Europa Universalis III: Divine Wind, by Paradox Interactive, 2010, $19.99 (PC/Windows)
Divine Wind, the fourth expansion pack for the popular grand strategy game Europa Universalis III, is set in the Far East. You enter this world in 1399 as either a Japanese daimyo jockeying for power over the shogunate or as a Chinese faction seeking to keep the Mandate of Heaven, slowly growing from a minor settlement into a world power. The game incorporates historical events at relevant dates and/or when players meet certain historical criteria.
The good news is that the underlying game structure remains deep and complex, and Divine Wind adds enhanced diplomacy and more realistic trade options. The so-so news is that these new features add little to the mix, and development of one’s empire requires the patience of Confucius. Divine Wind also requires you to own a copy of the original Europa Universalis III and an installed version of the Heir to the Throne expansion pack to play.
—Ryan Burke
