[wewtyflakes]

I have found paradox games to have uneven game mechanics; some run miles wide, some of them run deep, and many others are just very superficial, and there is no reliable indication which will be which when you are playing fresh.

[jjmarr]

Check out Terra Invicta.

It's like the modern-era Paradox game you wanted but all the mechanics synergize with each other.

Unfortunately it's a bit too complicated as a result.

[izacus]

There's no better story generators than those games though, even Civs don't quite compare.