Europa Universalis 1492-1792 - PC Games

The game unfolds across a map, rather like Age of Empires and Pharaoh, with various units scattered about. As you trade and colonise, you build up rapport with other nations, and can form beneficial alliances by various means. The game comes with detailed manual, which once digested, should guide you through to success.

The graphics are quite good but simple, as is usual with map-based strategy games. The range of control options in the user interface make it simple and logical to progress through the game, establishing trade and creating and organising armies.

This game will be suited to the taste of "thinking" gamers, who prefer the challenge of a strategy, rather than looking for shocking action and video-like graphics. If you were a fan of other domination strategies then Europa Universalis will be right up your street. --Chris Hall