Europa Universalis 4

Europa Universalis IV takes places between 1444 to 1821 as you explore the after effects of the end of the middle ages all the way to the colonization and exploration of the world. While the game doesn’t have any specific story for you to play, the game itself is the story as you witness the rise of your great world power that will attempt to conquer nearby lands and eventually whole continents. Using your gameplay and random events as a base, this game is sure to create memorable moments, victories and failures that will stick with you far better than any average game plot could.

Tools

Europa Universalis IV lets you do almost anything as you attempt to build up a nation. Everything from warfare, to diplomacy and trade are here, each with dozens of different sub systems that help you gain power, deal with calamities and everything else you may come up against.

The biggest drawback though is just how much of the game’s potential and its gameplay options are locked behind DLC. Unless you acquire a very complete version of the game, a ridiculous amount of features will be locked to you. Even simple things such as the ability to become independent while working as a vassal to a larger nation; effectively forcing all small factions into permanent servitude unless you get more DLC.

Gameplay

Europa Universalis IV is all about strategy, grand strategy. The whole world is a canvas for you to paint with the blood, sweat and tears of your efforts as you attempt to turn the whole world to your side and crush it when it resists. A world that will not cut you any breaks or back down to your attempts at superiority. The game is hard, extremely hard and filled with so many mechanics, statistics and possibilities that will all create a nearly unsurpassable learning curve before you can start to feel wholly competent and able to realize your ambitions. This game will challenge you in the long term as you play for hundreds or even thousands of hours through an incredibly repayable experience that will never let go once it gets a hold of you.

Sounds & Atmosphere

The game looks decent with its maps and portraits which give it a nice little charm when combined with its music and general style and direction. Overall though this game is not about stunning vistas or riveting voice acting as you will stare at maps for the entirety of your play. Perfectly serviceable overall.