Let me kick this page off with a bang by saying I hate this game. It's not that it's poorly designed but it's just such a slogfest of an experience that bores any sane person half to death. The game is about playing as a country starting in the year 1444, and you are given full control over what choices your nation makes. You can form alliances, declare wars, build your army and everything inbetween. Sounds good on paper, but this game is not one for the antsy gamer. A majority of the experience, especially the start, is simply waiting around for shit to happen. Be it your monthly income, the expiration or beginning of certain events or building structures, this is quite the inverse of a game that requires your constant attention. In fact, I frequently will play a game on a handheld device or in another window in the midst of an EU4 session just because of how mundane the experience gets. It feels more like doing homework or responding to emails than playing a fun game with friends for the most part. On top of all the waiting, games can last for several hours per session and maybe even days from start to finish. Would not recommend unless you're an old guy who likes boring fuckass shit like this. EU4 is not for most players, only geeks who love niche bitch games.