Matrix Games Forums

How does CoG compare to EU II in terms of gameplay and depth? Which is better and why?

In my Opinion they are not comparabel.
Complete different games.

The King [:D] is correct. You can't compare them.

The two aren't really comparable. CoG is focused on Europe from 1792 to 1815 (the 1820 scenario asside) while EU II covers the world from the late Renaissance to 1815. Religion and dynastic considerations are a factor in EU II but not CoG. CoG is more militarily focused. If you want to study the Napoleonic era CoG may be best (haven't played it much). EU II is better for broad strokes of history.

I am really intrigued by this game and am thinking of D/loading it. I have played EU II very spareingly to be honest *have spent most of my time playing WitP*. This game looks addicting as well from what I have seen so far. I guess what I am asking is, how does the gameplay go. Is there many prvinces and units to give orders to? Can you start out with a scenario that isnt too overwhelming? How fast have you guys 'picked up' on the flow of the game play? I know I am asking alot of questions, but I a so curious about this game and would like some insight. Thanks in advance.[:)]

The gameplay works in a basic turn sequence. You give orders concerning economics, diplomacy, trade, production, development and your military forces. Then you end your turn, and watch the action unfold.

There are 200 provinces on the game map, split between 8 major powers (player controllable) and 90 minor powers (AI controlled). Your military can get quite big, but the game features "container" units (armies and corps) which you deposit your divisions into and move those around. You can also attach generals to your armies and these may or may not have special abilities (i.e. a cavalry general might add a bonus to cavalry divisions under his command). Tactical combat can be complicated, but can be resolved with quick combat if you like. Detailed combat, however, is more interesting.[:D]

Overall, CoG is nowhere near as complex as WitP, but then, what is? There is, however, a lot of depth in it, which definitely rewards the player.

WitP

Okay, I know EU is Paradox's Europa Universalis, which I liked a lot. However, excuse my ignorance, but I cannot guess what WitP stands for.

WitP = War in the Pacific.

Do we have some kind of events with CoG?

ORIGINAL: Domingo
Do we have some kind of events with CoG?

No.

I would rate CoG as more complex than EU. Both are great historicly detailed games.

I was only only lukewarm about EU2 and have been playing COG as well, and so far I have found CoG more enjoyable than EU2. This is probably because CoG is turn based, and you don't feel rushed the way you do in EU2. CoG is a very deep game (like EU2), and probably a little deeper than EU2. It's also fairly easy to get into, because in the tutorial you play as France, and you can kick butt just because you are France, even though you don't understand the nuances of the mechanics yet. I would reccomend it.

COG deals with tactics far more deeply, while EU2 just compares two lump-sum forces before producing the result. So it takes longer to grasp how to micro-command and how tactical decisions come into play.

There are definite differences between Cog and Eu but many similarities. I would say COG has more depth but still relatively simple.

In both, you are still managing a country with economic, political, diplomatic and military considerations. You have armies and navies. You have detailed combat with armies. The navy battles are quick combat only but still more detailed than EU. You can blockade and siege cities and ports. You can build trade routes both on land and sea. You can disrupt sea routes either with privateers or fleets. Lots of depth here.

I like what I am seeing so far with COG. And I am one that also really enjoyed EUII.

I have only been playing for 2 days so take all of this with a grain of salt, but my thoughts would be...

1. CoG focuses only on Europe while EU2 is the full world. That means colonization and global expansion is completely removed from CoG. In my mind, that is a big plus. I became incredibly tired of micromanaging colony ships around the world.

2. CoG has a dedicated tactical battle simulator that EU2 does not have. You actually get to lead the battles in CoG which is what gives it more of a military feel.

3. The provinces in CoG are much larger than in EU2 so you spend less time "gobbling up" additional provinces one by one and spend more time focused on major adversaries and conquests.

4. Unlike EU2, CoG models supply in detail and the special difficulty of maintaining long lines of supply impacts gameplay. This make it more difficult to build large armies and send them off on long distance adventures.

5. The CoG economy is MUCH more complex. It is too early to know whether or not that makes it more fun, but the learning curve is definitely considerably steeper. Politics and diplomacy are more complex as well, but those aren't nearly as significant to gameplay as is the economy.

Thanks alot for all the responses, gang. I am really excited by what I am reading here. EUII still is a tough game to master for me. I am just wondering whether I should wait on CoG or just jump in with both feet. [:)]

cmon the waters not cold[:D]

Definitely jump in. I too was a big fan of EU2 and played a lot it for several months. So far, this is the game that I was eventually wishing it could have been. Of course, that's the nature of the beast - eventually something else will solve all the "problems" we eventually find with this game, and then yet another game will displace that one too. But this game is a great stop along the path and is definitely worth the purchase price. In terms of entertainment value, a game like this is a great choice.

I've had more enjoyment trying to learn the mechanics of this game than most other games I have played in the last two years. Dive in head first.