Europa Universalis 5

Europa Universalis 5 is a global strategy about the reconstruction of the world, starting in the middle of the 14th century. The player takes a state and leads it through centuries of wars, alliances, discoveries and reforms. Governance is built on estates, taxes, trade and diplomacy, so the country lives not only at the expense of the army. Technology and reform offer new opportunities, and internal contradictions require caution. Colonies, factories and sea routes provide income, but require attention. The game does not have a prescribed ending: one can strive for greatness, for prosperity, or simply to survive between strong neighbors. The interface is detailed, with a lot of tips and tables. The world is detailed: each province has its own culture, goods and level of development, and this affects management. Religious and class conflicts have to be resolved because stability depends on them. Community mods have long been a part of the game, expanding the map and rules. The interface can be customized for yourself, because there is a lot of data on the screen. The beginning of the game depends on the country, so the difficulty differs noticeably: it is more difficult to play for a weak neighbor. Trade flows and production affect income more than army size. Reforms are carried out gradually, and unsuccessful ones can cost stability. Saves allow you to go back and try other plans. Diplomacy and trade require as much attention as the military, and alliances last for years. The world changes as the game progresses. For those players who like long campaigns and understanding the structure of states, the game gives enormous scope.