Think of Paradox Entertainment and up pops an image of a strategy epic that you need to play with three open textbooks on your lap. The Europa Universalis series and its World War II-based successor, Hearts of Iron, have given the Swedish developer real credibility with the smart set. You don't need a university degree to play these titles, but it sure helps. However, no such qualifications are needed for the company's latest game, a Diablo rip-off of sorts called Valhalla Chronicles. This hack-and-slash game is so dumbed down that it's practically an insult to anyone who can walk and chew gum at the same time, let alone the crowd that's been conquering Europe in Paradox's previous releases. While it's understandable that the company is interested in branching out into other genres and getting away from the brainy-game stereotype, Valhalla Chronicles pushes too far in the other direction.