The Republic is very interesting DLC. A lot of new events and a great mechanics that let you play Republics in game. While it all look very good and playing Republics is certainly fun, you have to know one little thing that hadnt been adressed yet (but might be in future). Republics are overpowered - to put simply. They are blobbing along the shores too quickly and sometimes - unstopably. But lets be honest - it dont happen in every game you play. So this DLC is still worth of buying and it is still great!

Like Sword of Islam, this DLC opens up another whole different play style. If you are strictly a feudal lord player, don't get this, but if you are looking for much different game mechanics, go ahead and spring for this.

Playing a republic is awesome, there is a lot of diplomacy and intrigue involved in making your house the doge, and it's very hard to stay doge for long because of all the other families in the republic plotting against you to be elected once you die. The gameplay is very balanced and there's a lot you can do even when you're not the head doge of your republic.

A totally new gameplay, in my opinion the best among those we got (Legacy of Rome, Sword of Islam). You can even get it for those bluecoins you don't know what to do with, when there is one of the common -75% offers on CK2. A must have, you'll rediscover the game.

But my advice : better go for 13th century and the Hansa, there are few available republics early on.

Optional DLC in my viewpoint. Merchants are a little too complex and not necessarily relevant to what this game ambitions. However if you wish to complete the experience dont hold back, especially not if it is on sale.

Maybe my favorite DLC for crusader kings 2. The gameplay is really different from a typical medieval ruler, and the increased money but reduced levies really makes you play the game differently. Having new goals freshens up CK2 and keeps you experiencing new things everytime.

Crusader Kings 2 just getting better and better. Through DLC packs Paradox has improve CK2 significantly. While the idea of small DLCs does not entertain me, I have no complaint on larger DLCs like this. Now you can play as Merchant republics, which are quite important factions at that time. The gameplay is new and you can again pick up your CK2 and have more new fun.

Great Addition to the vanilla Crusader Kings II. Playing the Merchant republics such as Venice, Genoa or the cities of the Hanseatic League certainly adds another layer of depth to the game. And with trade posts you can finally make some real money in this game, taxes don't get you that far. Only problem I have is that as far as I've been able to tell, the content of this DLC is already available in game, and must merely be unlocked. Annoying but worth the purchase.

A must have for those who are eager to try out the mechanics of running a merchant republic in the game's time frame. Very different from normal gameplay of a feudal lord, as you take the reins of the head of a patrician family and fight to become Doge of your republic. Of course for those without the patience, one can simply jump into the shoes of the Doge.

While I would not deny that the DLC is not without its faults with some balancing issues (like republics going on a holy war spree), I would still highly recommend this DLC as it adds a different layer of gameplay within a already expansive sandbox game. For those who don't mind missing out on a twist on the fedual lord game, the free patch also gives you some of the benefits of this update.

A good new idea - with a wonderful implementation. Still has some really minor flaws, but is a must for everyone loving to play some minor dynasty.

Finally something different in a DLC to Crusader Kings II. The game adds a different element to the typical feudal warfare balance of CK2. It allows a powerful family to try to take over trade of the Mediterranean and working within the politics of the feudal arrangement and trying to not have the wrath of a King against you if you anger them.

Unlocking a few merchant-republics creates a new layer to the already onion-like Crusader Kings 2. The Republic creates a rudimentary trade-system that works rather well with the game, where trade-posts in coast provinces grants income to the different republics, the trade-posts does include a lot of micromanagement after a few generations, and soon you might feel a bit overwhelmed if you're not concentrating. The system with patrician families is interesting and works quite fine, and the feuding really want's you to go vendetta on those bloody Grimaldi.

There are however a few balancing issues where Gotland, the only republic outside the Mediterrenean tends to grow overly powerful, and also a few bugs, but the bugs will most likely be adressed in a patch and with the vibrant modding-community I expect to see a lot more playable republics soon. There's already mods that let you play as Aden and Iceland, and most in-between.

The third expansion of Crusader Kings, "The Republic", offers great new possibilities of gameplay, focused on playing with a trade republic. Though I still have to play thoroughly one republic game, at first glance the new mechanics seem awesome: the patrician families, trade, the new plots... Paradox is really managing to build the ultimate Middle Ages strategy game. A must have.

You get to play as a merchant republic and it brings a whole new dynamic to the game. You can fight for control of trade posts to earn money and can gain prestige based on the amount of gold you have in the treasury. You have to be careful though because your heir will need to be elected go gain the title of Doge and this is based on how much respect the patricians have for you. Prestige helps to get elected along with a few other factors. The good news is you can buy the election using your cash reserves to campaign and drive up the respect for your heir. You can plot to take away trade posts from patricians in your republic so it isn't just about military might, but other merchant republics will come gunning for you if you let your military might get low. Love it, can't wait to play this one till my eyes burn.

Many paradox veterans waited for this since CK I came out.

This addon enables you to play as Patricians of Venice, Genua, The Hansa, Gothland and others. Thats very intriguing. You will not paint a part of the map in your color, as it's not so much about conquering (of course you can do that too) but about enlarging the trade empire of your republic, keeping your Family strong inside and of course making money.

It gives the great CK II a complete now feel. 9,99 bucks worth spend!

This DLC permit us to play republics in crusader kings 2, permitting a completely different style of game, if you're bore of constant conquest and want to experience a completely new type of gameplay, I fully recommend you buying this DLC.

A awesome new DLC. It add many new flavour to the game and make the republics to a really unique play. The most important in the world is money. And family relations. You could have a feud with another dynasty. Some nice Romeo and Juliet stories. This DLC is one of the bests in the game.

Nice DLC for people who like to play as a merchant republic and rule the world with gold. A nice addition to ck2. You can also play in multiplayer as 1 of the 5 patriarch familys and play against your friend for the throne.

This DLC adds a new playable content to the game giving you the opportunity to play the merchant republics that were prominent of the era. Great addition to the game! This game is alsmost as good as Europa Universalis 3!