Western Civ 101
Pros:
Excellent diplomatic and economic model
Cons:
Dense Manual (120 pages) that is difficult to read, audio is rather sparse
The Bottom Line:
Hands down the best game in its niche; though complex to learn, it offers a realistic look at all aspects of European nation building between 1492-1799.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
There are few computer games that allow players to guide countries from the 1492 through to the French Revolution. While Imperialism II, released several years back, captured the colonization / domination aspect, merging it with a strong economic system, the relationship's between great powers was somewhat limited. Europa Universalis (EU) a real time strategy game developed by Paradox and based on the boardgame of the same name, however, far overshadows Imperialism II.
Not only are the maps much larger encompassing most of the world, but the economic, diplomatic and military models are also stronger. For example, state religion (Catholicism versus Protestantism plays a role in a nation's dealing with her neighbors, while the game accurately handles the coalitions that were created in Europe during this period (The Grand Alliance, etc).
The game comes with multiple scenarios, ranging from the Thirty Years War to the War for American Independence. However, the heart of the game is the Grand Campaign, were players can choose between Austria, England, Portugal, Spain, France, Poland, Turkey and Russia (Though the substitution of Poland for Prussia is somewhat tenuous). Players work to extend their empires though mercantilism, diplomacy, or outright war. One word about war, there are only three different units (One of the few areas where Imperialism II surpasses it), however, the system works well enough.
The aspect that made this game stand out for me though was its historical feel. While the engine allows for plausible historical revision, the game models in restrictions(different leaders with different attributes for example) that prevent things from getting to similar to a Harry Turtledove novel. However, this aspect makes or breaks the game. If you are a student of European history, this game is for you, if not , it might be too complicated, and do not buy this game with the intention of creating a huge Russian or Austrian overseas Empire, it won't happen, you simply cannot build up the infrastructure of the countries in time.
