Europa Universalis 2

Rating:
Summary: Chess for the History Buff
Review: Do you enjoy strategy games that aren't a real-time strategy click fest? Did you major in history? Then Europa Universalis is the game for you but be careful because you may never set it down. Being a history buff, any game which allows me to conquer the world in the Age of Mercantilism is a dream come true so you can imagine how quickly I picked this one up. Actually, I started playing the series with the first game and if you're new to the entire Europa Universalis line, I recommend you begin with the sequel which doesn't add an incredible amount of new content but is a better play than the first game. Historically accurate rules and the ability to play any country from Spain to the Aztec Empire is what makes this game a classic. War isn't as simple and one-dimensional as a classic turn-based strategy game such as Civilization or popular real-time strategy game such as Age of Empires. While technically the game is real-time strategy (RTS), it really doesn't feel like it as it's a different approach from your typical RTS title. You can easily change the speed of the game by slowing down the progression of months and essentially turning the game into a turn-based strategy game which is the best and necessary way to play in most areas of the game. The game allows multiplayer and speaking of online communities, Europa Universalis may have one of the smartest PC gaming communities in existence. Check out the company's message boards for plenty of custom mods and in-depth history discussions. While you're at it, make sure to download any patches as well because the entire Europa Universalis line has a notorious reputation for buggy releases. This game takes plenty of time to master so don't expect to learn it in one day. To enjoy this game, you really need to know what type of gamer you are. While not as sophisticated as some of the lesser known harcore military strategy games, Europa Universalis does require plenty of patience and a passion for history and strategy.

Rating:
Summary: An anachronistic game for grognards
Review: If you know the definition of "grognard," chances are you will enjoy this game. Europa Universalis 2 (EU2) is a historic strategy game in the line of Colonization or Imperialism II. What EU2 captures is the spirit of the old paper and cardboard games from companies like Avalon Hill.

Gamers who insist on stunning visuals or hectic action (a la "Return to Wolfenstein") will be disappointed. The graphics of EU2 are ordinary (at best), though the sound is surprisingly good with a mix of period pieces.

The strength of EU2 is the detailed gameplay. The "Grand Campaign" runs from 1412 to 1819 with other scenarios available. One has the option of playing as major European power like England or a minor province. The major powers are generally more enjoyable.

The learning curve for EU2 is steep, even for seasoned computer gamers. As a veteran of games since "Panzer Blitz," EU2 was the rare game that forced an extended look at the tutorial and a fair amount of checking the manual. The easily daunted will not enjoy EU2 and the work required to master game elements of trade, religion, leaders, exploration, diplomacy and war.

The game runs in "real time" although this can be slowed substantially to allow novices time to learn and adjust.

Using the patched version 1.02, game play seemed reasonably stable with a few bugs. EU2 has a small, but active, online community offering advice and insights.

The game is well suited for intellectually-inclined empire builders or armchair historians. It is a perfect fit for the occasional grognard who thinks the best games involved paper units and rolling dice.

Rating:
Summary: Europa Universalis
Review: I am a fan of Historical Strategy games such as the Civilization series and Cross of Iron. I would have to say that Europa Universalis is one of the better Historical Strategy games I have played. The game is challanging and will keep you playing. Spans pretty much the whole world, except for the interior of of some of the continents which is fairly accurate for the time. Conquest, Religion, Diplomacy, Economics, and even Royal Marriages all play there part as you struggle to win, if not just to survive. Overall, a very enjoyable game that will be continued to be played.

Rating:
Summary: The one game that will never leave my HD. Ever.
Review: Does that sum it up for you? First, let me be honest. If you like point and click action games, and couldn't care less about History, stay clear.

This game is complex, layers upon layers. It refuses to insult the intelligence of its audience. It expects you to make choices, in real time, like a monarch would. But don't let that scare you if you're used to Turn-Based. This is NOT a click-fest. Plus you can pause the game whenever you desire and still give most orders.

The game is incredibly customizable. With literally over 100 playable nations. Be warned, each starts in its 1419 historical position. So if you line up between two heavyweights as a weak nation, you need to be a strong player. Also every nation has its own event and monarch file, with historical events and historical monarchs (or suitable ahistorical if you manage to play a nation that disappeared historically for longer than it really existed--like say the Byzantine Empire or Burgundy).

Also, the Paradox forums is simply put, the most helpful gaming forum that one could ever be part of. With developers who actually listen to their players.

If you like deep, complex simulation games. This is your ticket. No two games will ever play the same. Virtually infinite replayability, scenarios, different nations, and different event choices can change a game readically from one time to the next, even if you always play the same nation. Play different nations, and you're guaranteed radically different experiences.

If you think games like Civ are just too darn easy and want a REAL chance to build an empire. Here it is. But don't say you haven't been warned. You'll never get it off your hard drive either.

Rating:
Summary: Addictive and educational
Review: If you like strategy and history, this game is completely enjoyable. It presents constant challenges, sometimes irritating (just like real life) and you can overcome them as you learn about the game, but also about history and geography.

I thought I was knowledgeable about history and geography, but have learned much from this game. The maps, provinces, cities and ethnicities are detailed and accurate. The authors have made a worthy effort to include summaries of historical events, political crises, etc. albeit in broken English. Best of all, playing EU2 makes you want to read and learn more about some of the people and events in the scenarios.

Also, the musical soundtrack adds to the sense of time travel that is so hypnotic in this game. I hope future editions will add even more musical choices and depth.

A few suggestions for improvement (hope the manufacturers also read these reviews):

1. The smaller nations don't get exceptional leaders (explorers, conquistadores, military).
2. The technology disadvantage of the non-European nations is perhaps historically accurate, but limits the "what-if" opportunities the game could offer.
3. A future EU3 could extend the time line more (ancient world, modern era).

Rating:
Summary: Great Original Game
Review: This game has a fairly steep learning curve and takes quite a while to master, but you are definately rewarded for your patience. The first thing to do is to go to Paradox's website and download the latest patch, because they've really improved the game since its initial release.

Once you do this and devote a few hours to the tutorial and the basics you'll be addicted. The game can be played in several ways. Attempt to conquer the entire world, become the world's sole superpower, coexist with other nation's peacefully, or play in a strictly historical way. You can choose your goals and have fun with them, playing as any nation on the globe, from the Iroquis to the Japanease to the English.

Enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: Extremely fun when it works right --- get the patches
Review: Paradox is now up to Patch 1.07 on Europa Universalis II, which can be interpreted two ways --- it means that Paradox is quite attentive to the needs of its customers, and responds to them. However, it also means that there are so many bugs in the game (and Paradox is justly infamous for extremely buggy games) that it has thus far required 7 patches.

Trying to play the game without any patches? I wish you the best of luck. Save early & save often, and be prepared for frequent crashes. There was a point, after one crash too many, where I simply put the game away and refused to play it for many months. Also, without the patches, you will find that you cannot use your diplomatic strategies to their full extent.

Assuming that you have updated the game with the 1.05, 1.06 or 1.07 patch, you will find an extremely fun and addictive strategy game. At first glance, one may be tempted to take a purely military approach and carve out a massive empire for yourself. However, you may then find yourself teetering on bankruptcy and facing continual revolts throughout your domain. You may also find the rest of the world suddenly ganging up on you. The option of hacking your way across the world generally will not bring success.

Of course, this means that the game forces you to look at the picture --- managing a budget, allocating your resources, managing your domestic & religious policies, and wielding diplomacy as a weapon just as effective as your armies --- and that all adds up to a pretty steep learning curve. It will take more than a few tries before your national engine is firing on all cylinders. Paradox has a great forum, with a very active posting community. Just about any question you may have has been addressed on one forum or another.

In theory, you can play a couple of hundred nations --- ranging from the major powers of Europe, the pipsqueak principalities of Europe (sometimes simply surviving is a victory in and of itself), or a 3rd world nation such as Mali, Dai Viet or Chimu. The reality is that this game is heavily Eurocentric. You can play a New World nation such as Cherokee & Creek, but you will lack the resources and wherewithal to make any significant improvements in technology. Centuries will whiz by as you stare at the same dozen provinces, with barely any improvements in technology. Then you will get the pleasure of watching the English, Spanish or French swoop in and gut you like a fish.

If you aren't going to play Europe, stronger non-European nations such as Delhi and China will give you a fighting chance. Playing Persia, the Mameluks or the Ottomans will also give you the chance (possibly) of sweeping across Europe, leaving havoc in your wake. Few things provide more pleasure.

The game is extremely open-ended. You can play the exact same nation a dozen different times. Random events and the sometimes unpredictable nature of the AI opponents guarantee that your game will unfold a dozen different ways.

Obviously, this is not a game for the shoot-em-up crowd. The graphics are a minor part of the games (although the music is quite delightful --- the patches will add some new music), and the game's pace will prove frustrating to those yearning for a lot of action. However, as a strategy game, this has to be up towards the top. Just make sure the game is fairly up to do date, so that you can maximize the strategic possibilities.

Rating:
Summary: Great concept with some problems
Review: Europa Universalis II is one of the most compelling strategy games for the PC to be released in the last decade. Its combination of economics, politics, and warfare provides a much richer experience than the typical build and conquer style strategy games.
Here are the high points:
* Large scale conquest is impractical and difficult. You won't find it easy to win the game by wiping out the competition. This means you actually have to think!
* The political system is rich and diverse, allowing you to actively make efforts to improve relations.
* The large number of nations makes realistic alliances possible.
* The economic system is simple enough to be playable, but diverse enough to be interesting.

Here are some problems:
* The game is supposed to be historically accurate, but it defies this in two serious ways:
1.) The nature of exploration is unrealistic. Because all military units have an attrition rate that increases with time, you cannot send out long expeditions (making circumnavigation impossible). Also, you can't bring ships into a safe harbor in unknown lands to refresh the crew.
2.) When you discover the new world empires (Aztecs, etc.), they are treated exactly the same as the old world countries politically. This means you have to have a valid cause to attack them. In history, the cultures of the new world were exempted from the rules of war.
* The focus on history also limits your choices. As far as I can tell, you only get explorers (which allow you to move into uncharted map spaces) that correspond with actual famous explorers from the country you are playing. Some countries will therefore get a big advantage that others don't have.

In conclusion, EU II is a good game with a lot of fresh ideas, but it has some limiting factors that can easily turn you off. It is worth a look if you are a thinking strategy fan, but is probably not a good choice if your interest in strategy is limited to traditional (War Craft style) real-time games.

I found that, after playing this game for a while, I went back to Imperialism II, which is a much superior game.

Rating:
Summary: amazing sound track
Review: i'm giving this game 5-stars because it is worth the $15 for the sound track alone. i haven't even played it. i have the game running in the background for the music.

Rating:
Summary: Not for the casual gamer
Review: This is a good game, but be prepared to put a lot of time and effort into it. Some of my fellow reviewers seem to think that this game is too easy. This may be the case if you play it for months or longer. But it certainly is not a game you can pick up and play over the weekend. There simply is too much going on and too much to handle. And the casual gamer will soon wish for more obvious feedback.

This doesn't mean the game is bad though. Quite the contrary. Just be aware of the commitment you will have to make.