The first thing i have to say about HOI is the skill curve (as anyone who has played it already), the skill is the skill curve is very high for new players. This is similar to other paradox like crusader kings. However the best way that I know to get over the curve is to just play the game. For example in kings a good example of a starter state would be Ireland but in this game some examples could be america or the USSR. However most of my time so far has been spent in the modern day mod. With in this i played as Brazil where I have beaten Argentina, Peru and Uruguay. After this I went down the path of communist with hopes of starting a faction with china. If anyone wants to see a blog about this game just say. Overall this is a good strategy game that may be slow at the start but as you figure it out it is a lot of fun to play.