Europa Universalis III review

The world is flat, but we're too busy annexing Russia to notice

12DOVE Verdict

Pros

  • +

    Wonderfully layered strategy

  • +

    Endlessly replayable

  • +

    Rewards strategic thinking

Cons

  • -

    New graphics ain t special

  • -

    Historical deviations may upset purists

  • -

    May be too complex

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If there was ever a gaming equivalent to the domain of historical global domination, then Europa Universalis (and its WWII offshoot Hearts Of Iron) would have to be it. Perhaps in terms of pure numerical depth the comparison is a touch ambitious, but in bringing together areas of foreign policy, trade, development and warfare, few games have been so successful at weaving all the threads together, especially within such a rich tapestry as post-medieval European history. OK, the graphics were a bit crap, but EU’s Risk-style map and cute icons did the job adequately enough.