Such a brilliant game. A good amount of control of your own country and an even bigger control over your foreign policy, mostly just kicking down the neighbours front door.

A pretty good game for a few hours, its nice to see how the series evolved from this to what we have in EU3 now, at such a price I recommend it for all who have eu2 or 3 to see what it was like in the beginning.

A wonderful old PC classic that has evolved a great deal with each new iteration, this original and quite detailed game lets you control one of many nations through history as you determine its path for hundreds of years. Its advanced and sometimes difficult-to-navigate settings are plentiful, but don't let that stop you from enjoying one of the most complex and interesting history simulators out there. Yes, the graphics are dated, and the new titles in the series allow for much greater impact and historical accuracy, but this is still one title you won't want to miss.

Gameplay can be complicated and the graphics aren't much to look at. But once you can figure out the mechanics of it all, EU1 can get to be a real engrossing game. For hardcore strat gamers that happen to be history buffs.

A must buy. Combining a deep and complex system that takes awhile to decipher (even with the tutorial) but is ultimately incredibly satisfying. If dated graphics aren't a major hang-up and you yearn for a strategy game that takes more than muscle memory and twitch reflex then you can certainly afford to give Europa Universalis a go.

The beginning of an empire, this was the game that Paradox knew strategy better than any other and it has continued with other titles such as the Supreme Ruler series. Although this game is dated, it holds gameplay worth the miniscule price tag.

This is easily the best bargain title on GamersGate. Europa Universalis is Paradox Interactive doing what they do better than anyone else. The only real problem I had with this game was overcoming the learning curve. It does come with a tutorial which explains the basic controls, but not how to be successful. Learning the game will require referencing the included PDF manual. Europa Universalis 2 did a much better job of cleaning up the interface and making the game easier to get into, but for 2.95, you’re not going to find a game with this much gameplay anywhere. Just be ready to read some manuals.

Europa Universalis is one of the first PC-game I bought and it got me hooked on a great series of strategy games from paradox. I played EU1 for a very long time before getting EU2, which I also think is a great game. Then Paradox launched the HoI-series and I have followed them since. I still remember launching EU1 for the first time. The loading screen with its fine pictures and the excitement while I waited for the game to start. My first game was as England in the 1492 scenario and although I ended up losing a war to France it still though me a lot. EU! Has given me a lot of good fun and it is the first of Paradox’s great games and therefore it is a must have for all who like the Europa Universalis -series and Paradox!

Europa Universalis is a brilliant simulator of a country developed by Swedish company Paradox. General idea of the game is to become a ruler of one of the major countries and play your way through the history. We have option of playing the Great Campaign, which gives us chance to control one of the major countries of the 1942-1792. Besides this we get few others campaigns that start in different moments of time and allow us to play important countries of certain time scale like Holland or USA. Throughout the any of those campaigns we will have pretty good control of country’s expenditures, religion, army, diplomacy or infrastructure plus we will have control over distribution of our income to the different areas of research or we can just spend it on some improvements like governors or sending colonists. Waging wars is the main goal of the game and this is what we will be doing most of the time. The game presents the map view divided on provinces that are under control of certain countries. We basically create armies in provinces and after declaring a war on other country move our armies to conquer enemy’s provinces in order to annex them, demand tributes or make other country a vassal of our country. Game is pretty complex and touches many aspects of managing a country, diplomacy, trade or technical advance. Multiple options and different aspects that are involved in running a country makes the game extremely interesting and difficult for someone who doesn’t have much practice in strategy games and very simplistic tutorial doesn’t make things easier. No matter which campaign we choose we are bound by some historical events that had major impact on history, so there are events that involve many countries like reformation (religion is one of the most important factors that propelled conflicts that times and it does it also in the game since most countries can change their religion and different religion of a province from country’s can mean revolts) or just single country like reforms of historical leader. Besides them we can get some random events like unhappy peasantry that results in decrease in stability, random build of manufacture or revolts. All countries start with claims on provinces, so if they are in possession of other country we automatically get a casus belli on that country which reduces decrease of stability when declaring war on that country. While conquering the whole world we have to be aware, that planning is everything in this game. Each war affects our bad boy level and decreases our relations with other countries which may result sooner or later in all our neighbors declaring war on us. Very important option is time scaling, we can make time go faster or pause it anytime in a game, which is very helpful. When we are no fighting anyone it is good to look for some allies, appoint some royal marriages, pay other countries to improve mutual relationships. Having a powerful ally can deter some potential aggressors or help us win a war.

Multiplayer mode is taking this game to the next level. Playing with friends, making alliances and waging war on each other is extremely fun and may consume many hours.

Graphics is nothing outstanding. Map in the 800x600 resolution nicely drawn with decently animated armies and season changes affecting provinces is at least sufficient for a tactical strategy.

Sound is dominated by music, great music I must say that really builds up the atmosphere and composes into the game pretty well, although after dozens of hours spent in front of a screen it is nice to say that we can run this game in no music mode and enjoy music of our choice in the background.

There is so many things about this game. It is a compulsory title for every strategy lover and ruler of a country wannabe. Europa Universalis is a quality product that was made by strategy lovers for strategy lovers.

This is the flagship of the Paradox fleet, the first king of a long line of great games! Sure, it might seem a bit old when compared to EU3 or Vicky2, but it is an instant classic. Only thing that really bothered me, was the fact you could not annex the other Great Powers... Talk about your islands in a player controlled sea! But seriously, for such a low price, it would seem inconceivable for a Paradox fan not to own this game...

So, go on, pay your respects to one of the most important lines of games in the history of the strategy genre...And don't be surprised if you get a couple of great games out of this classic gem!

This is the granddaddy of Paradox Interactive's many achievements. Based on a board game developed in France, it allows you to take on the role of major powers at different flashpoints in history between 1492 and 1792.

While war is certainly a major factor, your primary focus in this game is both economic and diplomatic.

EU1's main problem was that, whereas in EU2/3 you could play any nation, EU1 focused on the majors for a given 'flashpoint' - usually Spain, France, England/Britain, Prussia and so forth. Areas beyond Europe are also seriously underdeveloped.

That said however, there is a mod (really it just alters the setup files) that allows you to play any country and also adds the option for ahistorical nations such as Vinland (Vikings in Newfoundland) or Byzantium surviving after 1453.

EU1 is an excellent introduction to Paradox's game, though as noted it does have some issues with modern systems and can feel pretty basic compared to later games. It's more of a sandbox game than the historical feel of EU2.

Great game. Epic strategy. Absolute classic.

If you like strategic games where commanding forces is not its major feature but focuses on the political, economical and historical aspects of being a nation leader - youll be delighted.

The game is very complex - you collect taxes, build infrastructure, promote city majors, build armies, make alliances , etc etc.

If you're strategy master and don't know EU - you have to try it.

Although, game has some difficulties running on newer systems, but if you can manage with them, youll have hours of pure pleasure infront of you.

EU is an experience and a half and if you want to see where this remarkable series started then this is it. well worth the purchase

For those who have never played the EU series this is definitely a good place to start. think of it like risk with a game like diplomacy added on. the future your country is totally in your own hands. turn it into a nation of conquest or a nation of shopkeepers its all up to you!!

As others have said (and with good reason) Europa Universalis is a classic, the game that more or less started a genre.

Graphics-wise: Nothing special to look at, looks somewhat like a board game on a computer.

Replayibility: This is one of the strong suites of games developed by Paradox. While the nation choice is very limited compared to the later games in the series, it nevertheless has well over a dozen playable nations, all of which having different advantages and disadvantages from each other, enough to keep someone who enjoys the genre entertained for many, many hours. I would say that it captures the "Just one more turn!" mentality of the Civilization games, in other words.

Music: The music is decent enough, but since you doubtless are going to be playing it for many hours the music will likely get old fast.

Gameplay: You get many options as to when you desire to start, ranging from the mid-1400s to the end of the American Revolution. Within these starts there are many nations, each with numerous ways to "win". Do you want to become rich purely by trading? Do you want to settle a massive colonial empire? Do you want to bring civilization to the "heathen" population of the eastern hemisphere? Or do you want to expand your empire the good ol' fashioned way - blood and iron? All these options are available, and a few more besides.

Multiplayer: The multiplayer plays much the same as the singleplayer, with the addition of the fact that you can no longer count on having played 1000+ hours and thus knowing exactly how the AI will react to every action you take, et cetera. There is also a scenario that takes place on the world map, with 8 or so factions, each controlling one province and the rest controlled by nobody. This is as similar to typical real time strategy games as games of EU get, as you could colonize distant lands early game, or you could focus on consolidating your homelands.

Historical Accuracy - While the game itself starts the nations for the most part as they were during the era, what happens after game start is anyone's guess. The Ottoman Empire could be crushed by an alliance of Russia and Britain, or on the other hand the Turkish thread could push north for hundreds of years, until it controls land up to Denmark. In addition, historical events occur occasionally - the protestant revolution and the reformation of the Church, to name just two.

Overall, Europa Universalis is a great game - and at a mere 1000 blue coins (or 500 at the current sale price) if you felt even the slightest interest in it you owe it to yourself to pick it up. While it may not be for everyone, those who enjoy it will get many hours out of it.

This game seems to be outdated with a view of the games of nowadays, but is still worth playing. Europa Universalis is one of the games that made the 'paradox-style historical strategy simulation', and have key elements of these genre games. If you are new to these games, starting from Europa Universalis might be a good choice.

A classic real-time grand strategy game. Fair historical accuracy, plenty of factions to play, and good performance even on extremely old systems. Great to load onto older laptops for a fun pastime.

This game is a real classic, and does not lack justification for it - it is arguably the best grand strategy game of its time. If you are looking for tons of micromanagement or an ultrarealistic map with loads of areas to conquer (the latter applies especially to Europe), it may not be right for you, but if you want to heavily consolidate your mainland, while building a large colonial empire, while fighting wars with your European arch-enemies, you will truly appreciate this, the game that taught the world the name "Paradox Interactive". Combined with the ultra-low price, my advice is definitely for buying this game. The only bad thing worth mentioning is that you cannot play the game as any nation.

A very good and interesting title

Although the graphics and gameplay is slightly dated, especially with EU2 and EU3 on the scene, the game is still fun to play and quite challanging.

There are many good features to enjoy, and I will always remember my favourite gaming moment, that came in the form of taking over the world as Ireland, then having England snatch it off me at the last second!

A good game, worth the minature price tag.

The beginning of whole global strategy series by Paradox, EU1 gave birth to an entirely new genre. Ruling one of the Great Powers and leading it through ages is really exciting and fascinating. Ability to control many spheres of state policies from warfare to colonization, trade and exploration brings additional fun. Interesting and taking. Worth playing!

I bought this one to take a look where of all begun.

The game is pretty complex and touches many aspects of managing a country,diplomacy,technical advance or trade

like the sequels 2 e 3. The resolution of the map is

800 x 600 and decent animated armies.

The sounds and music are ok.

Overall congratulations Paradox !

As a (casual) Civilization player, I expected I could breeze through this game. Not. It's difficult to put exactly where the differences are, but you really need to think differently in EU. And it brings me back to the good old days of having to read the manual repeatedly to get a hang on a game. This game may be too 'hardcore' for my taste, but I say that as a sincere compliment.

This game is the base of all grand strategic games who paradox have been doing all this years, this game has a simbolic price to you, for this reason the aren't any excuse to don't buy it. In graphic is very similar to the original Victoria. The graphics is 2D andmapmode for this reason runs in almost all the computers.

a great real time strategic games, it's not a game that should be taken easily (like civilization) is really complex and at the beginning could let disappointed, but it give greats satisfactions if the game system is mastered

This game is fun. I like the simalarities it has to risk, as you know an all time classic. I would buy this game. It is an awsome game with a VERY small price.

Once upon a time I played the board game and was looking forward to this. Maybe its been too many years since I dusted off the old picnic table, but the rules were a bit overly complex for me and I got lost in a hurry. I'll be willing to try later versions though to see if they make it more addle headed friendly.

After playing and enjoying EU2 many years ago, and seeing the original on GG for such a great price, I couldn't help but buy it. It did not disappoint. The series definitely brings back memories of playing Risk as a kid, but with even more depth. The learning curve is a little bit steep, but if you're into strategy games and you're willing to put in the time, it will definitely be worth it.

EU1 is one of the most unique games I have ever played. It is similar to Medieval total war except there is no battles you can fight in real-time. This is basically a complicated board game. I would only recommend this to people who like to play RISK and other classic war board games. Everyone else, get Empire Total War.

If you loved EUIII or EUII this game is worth having. It shows that the series has been fun to play from the very beginning.

For those who have never played the EU series this is definitely a good place to start. think of it like risk with a game like diplomacy added on. the future your country is totally in your own hands. turn it into a nation of conquest or a nation of shopkeepers its all up to you

This is my first strategy game from Paradox. Game doesnt have super graphics or interface, but the thing that i like is geographical understanding of history that bring this game to stage of strategy games as one of first global historicaly based strategy games. Map is as big as it was in time period which is covered in this game. The best thing for me is possibility to play with any faction. I can try to play Polish-Lithuaniaan commonwealth to try tomaintain its power as east european superpower and defeat muscowy/russia, or even take actecs and resist expansion of European powers in America.

I have been a Paradox fan for a long time and when I saw that Gamersgate had the original Europa Universalis for a dollar, I signed up and bought it. The game is complex but it was not a surprise, and the leaning curve was easy for me because I have played other games similar to it (Hearts of Iron 2, Victoria, Crusader Kings).

The gameplay is the standard paradox fare (although it was unique to me, as although I play Paradox games I have never played a Europa Universalis game) You control a nation from Columbus to Napoleon, roughly 300 years, making sure by the end of the game you have the most victory points. The map is divided into provinces which you can occupy. The provinces must be taken by troops, but some can be colonized and joined to your nation. The easiest way to win is to have the most provinces. It's all in real-time and pausable, so when things are hectic you can slow down time, and when things are boring you can speed time up. Think Civilization and Age of Empires mixed.

While you can try to win by your own goals, it almost always boils down to war, either by scripted historical event or your own wars you start. The combat is very fun and strategic. You don't actually control the battle, instead you look at terrain and the types of troops you have (Infantry, Calvary, Artillery), and your generals do the battles for you. You just have to move them into adjacent provinces. The combat is not as fun as other paradox games, but the colonization is great fun and simpler than Victoria's which I never found out.

I can't write much more, because there is to much to write about. It's worth buying if you've never played a paradox game and are looking for one cheap. Even if you have, you should buy this and play it to see how it all started. If you're looking for something newer, Victoria is the best closely followed by Hearts of Iron 2...