GameSpy writes: ""For want of a nail, the shoe was lost..." begins the old nursery rhyme that ends with the fall of an entire kingdom. It's a rhyme that's often been used to explain the concept of alternative history in which small changes play out very differently in the broad sweep of historical events. The chance to dramatically alter history lies at the heart of the appeal of Paradox Interactive's Europa Universalis: Rome. Could Pyrrhus have avoided his "Pyrrhic victory" and strangled the young Roman Republic? Could Carthage have avoided destruction and beaten the Italian upstarts? Could Mark Antony have ousted Octavian and become the first Roman Emperor? Unfortunately, the old rhyme also details the unfortunate consequences of missing small details and that, too, perfectly describes Europa Universalis: Rome, an often-brilliant game that falls down because of a host of tiny details."
Pros:
-Sweeping scope
-Family politics
-Impressive level of detail
Cons:
-Poor user interface
-Army management and movement problems
-Missing diplomatic options
-Awful multiplayer setup
Direct2Drive has slashed $15 off the price of Paradox's strategy title Europa Universalis: Rome Gold, taking the game down to $5 as part of the digital distributor's Deal of the Week.
The Reticule writes: "Paradox may be all hands on deck at GamesCom in Germany but I managed to sneak some questions through to the companies CEO, Fredrik Wester. Read on for his comments on DLC and newly announced titles from Paradox.
The Reticule – You describe the new titles as being a 'tribute' to those who play your games, to what extent does this mean the new games will be designed according to what your fans want to see?
Fredrik Wester – We are always working close to our customers when designing and developing games. This is the result of many years of interaction between our studio and our fans. Several people from the publishing team also interacts with our forum users on a daily basis to discuss, get feedback and to help us develop the company and our games."
GamersInfo writes: Europa Universalis: Rome is an empire builder set in the time of ancient Rome. Despite my love for all things Rome and empire or city builders, I found the game to be tedious, boring and frustrating.
In my experience, there are typically three elements to all empire builders, though most good games will focus on at least two. The primary one is conquering your foes through epic cinematic or stylistically rendered combat. The second element that you can find is winning through the simple strategy of micromanaging your city or empire. That is, you win through trade, diplomacy, alliances and financial gain. And, through all good empire builders, there is the undercurrent that you are somehow a supreme figure looking over all you survey with a sense of power and control.
