Crusader Kings III has been a recurring theme here at IndieGala. But Tours and Tournaments has not. The second expansion for Crusader Kings III is next on my agenda, and I couldn’t be happier about it.
Why? Well, for one it’s my third attempt to tackle this game. And also, it’s my third attempt to write about the Medieval times. One of the scariest eras in history, but at the same time one of the most fascinating.
Back in my first Crusader Kings article, I took a closer look at the Crusades. You can check out my article here. And in my second article, I explored the game itself. In my Filmaholic gamer review of course. The article is available here.
However, now in the Tours and Tournaments expansion, we’re going to focus on one particular aspect of it. The jousting. That is jousting you might ask? Well, it’s a medieval and renaissance martial game or hastilude between two combatants either on horse or on foot. It’s present in games, literature, movies and more. And we’re here about that. It’s present in this game and some of our favorite movies.
But first….
What’s Tours and Tournaments All About?
Developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive, Crusader Kings III: Tours & Tournaments is a fantastic DLC of the grand strategy game RPG hybrid.
Life is a journey of chivalric adventure, so why don’t you embrace yours, ruler? Create your very own epic story with the major expansion. Crusader Kings III: Tours & Tournaments. Be awed by the sights and events that await you. From bold, mock combat in the jousting area to adventuring perilous wilds with your royal entourage.
Let wanderlust overtake your ruler’s desires during a monumental Tour. And seek out your subjects in a realm that can be both dangerous and richly entertaining. Prove yourself in one of the many forms of gallant Tournaments. either abroad or at home. Or use the festivities to murder a quarrelsome rival. Be the host of new Grand Activities. Be it grand weddings or stirring falconry hunts. But beware! Many celebrations are the perfect cover for the dastardly scheme against foes… or family.
Crusader Kings III: Tours & Tournaments is available for purchase here. But if Tours and Tournaments isn’t your particular favorite, don’t worry. We have plenty of other packs, DLC and games from the very same franchise. Check them out here.
Oh, and plenty of other games from Paradox Interactive too. Just click here and pick your favorite.
What Are Some Of The Steam User Comments Saying About It?
Anitablunt says: Really nice addition to the game.
While Power Meat adds: My Royal wife decided it was a good idea to eat a strange plant on the road while traveling to our wedding and died. 10/10
Tours and Tournaments In Movies
Yes, for the purpose of this article, we picked 5 of some of the finest games that have one particular tour and tournament. Jousting. The medieval tournament is present in all of these movies, Regardless if jousting is part of the central theme or simply in a handful of scenes. Which ones made the cut? Scroll down to find out.
The Last Duel
The Last Duel is the most recent movie on this list, but it’s also one of the finest. It was unfairly overlooked a few years back, and one might say… It’s one of Ridley Scott’s most underrated movies. It has a great historical story, a great cast and a fine script. It’s written by Nicole Holofcener and the Oscar Winners Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. And it has both of them in the cast but also, Adam Driver and the incredible Jodie Comer in the lead roles. The movie is set in Medieval France, and it’s about a knight who challenges his former friend, squire Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver) to a judicial duel. After Jean’s wife, Marguerite (Jodie Comer), accuses Jacques of raping her. It’s a heavy movie for sure, but it’s a good one. It’s gout jousting, intrigue and great performances all around.
Fun fact: Matt Damon said that he and Ben Affleck brought on Nicole Holofcener to help them write the female perspectives of the screenplay.
A Knight’s Tale
What a movie. With the late Heath Ledger in the lead role, A Knight’s Tale is a medieval adventure/comedy that Hollywood doesn’t really make anymore. It’s got jousting, some cool 70’s music tracks and plenty of laughs to go around. Seriously, the 14th-century story is intentionally anachronistic. With many modern pop culture references and a soundtrack featuring 1970s music. Which makes it that much cooler. However, Ledger portrays William Thatcher. A peasant who poses as a knight and competes in tournaments. He will win many of them, but along the way, he will win the heart of Jocelyn, a lady of noble birth. Paul Bettany is on supporting duty and so are Alan Tudyk and Rufus Sewell. It’s a must-watch. Even if you’re not a fan of Heath Ledger.
Fun fact: Paul Bettany’s nude scene was shot on his very first day in front of a crowd of extras.
Excalibur
Talk about an epic medieval fantasy movie. And one from the early 80’s no less. Frankly, this movie is a rendition of the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. And at the same time was a career jumping point for plenty of fantastic actors. Liam Neeson, Patrick Stewart, Gabriel Byrne and Ciarán Hinds. Just to name a few. Named after Arthur’s legendary sword, the movie features the music of Richard Wagner and Carl Orff (among others). And it’s a fantastic piece of film art. It’s got great locations, incredible costumes and talented actors. It’s worth a shot, for the cast only. Let alone the incredible piece of art that it is. So much so that In 2009, Zack Snyder said Excalibur was his favorite film. He even called it “the perfect meeting of movies and mythology”.
Fun fact: According to Gabriel Byrne, his sex scene with Katrine Boorman was filmed with the two separated. He performed his close-ups in the scene with a pin cushion.
The Sword In The Stone
Another movie about Arthur and his sword. But this time, animated and from Disney. This is the oldest movie on the list, but at the same time, it’s one of the finest. It’s based on the novel of the same name by T. H. White. And the last animated film from Walt Disney Productions to be released in Walt Disney’s lifetime. Although it got mixed reviews, the movie was a huge box-office success. But hey. Much like with any other Disney IP, The Sword In The Stone is about to get a live-action version soon.
Fun fact: This was the last animated film that Disney produced. Since he died during the production of The Jungle Book (1967).
Camelot
Last, but certainly not least. Camelot is in fact, a musical fantasy drama film. But much like with Excalibur, it’s filled to the brim with incredible actors. Richard Harris is King Arthur. Vanessa Redgrave is Guenevere, and Franco Nero is Lancelot. David Hemmings, Lionel Jeffries and Laurence Naismith are in supporting roles here. And much like The Sword In The Stone, this movie got mixed reviews too. However, it’s a true classic today but back then even managed to win three Oscars. For Best Score, Best Production Design, and Best Costume Design. It’s a long, but elaborate piece of film, and if you’re a fan of the legend of Arthur then go for it. It might surprise you.
Fun fact: Despite its high cost, Camelot was widely criticized for its “cheap” appearance.
But Are You A Fan Of Tours And Tournaments?
Let us know in the comment section. And feel free to share with us your favorite movie that has jousting in it. We’d love to know all about it.
