Europa Universalis IV vs Stronghold Kingdoms
Europa Universalis IV
Europa Universalis IV is the fourth game in the award-winning Europa Universalis franchise. Similar to its predecessors, the game has everything you'd need to build your own nation from the ground up and guide it through the ages. The freedom in which you get to customize your giverning style, your nation and even your game is simply ridiculous (in a good way) and of course, the best selling point of this series is that almost everything is based on accurate historical references, be it a historical figure or an event. This time around you'll get to grow your nation over a much wider span of history, arrange royal marriages, form coalitions, support rebels in proxy wars and more. You can even cooperate with up to 32 different players to govern a single nation. The multiplayer mode apparently now has an improved chat and a new matchmaking system.Unfortunately, the major downside about this game is that the developers, Paradox Interactive, have apparently "sold-out" by adding in features that should have been in the original game into DLCs that players actually have to pay extra for, ending up spending over $200 for just a single game. Not to mention, many players have complained that the DLCs they release are priced at the same price point despite having progressively lower amount of content.
That said, the game is still an epic masterpiece and a worthy sequel to the Europa Universalis series, but the game's hardcore player base is admittedly not happy, and honestly, we wouldn't recommend getting this game unless you can get all of the DLCs dirt cheap... maybe like in a bundle.
Stronghold Kingdoms
Stronghold Kingdoms is a great free-to-play medieval-themed and browser-based MMORTS that contains a pretty sophisticated gameplay and in-game mechanics which are the hallmarks of the Stronghold franchise. Take up the role of a ruler in this game and grow your village from a handful of buildings into an empire that can be reckoned with. Fortify your keep with layers of walls, moats and even traps to deter even the most relentless invaders from your village. Conquer and capture other players’ villages and be strong enough to claim the parish as your own!Will you be able to grow your village into a formidable empire in Stronghold Kingdoms? Well, play now and find out!