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As anticipated as Civ III and NWN

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 15 / 22
Date: October 10, 2001
Author: Amazon User

After playing the first one to death, I can honestly say I can hardly wait for the sequel to be out. ...

If you played the first one you probably found yourself thinking of ideas that could make this game better, and from that you probably downloaded the IGC. Well the designers listened to the gamers and added many of the features included in the IGC as well as an overhaul of the AI and other feature found within the engine.

Overall the graphics will remain the same, but with new features, strategies, nations, and lands to explore it will seem like an entirely new game.

Holds great promise to ruin your social life

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 19 / 23
Date: November 08, 2001
Author: Amazon User

EU1 is a classic. EU2 is EU1 with many more features. Do not buy this game if you like eye candy (though the graphics are decent, they are not eye-popping) but if you like a hard and rewarding slog through war, peace, diplomacy, economic development, colonisation, conversion to the True Faith (whatever that might be) while 180-odd other countries around the world try to beat you, go for it.

The game starts in 1419 and end in 1820 (though you can play other scenarios) and you become the eminence grise of one of the c180 countries. You then guide various monarchs (some already brilliant, others hopeless) through history, beset not only by the conflicting aims of other countries, but by events good and bad.

This is a subtler and more difficult game than most strategy offerings. Conquest of the world is possible, but difficult, and you may find that holding onto a global empire is pretty hard.

And a bonus is a very helpful game developer and a very supportive online forum.

Ear Candy!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 6 / 11
Date: November 19, 2001
Author: Amazon User

Maybe this game isn't much eye candy, but it's some of the best ear candy ever published in a game. The game covers the 15th thru 19th (early) centuries and the music is appropriate to the time periods. You get the ever present anonymous (mainly in the 15th century), then Susato, Morley, Couperin, Dowland, Schutz, et al. In the 18th century you hit the jackpot! Vivaldi, Handel, Bach and Mozart. Alas no Haydn! When you've heard the cut of Emma Kirkby's superb soprano voice singing Handel's Gloria, you just have to get the CD.

You can immerse yourself in the strategy - the manual and tutorials are much better this time. But then you can just sit back and *listen* to the game!

Great. Absoulte best game

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 8 / 15
Date: November 22, 2001
Author: Amazon User

This game is a truly great game. It expands upon the work of EU and brngs it to a great new level. The music is the best I have ever heard on a game. The AI is great and the historical accuracy is one of the best in a game. I would highly recommded this game for any one who loves history and wonders about all of the what ifs.

Refuse to spend more money on this game.

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 6 / 38
Date: November 29, 2001
Author: Amazon User

I owned the first version of this game and found it a major disapointment. Although the game had been in Europe for many months, the English version was very buggy and had several major game issues. It was only through reading the online support rooms that I was able to figure out why the game was acting in certain ways. Once I did I wish I hadn't. Then the game became too easy. I found myself handicapping myself more and more just to make the game interesting. Are you a francophile and want to play as France? Forget it! The game started in 1492 and by 1600 you could rule the world. Someone even did it as Etheopia (although that did take several more years). Sadly games aren't returnable since I'd like to see if this game is the one they should have put out with EUI but I wouldn't risk my (money) on it.

WARNING A GAME THAT MIGHT MAKE YOU USE YOUR HEAD

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 11 / 17
Date: November 30, 2001
Author: Amazon User

EU2 is one of those games where you have to think long and hard
before you make your move.You cant just take over a country.You
have to think how big the army is how big is yours and so forth?
Useing diplomecy instead of force is also a good idea.The choice:
over 200 nations means that the replay value is quite high.
Graphics:so-so Music:A+ Difficulty:you bet Overall:A EU forum:A+
So if you a like history-based game that might make you think
then get EU2.

The Greatest Game ever put to the screen

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 38 / 40
Date: December 02, 2001
Author: Amazon User

I suppose my title says it all. The first Europa was a magnificent game, and anyone who has a brain would agree. EU2 only expands on the original, and only in good ways. The levels of war, diplomacy, trade, colonization, and religious tolerance are amazing to work out. The game moves fluidly through 400 years of history, while you lead a nation, any of about 100, through the trials and tribulations of war and peace.
Do not be mistaken, however, this is not a game of world conquest. Unless you have the cheats (not that YOU would need them, right?), I find it is impossible to conquer the world. Naked agression will be met by alliances of other nations that will knock your country back into the Middle Ages.
The time period is excellent. It starts with the Hundred Year's War raging in France, the Ottoman Turks rising rapidly, the Byzantine Empire crumbling before them, the Spainish wars between Christians and Muslims, wild Indian Wars, and massive conflicts in Asia. In scenarios you will be met with the violent religious wars in France and Germany, the American and French Revolutions, and the Age of Napolean.
There are a couple problems, however. There can be some problems during peace treaties, like allies of yours taking provinces from the enemy that YOU actually conquered, the AI still does really stupid things, like declaring war on you without preparing in the least (then again, that's not really YOUR problem, it's their's); but the game is excellent despite these minor problems. If you ever wanted to play a truly strategic level game, this is IT.

Buyer Beware

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 9 / 29
Date: December 14, 2001
Author: Amazon User

I purchased the original EU and found it to be quite enjoyable, though the most stimulating aspect of game play came through playing the free scenarios and a modified form of the game that was created by some fans of the game.

It is a very intellectual game and the historical aspects can be quite informative as well as stimulating.

Upon release of the sequel, EU2 in early December, I purchased a copy. The first patch 1.01 is out and available at the official website, however even with this patch there are a vast number, of bugs, admittedly most of these are not game breaking, but will significantly hinder your enjoyment of the game. A second patch, which supposedly will fix many of these issues has been promised for Jan 02.

There is a small but dynamic EU community that resides at the official website forums. Normally this community is eager to help you with problems, offers ideas to improve the game and upcoming versions, and is generally a nice place to visit.

However, recently, and no doubt as a result of the games poor condition, an aura of nastiness has pervaded the forums. Many people are upset that the beta testers did not inform the community about the serious issues with the game pre release. A certain amount of blame is also being put upon the game company, Paradox, for releasing a half finished product, and basically forcing the paying public to beta test for them. To top this off, the forum moderators are using their powers to insult, demean, and terrorize those in the community who try to debate these legitimate concerns.

In short, do not visit the official site of this game, or any game, for that matter to learn if it is a good buy. I would recommend you pick up a copy of EU if you can find it, it should be cheap, and see if you like the style of game. Wait at the least till Feb 02 to buy EU2, if you plan to do so, its not a finished product yet.

If the upcoming patches actually make a large difference in the gameplay, I will come and post an updated review reflecting this.

Edited 01Jan02

Happy New Year to all ...shoppers. Well its a new year and sadly to say a patch for EU2 was released shortly before Christmas, it was itself flawed, and so while the game itself is slightly improved, it is not yet a 'finished' product IMHO. This review has caused some consternation on the game forums, and moderators have even hinted that members should make counter-reviews. Use your heads guys, don't pay out your hard earned money till the game is finished, plenty of other great titles to be had here at....

A Grand Game

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 11 / 13
Date: December 31, 2001
Author: Amazon User

EU2 is not a game for everyone. But it is a game that does everything it tries to do well. If you like simple games, EU2 wil overwhelm you. If you like detail that rewards careful attention and examination. If you like complex gameplay, and you would like a game that models historical events without making you a slave to history. This is it. EU2 is my favorite game out. Easily.

The first person who reviewed referred to the forum. It is exceedingly helpful, and I have not experienced any "nastiness" on it. You can find answers to strategy questions, even full "historical fictions" based on the games played. It is sad that that reveiewer let some personal matter color his review of the game. The only bad thing about this game is what it will do to your social life.

A thinking man's game

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 21 / 21
Date: December 31, 2001
Author: Amazon User

I got this game for Christmas and really did not know what to expect when I opened the box...but I have to say this is one of the best strategy games I have ever played! For starters:

The game is historically rich..I am learning so much about 14-18 century Europe! To begin I jumped in to the Grand Campaign on a Normal difficulty level, choosing Austria as my country (I love a challenge!)I have played more than 100 years of a 400 year campaign and have learned the following:

By far the most important thing is to manage your empire and keep your people happy. I cannot over-emphasize this...go for the maximum stability level whenever you can and this will translate into higher revenues and even better morale for your troops.

Secondly, PLAN YOUR WARS! Want to boot Sweden off the Continent? Better check who her allies are...you will probably be fighting them as well. Make sure you also have allies..In 100 years I as Austria have only fought 4 wars (winning 3) and even when you win there are things to consider...what kind of peace should I offer? Tribute? Annexation? Annexation can and does anger the other nations...they dont want their rivals getting too powerful.

Thirdly, Manage your Government. Do you want to favor the Aristocrats? Do you want a centralized power base or let your provinces pretty much rule themselves? Focus on the Army (great for Austia) or Navy (great for England)? Each decision has its good and bad points, and this takes a lot of thought. Also, send your Merchants to the more lucrative Trade Centers; competition is fierce, but the rewards are good!

Do not expect a graphics intensive game (though what is there is OK). The focus is on you running your empire.

I hope this helps. Definate 4 - 41/2 star rating!!

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