Paradox Interactive announces Iron Cross and Darkest Hour, two new externally developed projects using the engine from the Europa Universalis series, with each expected for release via digital distribution in late Q4 2010 or Q1 2011. Darkest Hour is a standalone Hearts of Iron II game, which has a Facebook presence, a Twitter feed, and a discussion forum, and Iron Cross is a Hearts of Iron II expansion, which has its own discussion forum. Here's more on both games:

Developed by a team of experienced modders from the Paradox forum, Darkest Hour is a stand-alone Hearts of Iron II game featuring a mixture of short and in-depth campaigns set across the darkest chapters of the 20th century, from the outbreak of the Great War up to the onset of the Cold War. Darkest Hour will introduce a new artificial intelligence that is now able to react to hundreds of different situations simultaneously, along with a dynamic diplomatic system that will allow the player to have a real impact on the course of history.

Developed by Irshappa, Iron Cross is an expansion for the Grand Strategy game Hearts of Iron II introducing a completely overhauled map with 4,000 new provinces, fresh scenarios as well an extended playtime of 1933 to 1964. New units and brigades, thousands of historical events, improved AI and an impressive new technology tree will ensure that Iron Cross elevates the Hearts of Iron II playing experience to unprecedented heights.