Graphics, Sound and Interface

Improved, but not great…

Seeing as Europa Universalis II uses the same engine as Europa Universalis, the improvements in graphics and sound effects are minimal. The most notable graphical differences involve the ability to change resolutions (from 800x600 on through 1024x768 and beyond), and the addition of several new animations for the Revolution-era units. An unfortunate side effect of changing resolution is that the interface does not scale with the resolution. The base 800x600 menus are still used in higher resolutions, resulting in an incongruous look (much like Baldur’s Gate II’s high-res settings.) The graphics in the game consist of plain maps in different modes, with provincial boundaries. The overall effect is similar to looking at a Renaissance map, with the notable difference of continents and countries being drawn to proper scale. “Homely, yet highly effective and stylized” would not be an improper description.

Customize your interface

The Teutonic Order doesn't enjoy Heathens

YAY!

Sound effects did not go through any major revisions, excepting the addition of a vast library of contemporary music (from medieval through Renaissance to Enlightenment). Considering the great variety of scores and a game-developer’s budget, the quality is excellent. Best of all, they are on MP3 format and their titles and composers are listed in the back of the handsome manual. As for the effects themselves, they have changed little except to be less annoying and grating. Notifications and battle-effects are far easier to stomach over a long game.

Castile at war with Aragon?!

Viva la Revolution

Austrians are so far behind

Bar none

EU2’s interface is, as with the first EU, bar none the best ever in a strategy game. It is fully customizable, easily accessible and self-explanatory. Pop-up hints appear on many items and menus can be customized to four settings. Almost any kind of event can be set to pop up, play a sound effect and pause the game, pop up, go into the main bar below or not even show up. As the game goes on, you may find yourself changing the style of these notifications, and definitely if you switch between countries. Austria, for example, is not likely to care that pirates are marauding in the Sea of Japan, but the Portuguese definitely will.