Europa Universalis III: Heir to the Throne (2009)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Europa Universalis III: Heir to the Throne is the third expansion to the critically acclaimed grand strategy game Europa Universalis III. Developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive, it was released on March 17, 2009.

Heir to the Throne expands upon the base game in a number of ways, including:

  • New playable nations: The expansion adds 11 new playable nations, including:
    • Central and Eastern Europe: Bohemia, Hungary, Poland, and Teutonic Order
    • Balkans: Serbia and Wallachia
    • Italy: Ferrara, Milan, and Savoy
    • North Africa: Morocco
    • Middle East: Mamluks
  • New government types: Heir to the Throne introduces two new government types:
    • Theocracy: A government led by a religious leader, such as a pope or caliph.
    • Republic: A government led by elected officials.
  • New diplomatic options: The expansion adds a number of new diplomatic options, including:
    • Royal marriages: Arrange marriages between your dynasty and other royal families to improve relations and gain new allies.
    • Claims: Press claims on provinces that you believe rightfully belong to your nation.
    • Condottieri: Hire mercenary armies to fight for you.
  • New military units: Heir to the Throne adds a number of new military units, including:
    • Condottieri: Mercenary infantry and cavalry units.
    • Janissaries: Elite Ottoman infantry units.
    • Swiss Guards: Elite mercenary infantry units.
  • New trade goods: The expansion adds a number of new trade goods, including:
    • Coffee: A valuable new trade good that can be produced in the Middle East and Africa.
    • Tea: A valuable new trade good that can be produced in Asia.
    • Porcelain: A valuable new trade good that can be produced in China.

In addition to these major new features, Heir to the Throne also includes a number of other improvements and fixes, such as:

  • Improved AI
  • More historical events
  • New interface options
  • Bug fixes

Overall, Europa Universalis III: Heir to the Throne is a major expansion that adds a lot of new content and features to the base game. It is a must-have for fans of EU3 and is one of the best grand strategy games ever made.

Review

Europa Universalis III: Heir to the Throne is a great expansion that adds a lot of new features and improvements to the base game. The new playable nations, government types, diplomatic options, military units, and trade goods all add to the depth and complexity of the game. The AI has also been improved, making the game more challenging and rewarding.

One of the best things about Heir to the Throne is that it is very moddable. The modding community has created a wide range of mods that can add new features, change the game’s balance, and even create new scenarios. This makes the game even more replayable and ensures that there is always something new to discover.

If you are a fan of grand strategy games, then Europa Universalis III: Heir to the Throne is a must-have. It is one of the best games in the genre and is sure to provide you with hours of enjoyment.

Score: 9/10

Tips for Playing

Here are a few tips for playing Europa Universalis III: Heir to the Throne:

  • Choose your nation carefully. Each nation has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Choose a nation that suits your playstyle and goals.
  • Build a strong economy. A strong economy is essential for success in Europa Universalis III. Focus on building up your trade and industry.
  • Expand your territory. Expanding your territory will give you more resources and make you more powerful. Be careful not to overextend yourself, though.
  • Build a strong military. A strong military is essential for defending your territory and conquering new lands. Focus on building a balanced army with a mix of infantry, cavalry, and artillery.
  • Use diplomacy to your advantage. Diplomacy can be used to improve relations with other nations, form alliances, and avoid wars. Be careful not to make too many enemies, though.

Conclusion

Europa Universalis III: Heir to the Throne is a great expansion that adds a lot of new content and features to the base game. It is a must-have for fans of EU3 and is one of the best grand strategy games ever made.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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