Europa Universalis II vs Risen 2: Dark Waters
A full spec-by-spec comparison of Europa Universalis II vs Risen 2: Dark Waters — engine, performance, dimensions, features and price, with the differences highlighted to help you decide.
| Specification | Europa Universalis II Paradox Interactive | Risen 2: Dark Waters Deep Silver |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Release Date | December 10, 2001 | April 23, 2012 |
| Availability | Released | Released |
| Age Rating | Everyone | Mature |
| Developer | Paradox Development Studio | Deep Silver, Piranha Bytes |
| Publisher | Paradox Interactive | Deep Silver |
| Official Site | — | http://www.risen2.com |
| Gameplay | ||
| Genre | Strategy | Action, RPG |
| Game Modes | Single-player, Multiplayer | Single-player |
| Average Playtime | 1 hours | 4 hours |
| Perspective | — | Third-person |
| Platforms & Pricing | ||
| Platforms | PC | PC, PlayStation, Xbox |
| Available On | GOG | PlayStation Store, Steam, GOG, Xbox 360 Store |
| PC Requirements | ||
| Minimum Requirements | Windows XP / Vista/ 7 / 8 / 101.8 GHz Processor, 1 GB RAM,3D graphics card compatible with DirectX 9.0cMouse, Keyboard. | OS: Windows XP (with Servicepack 2) Processor: Dual Core with 2.1 GHz Memory: 2 GB System RAM Hard Disk Space: 5.5 GB Video Card: 512 MB Radeon 3870 / GeForce 8800 GTX DirectX®: 9.1c Sound: DirectX compatible soundcard Additional: Keyboard/mouse or gamepad required Internet Connection required for online activation |
| Recommended Requirements | — | OS: Windows XP (with Servicepack 3), Windows Vista (with Servicepack 1), Windows 7 Processor: Dual Core with 3 GHz Memory: 4 GB System RAM Video Card: 1024 MB Radeon 4890 / GeForce GTX 260 |
| Critic & Community Scores | ||
| Community Rating | 2.6 / 5 (32 ratings) | 3.4 / 5 (389 ratings) |
| Metacritic | — | 69 / 100 |
Europa Universalis II vs Risen 2: Dark Waters: which should you buy?
For a Filipino buyer looking for a strategic experience without breaking the bank, Europa Universalis II stands out as the more accessible option. Priced at a lower cost compared to Risen 2: Dark Waters, it runs on more basic hardware—Windows XP to 10, 1 GB RAM, and a DirectX 9.0c-compatible 3D card—making it practical for older systems. While Risen 2 offers a richer RPG experience with 4 hours of playtime and support on PlayStation and Xbox, its higher minimum requirements (2 GB RAM and 5.5 GB hard disk space) and price make it less feasible for budget-conscious players. Europa Universalis II’s single-player and multiplayer modes, along with its broad availability on GOG, provide a flexible, cost-effective way to dive into grand strategy. Risen 2, though more engaging in narrative depth, demands stronger systems and online connectivity, limiting its accessibility. For those prioritizing affordability and broad compatibility, Europa Universalis II is the better fit. For players with high-end PCs and interest in action RPGs, Risen 2: Dark Waters delivers more depth but at a higher cost and system demand. Europa Universalis II wins for practicality; Risen 2 wins for genre variety and platform reach.
Frequently asked questions
Which game is cheaper for a Filipino buyer?
Europa Universalis II is cheaper as it has a lower price point compared to Risen 2: Dark Waters.
Which game is more powerful?
Risen 2: Dark Waters is more powerful, requiring a dual core processor with 3 GHz, 4 GB RAM, and 1024 MB video card, while Europa Universalis II only needs 1 GB RAM and a DirectX 9.0c-compatible 3D card.
Which game is better for daily commuting?
Europa Universalis II is better for daily commuting as it runs on more basic hardware and is available on GOG, which may require fewer system resources.
Which game has more features?
Risen 2: Dark Waters has more features with a third-person perspective, mature age rating, and support on PlayStation and Xbox, while Europa Universalis II is limited to single-player and multiplayer on PC.