Heir to the Throne is the first expansion to Europa Universalis III since the game was first released way back in 2007. It does show great potential in adding even more greatness to what is already an awesome turn-based game. The guys at Paradox have really fine-tuned some aspects of the game action, not only to add more great game play, but to make you really think your decisions through when running your empire.

Appearances have changed slightly within the screen and UI itself to improve the amount of information the player sees. The game now offers more detailed views as to what’s going on within your provinces. Improvements, such as some new map modes, can be very useful. For example, the riot map which allows you to see where people are most likely to revolt maybe due to poor conditions or ethnic beliefs. There are even now routes you can and cannot take advantage of anymore and wastelands than can be explored but can never are habitable. This I found does change the dynamics of where and which countries to strategically take on your crusade.

One of the great new benefits to Heir to the throne is the Casus Belli system which is the in-game cause and effect system based on the decisions you make. Warmongers may be disappointed in the fact that you cannot just grow a huge army and rampage the world with your culture. You need to start being diplomatic and making alliances with other countries so that you and your sons can produce heirs to keep what you have worked so hard to achieve. With this does come more land and maybe more enemies if you don’t decide right, but heirs are needed in order to maintain your bloodline.