Underneath the GPU-friendly visuals, the game is essentially unchanged. Rather, in place of the static 2D map that was probably knocked-up in MS Paint we're now treated to a zoomable atlas, with textured lapping oceans and soldier pieces that poke at each other with all the enthusiasm of a road-sweeper encountering a dog turd. Dont get too excited - it hasn't gone all Total War (intriguing though the prospect is).
Which brings us neatly to Europa Universalis Ill's headline feature - 3D graphics. OK, the graphics were a bit knob, but like Footie Manager's rudimentary dancing discs, EU's Riskstyle map and cute icons did the job adequately enough. Perhaps in terms of pure numerical depth the comparison is a touch ambitious, but in bringing together areas of foreign policy, trade, development and warfare, few games have been so successful at weaving all the threads together, especially within such a rich tapestry as post-medieval European history. If There Was ever a gaming equivalent to Football Manager in the domain of historical global domination, then Europa Universalis (and its WWII offshoot Hearts Of Iron) would have to be it.
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