Anno Online vs Europa Universalis II
Anno Online
Anno Online is an amazing, free-to-play browser MMO strategy game based on the renowned Anno game series by Ubisoft. The gameplay in this game is quite similar to The Settlers Online where you need to strategically build your empire and trade the resources you get with other players. The sole exception between these two games is Anno Online's famous, grid-based naval battles.In some way, Anno Online is a more historically accurate version of The Settlers Online where the goal is not to annihilate your opponents but to manage your kingdom well and help it to grow. We can confidently say that this is a game that will definitely engage players who love the genre for hours.
Europa Universalis II
Europa Universalis II is what many have deemed as the best sequel to Europa Universalis. Set during the period where the hundred-year war occured, you'll need to lead your country's expansion and guide the growth of its domestic and foreign policies, while engaging in religious battles and sending expeditions to beat the competition and claim large swathes of the new world. Similar to the original game, you'll get to, depending on your decisions, interact with historical figures and momentous events (some of which though are special, random events).However, this time around, the game has a revamped and frankly much improved system for diplomacy, trade, military and overall country development. You can even demand tribute or knock out deals in order to make peace with a foreign nation. As religion is often the cause of war, this aspect has been greatly expanded in Europa Universalis II, requiring you to actually deal with cultural differences between nations of different religions.
In some way, Europa Universalis II managed to not only build on the game design used in the first game; it has also introduced a series of new features of its own. This is exactly why the game has gotten critical acclaimation from both fans and critics alike back when it was first released. So, if you love grand strategy games, you'll want to check this game out.