This expansion also adds to the Ideas and Rivals systems to give some nations a small boost. Such a view underestimates the role of commerce in Europa Universalis IV and corrects some ahistorical quirks in the base game. Trade, after all, doesn’t have the cachet of new nations, cultures and continents. All of this makes for a long game but players who want a break from the European cesspool will enjoy the clean, simple life of the wilderness.Ĭompared to “Conquest of Paradise”, the “Wealth of Nations” expansion may strike the casual observer as simply a minor add-on. Diplomacy can only be initially conducted with immediate neighbors. the concept of an embargo might be alien to a Mohawk. The diplomacy options have a very European flavor, e.g. Every part of the land mass is jumbled so the explorers must really explore. No longer can Europeans sail into “Terra Incognito” having a fairly good idea where they will land. Possibly the most extraordinary change in the expansion is the option to make a random map of the Western hemisphere. If the mother country continues to milk the colonies, tea and other things get thrown about, leading to revolution and possible independence. Such a nation is treated initially like vassals, but as they prosper a desire for independence grows. Five contiguous colonies form a colonial nation. The Amerindians are not the only refocusing done. Advanced nations can Westernize if adjacent to Europeans, at the cost of losing their native buildings and large, cheap armies. Technology is slow but the concept of “Advancements” leapfrogs the usual tech system to speed matters up. However, tribes can join federations that can take provinces, fend off enemies and be prepared for the Europeans when they show up. No tribe is overwhelming and, when a smaller tribe feels threatened or sees better resources elsewhere, it can migrate. Unit icons are done very well as are buildings. Each has its own buildings, ideas, government and missions. Almost 15 North American “nations”- tribes, really-can be managed by the player. The Americas were just a place to plop down colonists, defeat unorganized natives and conduct trade wars. Europa Universalis IV tended to be Euro-centric with a nod toward the Near East and Asia. “Conquest of Paradise” is more than just an expansion it’s literally a sea change. An overview and evaluation of each expansion seems justified.
Four expansions, many unit and music packs, as well as several interim patches have been produced in a year’s time.
Publisher Paradox Interactive, however, seems incapable of sitting on their laurels. This deep, intense game should keep any global strategy gamer busy for months, covering as it does the Renaissance, the Reformation, the Enlightenment and the events springing from the French Revolution. Since its release in August 2013, Europa Universalis IV has received glowing reviews.
Passed Inspection: Great graphics, improved AI, new units, brilliant innovationsįailed Basic: Small font, some bugs, scanty documentation Conquest of Paradise $14.99 Wealth of Nations $9.99 Res Publica $4.99 Art of War $19.99 Publisher/Developer: Paradox Interactive.
Four Expansions for Europa Universalis IV – PC Game Review By Jim CobbĮuropa Universalis IV Expansions.