EUROPA UNIVERSALIS IV – ORIGINS REVIEW
Paradox Immersion packs are, in some ways, a guarantee for mediocrity. This is something that only the most dedicated players and fans of Paradox will accept. They open up the game to new players and allow veteran players to explore their favorite countries.
Origins are difficult to pinpoint. The key features include a selection of missions for a few African countries, along with some new sprites.
This is where I have a problem. The feeling that you can play an African nation the same way as a European is still there. There is no difference in the way the game plays. From diplomacy and trade, it’s all the same. Spy Networks and Claims; Exploration and Colonisation. It’s not worth noting that they also have Estates.
This is not only boring but also a disservice to the continent. EU4 is a long-standing game that has allowed for various play styles. EU4 still has Europa as its central theme. If you’re going to make an Immersion Pack to Africa, it should contain more than just mission trees that are utterly irrelevant to gameplay.
These mission trees are almost identical to their European counterparts. They have a range of objectives that you can achieve randomly, such as conquering your neighbors or proving your strength against Westerners.
These missions are rich in historical detail and can be enjoyed by players who like to progress through the tree using them as a guide.
Although the additional sprites can be nice, most players are limited to seeing details from a bird’s-eye perspective. Their art team could significantly impact region-specific interfaces, clunky borders, or areas where rivers suddenly become seas.
For players interested in the Jewish faith and a more immersive experience, the new Judaism mechanics may be worth it. These mechanics are very similar to those used in Protestant Judaism. They include aspects that can be split between different monarch point categories.
The Administrative Aspects unlock Festivals. While they don’t offer anything extraordinary, they can give buffs to your countries, such as lowering unrest and decreasing technology costs. These bonuses can also be found in other areas of the game. However, it can be helpful to have another way to activate them or stack them.
Diplomatic Aspects offer permanent bonuses that can be used to support diplomatic relations and tolerance of different faiths. These are good because most players don’t waste their Ideas on religion.
These are very powerful and can reduce land attrition or increase morale. This can help turn the tides in many a war’s favors, especially when combined with other bonuses.
