[7] Europa Universalis is a historically accurate real-time strategy game; it recreates 300 years of history from the Age of Discovery in 1492 to Napoleon's rise to power in 1792.

[7] The game lets the player take control of one of seven European nations (others are available in different scenarios) from 1492 to 1792, expanding its power through military might, diplomacy, and colonial wealth.

The game takes place on a two-dimensional map divided into approximately 1,500 provinces, and proceeds in a pausable real time format.

[9] Therefore, the stability system plays an important role in the game, which determines the risk of rebellion in the provinces, as well as the speed of city development and the amount of taxes collected.

[13] John Lee of NextGen said, "A full-bodied simulation of European turmoil and global expansion between the 15th and 18th centuries, Europa Universalis isn't all that original, but if historic realism is your passion, you'll like what you see.