Summary
- Release Year: 2015
- Genres: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Simulator, Strategy
- Platforms: Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Paradox Development Studio
- Publishers: Paradox Interactive
Europa Universalis IV: Common Sense is the sixth expansion for the grand strategy game Europa Universalis IV, developed by Paradox Development Studio and released on November 9, 2015. The expansion focuses on diplomacy, religion, and internal development, adding new features and mechanics to each of these areas.
Diplomacy
Common Sense overhauls the diplomatic system in Europa Universalis IV, making it more complex and realistic. New diplomatic actions are added, such as the ability to propose alliances, offer military access, and request subsidies. The AI has also been improved, making it more likely to make rational decisions and to take into account the player’s actions.
One of the most significant changes to the diplomatic system is the addition of the “Great Power” mechanic. Great Powers are the most powerful countries in the world, and they have a number of advantages over other countries, such as increased diplomatic weight, the ability to form personal unions, and the ability to call other countries into wars.
Religion
Common Sense also adds a number of new features related to religion. Protestant and Buddhist religions are now fully fleshed out, with their own unique mechanics and gameplay. Protestant countries can now form the Protestant League, which gives them a number of bonuses, such as increased religious tolerance and decreased unrest. Buddhist countries can now build monasteries, which provide a number of benefits, such as increased manpower and tax income.
In addition, Common Sense adds a new system for religious conversion. Countries can now send missionaries to other countries to convert their population to their own religion. The success of a missionary depends on a number of factors, such as the religious tolerance of the target country and the strength of the missionary’s own religion.
Internal Development
Common Sense also adds a number of new features related to internal development. Parliaments are now available to all countries, and they provide a number of benefits, such as increased stability and decreased unrest. England has a special type of parliament called the English Parliament, which gives even more benefits.
In addition, Common Sense adds a new system for building slots. Each province now has a limited number of building slots, and each building requires a certain number of slots to build. This makes it more important to carefully plan your construction projects and to prioritize the most important buildings.
Other Changes
Common Sense also includes a number of other changes and improvements, such as:
- A new peace system that makes it easier to negotiate peace treaties.
- A reworked fort system that makes forts more powerful and more expensive to build.
- A new trade system that makes it easier to manage your trade routes.
- A new interface that is more user-friendly and easier to navigate.
Overall
Common Sense is a major expansion for Europa Universalis IV that adds a number of new features and mechanics to the game. These changes make the game more complex and realistic, and they add a number of new ways to play. If you’re a fan of Europa Universalis IV, then Common Sense is a must-have expansion.
Review Score
8.5/10
Pros
- Adds a number of new features and mechanics that make the game more complex and realistic.
- Improves the AI, making it more likely to make rational decisions.
- Makes the diplomatic system more complex and rewarding.
- Adds new religious mechanics that make playing as Protestant or Buddhist countries more fun.
- Includes a number of other changes and improvements that make the game more user-friendly and easier to play.
Cons
- Some of the new features can be complex and overwhelming for new players.
- The game can be slow and tedious at times.
- The AI can still be unpredictable at times.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
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