Europa Universalis IV

Over the last decade Europa Universalis series earned a faithful group of enthusiasts, as well as a place among the most important games in the computer strategy genre. Paradox Interactive Studio, the game’s developer team, made us wait long – more than six years, to be specific – for the fourth installment of the series (the third one was published in early 2007), trying to make it strike a chord with fans.

Plot

Following the pattern set by the previous installments of the series, Europa Universalis IV for PC lets the player take on the role of an eminence grise who controls the development of a given country over centuries. This time, you can choose from over 250 nationalities from all over the world. Depending on the scenario, the game period can span over nearly 400 years (in the main campaign).

Gameplay

The task is quite complex, as player has to take care of a whole spectrum of issues related to governing – starting with political system, through foreign policy, trade, economy and social structure, scientific research, military development and operations, world exploration, and colonization of new territories.

With Europa Universalis IV the developers decided to enrich the well-known mechanics with new elements. One of the most significant innovations is a system called Monarch Power, which makes the personality of a ruler affect his ability to take specific actions (for example, the monarch of a warlike disposition will develop military technologies more quickly). Considerable changes were also made in the field of diplomacy and trade.

The game developers took care of a solid historical foundations. In EU IV there are 4,000 names of authentic state leaders and a whole cast of other characters known from history books. Some attention was paid to signifying major historical events, which often have impact on the game.

Game modes

The game offers several game modes for both single-player and multiplayer play via the Internet. Up to 32 people can participate in a single multiplayer game – either in cooperation or competitive modes.

Technology

Europa Universalis IV is based on a dependable, although continuously upgraded Clausewitz Engine 2.5, which had previously been used in Games Victoria II and Crusader Kings II, among other titles. A lot of effort has been put into improving the visual binding of the game, as compared with the previous installment of the series. A 3D map of the in-game world was created, which stays true to the historical borders of provinces, actual land relief, and dynamically changing seasons.

Last updated on August 14, 2015