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Make history one long night at a time

» Pros

Deep strategic thinking, different outcomes every time out, no shortage of decisions to make

» Cons

AI is very spotty, learning curve a little intimidating to newbies, the most interesting countries also have it very easy

» Review

Europa Universalis II is my favorite strategy game of the last five years - maybe ten. Don't be too put off by the historical veneer and insane menu of options. A little patience and some trial games with a really powerful country and you'll be fine.

What makes this game stand out is not its fidelity to history - sometimes, in fact, you find yourself straitjacketed by history when you don't want to be. What makes it stand out is its near infinite replayability. Every nation from Russia to the Aztecs is playable. You can conquer like Napoleon or only fight defensive wars. Fight for the one true faith or make a lot of money. (You could always do both).

There is very little building of structures or recruiting units. Armies and navies are kept simple, buildings minimal. This means that you can focus on the big picture. This is a "grand strategy" game, so the point isn't necessarily to rush your opponent. If you can defeat your rival by building a huge colonial empire, so much the better.

The game is Paradox at its best, before it got obsessed by the bloated behemoth approach to historical gaming. EU2 is simpler than it looks and very rewarding to anyone with even a passing interest in the period.