Europa Universalis V
Top Critic Average
Critics Recommend
Critic Reviews for Europa Universalis V
A new bar for complexity in the historical grand strategy genre that sometimes buckles under the weight of its ambition.
Europa Universalis 5 is definitely hurting for some balance tuning at the moment, but its depth of simulation and ultra detailed map might make it the most on-paper impressive historical strategy game of all time.
[Europa Universalis V] is absorbing, seemingly infinitely replayable, deeper than the Mariana Trench, and sets a new standard for what grand strategy should mean.
Europa Universalis V is the thrilling next iteration of Paradox's long-running grand strategy series. If you're still playing EU IV and wondering whether the upgrade is worth it, I'm here to tell you that you absolutely need to play this game. It takes everything about the last entry from 2013 and improves on it. If you're a newcomer with an interest in complex, deeply involved grand strategy games, then now is the perfect time to jump in.
It’s the very opposite of pick up and play but the level of detail and complexity in Europa Universalis 5 is truly staggering and matched only by the difficultly of learning how to play it.
Europa Universalis V marks the start of a bright new age for Paradox's Grand Strategy series, rebuilding the core, while retaining so much of the breadth, detail and regionality. There's some slight rough edges, which aren't surprising for a game of this scale, and room for expansion to better explore certain ideas and regions, but isn't there always?
Europa Universalis V is, at its core, tons of different games all standing on top of each other in a trenchcoat. It’s an economy sim, social and political sim, it’s a war simulator - and it’s more than that. It’s the most complex Paradox game I think I’ve ever played, and that’s not to its detriment.
Europa Universalis 5 isn't just an evolution, it's a true rebirth. Paradox has modernized its classic without losing its soul, delivering a deeper and more dynamic historical simulation than ever before. The game feels more alive, clearer, and more coherent, with reworked systems for population, trade, and warfare that add incredible depth. Sure, it's still complex and can slow down in the late game, but the journey is worth it. Every decision matters, every century tells a new story, and when you finally close the map after dozens of hours, it truly feels like you've shaped history.
Review in French | Read full review
