Europa Universalis IV

Europa Universalis, also know as EU4, is a grand strategy game that allows you to play any country that existed between January 1 1444 to January 2 1821. You can expand, form an empire and basically become the worlds greatest super power through war and diplomacy. It takes a very realistic approach to technology, trade, diplomacy and colonization.  This makes is so that the game remains semi-historic and ensures that you don't have to many historical inaccuracies. Such as having Korea becoming a colonialist nation and beating the western powers to the Americas.

However despite giving the game a strong historical drive you are still able to play Korea and become a colonialist it will just take a lot of effort, skill and luck to achieve it. The worst part about the game is combat which is similar to two chess pieces being moved together and one being taken off the board. Essentially whoever has the most men and better technology wins. Other factors are taken into account such as the conditions and terrain of the environment that the battle is taking place. Leaders skills and abilities in battle also have an effect on the combat but generally the country with the most men wins.

This game is so large and complex that it really does make me feel like I am actually running a country. With all these features anything is possible as any country, however this also make shte game extremely hard to get into and understand. Despite having a strong tutorial it is almost impossible to understand how to play the game without watching someone else play the game.

In conclusion, EU4 is an amazing grand strategy game that allows for a different experience every time you play however due to the 'grand' nature of the game and the many complex systems that work within it there is an extremely high learning curve.



Pros
1. Unlimited replay value
2. Constantly being updated
3. Brand you content/features are added with new expansions

Cons:
1. Extremely hard to learn
2. Is expensive (due to new dlc constantly being relased)
3. Hard to play with friends


9/10


Editor
Max Clancy

Photo 1 reference:
http://leaderboard.europauniversalis4.com/assets/eu4-twitter-image-e140f22ff3555f2bc477120fa01d26e9.jpg
Photo 2 reference:
http://i1-news.softpedia-static.com/images/news2/europa-universalis-iv-mare-nostrum-review-pc-503048-2.jpg