Recent reviews by Salsa H-R

This game got me into gaming, so I may have some nostalgia bias. The graphics are obviously old but the style largely holds up. The strategy is multilayered & there's rarely a single correct answer. A well oiled system is very satisfying. My only complaint is that it's obviously a 1999 game-- there's several areas that lack QoL polish.

Based on my limited playtime so far, the city building loop feels very good and organic. My main critique is that I can't really tell how much land I need to specify for farming to feed my population.

My mans literally out here just mario jumping

I greatly enjoy the focus tree for Italy. The new peace conference system (which comes in a free patch, regardless of DLC ownership) is fine, if in need of balancing. The new air designer is fine, if in need of balancing. Overall, an OK DLC.

EUIV, as with all paradox games, is the best representation of it's setting if you like depth of mechanics & diversity of playthroughs. Almost every part of the map has it's own unique mechanics and playstyle, and many parts of the world (especially Europe) have neighbouring nations which play completely differently. 280 hours in and explored maybe 1% of the game. (I got the base game and all pre-Emperor DLCs on sale for 17$. I would recommend you get the base game to try out, then DLCs on sale. They add soooo much replayability.)