HOI is completely different thing. Stop comparing with other gs. This is like apple vs orange.
I Paradox Thread
True enlightenment is moving your Hitler brigade to capture Moscow.
I know, I'm saying Black Ice is an example of a mod I can't enjoy because it became overly complex, is MEIOU the same?
Not really. Most stuff like development are handled by event. So you just play it like usual. Also MEIOU have tutorial event and decision if you are confused.
What would you recommend as a first country for a beginner?
Portugal. Comfy colonization game and Castille usually ignore you or allied with you.
How do colonial nations work in MEIOU?
Like vanilla except you can choose what kind of colonial government you want (Spanish-style feudalism, France/Portugal-style trading, and anglo-style expansion) Genocide is handled by event. They also have Colonial trading company ala EIC that can be formed via decision by if you control India.
Sounds cool, is there mixed cultures? For example, if I pick Spanish style will I get half casts? Is it harder to do the Anglo way?
Not sure about mixed culture, but feudalism and trading usually retain the culture of your colony while anglo is well, like US. Native pop up like crazy in Anglo-style but you can kill them easily. If you are playing Portugal, trading is the best choice since Portugal is too small to expand unlike Brits.
Wait, it's not just the vanilla policies, is it?