I could see why my units were staunch defenders, holding out, right to the last men until reinforcements arrived. Battles took longer to conclude, each province may take a few drawn-out battles before it’s gained by the victors.

I noticed how every battle fought gave a sense of military triumph over my enemies. Switzerland held out months against a three prong attack from Germany, Italy and Hungary. It felt like I was in command of an actual army and not bunching up units under one general. When I started sorting out division, corps, army and theatre army. I spent a couple of hours just reorganizing the order of battle for the small, but yet, somewhat powerful Hungarian army. The biggest difference for wargamers, when comparing these two games is the warfare mechanic (Order of Battle), industry, and the freedom to create your alternate history.

Black Ice 10.33 for Heart of Iron 3 and Black Ice for 1.8.2 for Hearts of Iron 4. So to be fair, I have used the latest version of the mod for both games. Especially when paired with the historically immersive Black Ice mod. Most wargamers share the sentiment that Hearts of Iron 3 is the superior game when it comes to simulating warfare. The beating of the war drums calls for the clash of titans, THE BATTLE OF THE IRON HEARTS! I will determine once and for all which of the Hearts of Iron heavyweights would take the championship for best wargame simulation from Paradox!