I picked up Victoria II last week. I have no idea what is going on most of the time, but there is something quite satisfying about ending slavery and instituing a slightly less non-democratic voting system in Brazil. Crushing the reactionary revolts that keep flaring up as a result of my highway towards a liberal utopia is just icing on the cake.
Oh, and attempting to go back to Simcity's total lack of any interesting or relevant choices after having played Victoria did not go well.