Europa Universalis IV: Mandate of Heaven (PC) Review

Ever since its launch, the East has been suffering in EUIV. Simply put, while multiple systems got put in place with the Western nations in mind, even going so far as America, there was no such system in place for the Eastern nations. The occasional touch up, taking advantage of changes, but nothing actually added to make it any more distinct than, say, playing in the middle of Africa. Mandate of Heaven sought to correct this by giving it some overhauls and doing its best to make the realm distinct, but the bizarre turns that happen in games like this result in some funny outcomes.

For example, in Mandate of Heaven, Japan holds a unique system in which the various lords pledge allegiance to the reigning shogun. A large part of this is trying to keep the shogun happy, while slowly wresting land out to, eventually, declare independence and try to take Kyoto and become the shogun instead. This leads to some very nice alliance making, breaking, betrayal, and rebellion.

Meanwhile, China, the superstar of the expansion, gets an overhaul called 'The Mandate of Heaven.' Whoever controls the mandate receives some bonuses, along with the ability to enact various edicts, as well as turn over nations into tributaries, which can offer gold, troops, and the like. However, anyone can claim the mandate if they can get strong enough, and considering it is some solid bonuses, it's certainly worth it.

Most importantly, however, is that both these systems are distinct from their Western counterparts. For example, the Emperor cannot turn all of China into one empire with a mandate and, instead, gains more power from having many tributary nations. The shogun, likewise, has similar limitations and mechanics that keep him from becoming a singular nation without sacrificing at least some power.

On the whole, then, is it worthwhile? Well… Yes. While it's not some overwhelming overhaul beyond improving some macros and the like, it does allow for drastically enhanced play for the people of the Far East to really try and set them apart as being different from their Western counterparts.