reasonable and what I could see made it look interesting. Given my tastes for strategy I was drawn to Hearts of Iron IV. Well a few weeks ago I decided it was time to try something new(ish).

Hearts of iron 3 italy