Europa Universalis: Rome

The Europa Universalis series has been one of the cornerstones of the turn-based strategy genre on the PC, presenting some meticulous gameplay elements and hardcore historical strategy for purist fans of the genre. Now, the series is gearing up to release its latest entry, Europa Universalis: Rome. As you could surmise from the name, EU: Rome spans the birth of one of the largest and most powerful empires the world has ever known, covering the first Purin War and leading up through the beginning of the empire. The game lives up to the commanding pedigree that the EU series has made its namesake, offering the same complex and deep strategy elements that fans have come to know and love. Dust off your sandals, since the Roman Empire is set to rise again this April.

As with previous entries in the EU series, Rome will give you control of many aspects of the fledging Roman Empire, from socio-political elements, to military and culture. However, should you not want to take the reins of Rome, you’re also able to select a variety of other upstart cultures, like Alexander the Great’s Macedonia and Carthage in North Africa, to name a couple.

The character development of those close to you is one of the more important elements in the game. You’ll have to keep a close eye on those who you put in powerful positions, including governors, generals and those in your dynasty. While you can be a bit corrupt and earn yourself some extra money by allowing corruption to go on, this will eventually breed dissent in those around you and could possibly get you attacked or thrown out of power.

Aside from these elements, the economic and cultural elements are also extremely deep and complex. Religion plays a key role in gameplay much as it has in previous EU games, especially when it comes to relations with those outside of your empire. There is a new Omen ability, which will give you special boosts and are based on the worldwide popularity of your religion of choice. If your religion is popular, then you’ll have more likelihood to gain an Omen, but if it’s not, then you will probably get them sparingly.

The game also makes several key changes to the interface, making for a much more streamlined presentation that’s easier to get a grasp on if you’re new to the series. All things considered, this entry to the complex strategy series is looking to give players a great look into the Roman Empire while offering most of the same great civ-building elements that they’ve come to know and love.