Not fun

I was disappointed with this game. The graphics, while improved, really got in the way of gameplay. Also, the gameplay has changed to the point where I have to go through tedious tutorials to learn how to play. I figured it out, but there's just not engaging like the first two games were. Also, I highly recommend the game Victoria. While I think Paradox is a great game company, nobody's perfect. They have unfortunately fallen short with this one.

Very Addicitve

This game in my opinion is the best earth strategy game that I have encountered since Civilization IV. Game play is very addictive due to the long period of time it takes to accomplish your goals, i.e. colonization, expansion and construction.

In agreement with some of the other comments, I do wish the tech tree moved faster but if you are any good with programming, that is easily changed.

As far as all the other comments about bugs and crashes, I don't have anything to say except that it has run to my surprise flawlessly on my system. I don't know if the problem is perhaps that those who have problems, simply have older systems or operating systems that are inhibiting gameplay. So I'd say be cautious, but if it works for you I hope you enjoy it as I did. I would've given this 5 stars for fun if the gameplay went a little bit faster.

Also I wish the AI's were a little bit more intelligent and could mount a truly good military offensive across multiple fronts. But this has been a problem  more

Third Time IS the Charm

I have purchased each release upgrade in this game series and, in my opinion, EU III is by far the best in the series. Unlike other reviewers I really like the new look of the game and the ease and access to more information you get from the other views of the map - terrain, political, religious, etc. - really an enhancement. As to the divergence from historical events, I rather like the play of this edition better than the slavish approach of EU II to history which caused things to happen that, in the context of the game being played, made no sense at all.

The big plus to me is that I have not encountered any bugs in EU III after many hours of play. EU II was very buggy, even after downloading patches. III has been solid.

Another thing I really enjoy is that the economic logic really makes sense - you don't have to experience hyper-inflation as was inevitable in II. The national development options also make better sense. I enjoy the military improvements - vastly superior to previous  more

Good strategy game

The game is not visually appealing compare to Medieval 2 but overall the computer opponent's AI or gameplay is far superior in Europa. You actually have to think twice before you declare war on your neighbour because allies will actually send troops to help your neighbour and your allies will actually send troop to help you. This will never happen in Medieval 2. If you get attack by your neighbour. You are on your own because your allies will just watch and do nothing. This game has endless posibility as to what route you want to pursue such as exploration + colonization of new world or world domination where as Medieval 2 you only have one choice: conquer or be conquered.Europa has more replay value and more options. You want a game that makes you think or one that looks beautiful?

Excellent game on par with Paradox

You need a somewhat modern system with a video card that supports Pixel Shader 2.0 to play this game. If you don't you will be disappointed.

The game itself is incredible and blows away it's predecessor EU2. The new 3d graphics are nice and the interface is quite easy to grasp. Of course this being a Paradox game there are bugs, but with their user feedback forum and participation of the dev staff in said forum, patches have been released fixing many of the issues.

If you liked EU2, Victoria, or HOI...you will LOVE this game

Just wait on buying this game

This game is a slightly improved version of EU2. However the best part of EU2 was the user created mod packs (such as EEP and AGC which could be downloaded at the paradox forums). As these mod packs take quite a few months to take shape and EU3 is still pretty new, I would suggest any prospective buyer to wait until a year or so after the initial release to really be able to enjoy this game fully. Otherwise as the game stands it is only good for 2 or 3 lost weekends.

Where is the history?

This loaded reasonably well and I don't care about the graphics or music, so I don't have anything to say about its presentation. (EU2 had nice medieval music though). However, gameplay is markedly different. I loved EU2 for the history--playing as Castile you can expect the formation of Spain, the Reconquista, Charles V controlling the Netherlands and Austria (half the fun was suppressing the Protestant Dutch revolts). This is all gone--now I'll never see myself as the Holy Roman Emperor (because Austria wouldn't even be my ally). Being a pacifist, I haven't conquered Grenada yet. I own half of North America but my neighboring Aragon wouldn't be my vassal. Fantasy is good but not as fun as "real" history.
Why play this (without the expected historical ups and downs) instead of Civ 4?

Addictive! Beware!

I have had the game less than a week and have already spent WAY too much time playing. It's great! The AI is very good. Lots of decision making in the form of alliances, builing up your country, manpower, diplomancy, war, merchants and more. Yet, you don't get bogged down "micromanaging" everything. Planning for the long term is necessary and acheiving "victory" is what you make of it. Just surviving for 300 years could be considered a great victory for the likes of Barvaria or Serbia. You have control to make and create history.
The game has been visually redesigned as well. It looks great. It's not World of Warcraft, but compared to EU2 it's leaps ahead of it. An upgrade is already available (for free) from the publishers on thier website. The game comes on one CD and is quick to load. A great game for lovers of history and gaming.