Victoria: An Empire Under the Sun

 PC
Victoria: An Empire Under the Sun Image
Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 63 Ratings

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  • Summary: Based on the award-winning Europa Universalis engine, Victoria: Empire Under the Sun lets players control their nation from the early 19th century to the dawn of the 20th century, trying to progress into an industrialized Great Power by building up their Military Might, IndustrializationBased on the award-winning Europa Universalis engine, Victoria: Empire Under the Sun lets players control their nation from the early 19th century to the dawn of the 20th century, trying to progress into an industrialized Great Power by building up their Military Might, Industrialization Power, and finally National Prestige. Gameplay focuses on Diplomacy, Warfare, Economy & Industrialization, Colonization, Technological Development and Political Simulation. [Strategy First]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 12
  3. Negative: 3 out of 12
  1. Gamer's Hell
    75
    The ability to assign many administrative tasks to AI routines helps to make Victoria more accessible, but if you’re new to the genre, you still may not be prepared for the overwhelming amount of data for which you’ll be responsible.
  2. IGN
    72
    There's an excellent game struggling to surface in Victoria, and I look forward to playing it just as soon as the requisite patches appear. Now would some kindly soul please create an accurate, intelligent manual for the game?
  3. GameZone
    70
    It is not for the new player to the strategic gaming genre. It will likely provide a challenge to veterans due to its frenetic pacing. The game has depth, but hurries through it rather than allowing players to savor the experience.
  4. Computer Gaming World
    60
    Victoria could be a classic after a few patches, but in the initial release, you're paying Paradox to beta test their game. [Mar 2004, p.79]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. FiringSquad
    57
    It’s strange to admit that I do personally enjoy Victoria – and wouldn’t recommend it to a soul I know. Nobody should have to go through the frustrations of the first few games, especially with the newest patch, in order to see if they’ll actually grow to like it once they learn it.
  6. Computer and Video Games
    52
    Compelling - in a masochistic way. Deep down, there's a great game trying to get out, but it's been hamstrung by our many complaints that can be summed up in one sentence. Piss-poor support for the new user. Victoria will infuriate strategy enthusiasts and baffle everyone else. [PC Zone]
  7. GameSpy
    30
    A game that combines the micromanagement of "Civilization" with the intrigue and politics of "Diplomacy," adds in a "Railroad Tycoon 3"-style dynamic economic and resources model, uses a layered interface ... and then somehow expects you to manage it all in real-time.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23
  1. StefanV.
    Nov 29, 2003
    10
    Great game overall. The best strategy, and in some ways simulation, game ever.
  2. AndyK.
    Jan 3, 2004
    10
    This game is all I could ever want for strategic politics and warfare in the Victorian Age. The hundreds of countries, bizillions of This game is all I could ever want for strategic politics and warfare in the Victorian Age. The hundreds of countries, bizillions of outcomes, easy modibility, makes it almost infinitely replayable. It's also only complex (as reviewers keep saying it is) if you're too stupid to be accepted to community college. I learned to use every function in the interface without touching the manual in under an hour. Also reviewers seem to forget you can change the speed and slow it down to paused or speed time up so the fact that you might have to do alot in real time is an invalid complaint. I vote this is the best strategy game of the year.… Expand
  4. AtteK.
    Dec 3, 2003
    10
    An awesome nation building game set in the 19th - early 20th century and by a company with an outstanding support and patching record.
  5. JRTTRJ
    May 13, 2004
    10
    I TEACH MILITARY HISTORY AND I TAKE MY HAT OFF TO THE DESIGNERS OF THIS GAME.BRAVO! I CANT WAIT TO TRY IT ONLINE.I WAS DISAPPOINTED AT MOSTI TEACH MILITARY HISTORY AND I TAKE MY HAT OFF TO THE DESIGNERS OF THIS GAME.BRAVO! I CANT WAIT TO TRY IT ONLINE.I WAS DISAPPOINTED AT MOST REVIEWS ,THEY WERE FILLED WITH INCORRECT DATA .ONCE YOU TAKE THE TIME AND LEARN THE GAME WITH THE HELP OF (HTTP://VICTORIA.NSEN.CH) AND THE NEW STATEGY GUIDE BY C MEMNON THE GAME IS VERY REWARDING… Expand
  6. a1419143
    Nov 30, 2012
    10
    After so many years, this is still the best strategy game I know. Somehow the industrial development / economical and social theme really seemAfter so many years, this is still the best strategy game I know. Somehow the industrial development / economical and social theme really seem to work well for me.
    It shows that for a good game, the gameplay and its mechanics are much more important than graphics.    … Expand
  7. AlexM
    Sep 15, 2005
    9
    One of the best strategy games i have ever played, once you get past figuring out how to mobolize, increase your population build ships,One of the best strategy games i have ever played, once you get past figuring out how to mobolize, increase your population build ships, control trading and commense war operations. which is a lot of work, you will love this game. it took me about 4 hours to get a basic understanding of this game, but i am still learning more each time i play… Expand
  8. VictorL.
    Jun 21, 2005
    0
    As a newbie, I really regretted buying this game. What a waste of money! After 6 hours of playing catching up with the rest of the nation, I As a newbie, I really regretted buying this game. What a waste of money! After 6 hours of playing catching up with the rest of the nation, I gave up. Give me Civilisation any day! It has also racist elements, for e.g. China is deemed an "uncivilised nation". Never again!… Expand

See all 23 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

46
#46 Most Discussed PC Game of 2003
42
#42 Most Shared PC Game of 2003

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