Europa Universalis II vs Shovel Knight

A full spec-by-spec comparison of Europa Universalis II vs Shovel Knight — engine, performance, dimensions, features and price, with the differences highlighted to help you decide.

Specification Europa Universalis II Paradox Interactive Shovel Knight Yacht Club Games
Overview
Release Date December 10, 2001 June 26, 2014
Availability Released Released
Age Rating Everyone Everyone
Developer Paradox Development Studio 8-4, Yacht Club Games
Publisher Paradox Interactive Yacht Club Games
Official Site http://shovelknight.com
Gameplay
Genre Strategy Action, Adventure, Indie, Platformer
Game Modes Single-player, Multiplayer Single-player, Local Co-op
Average Playtime 1 hours 5 hours
Perspective 2D
Platforms & Pricing
Platforms PC PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Apple Macintosh, Linux, Nintendo
Available On GOG PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Steam, Nintendo eShop
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 SP2 Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.1 ghz or equivalent Memory: 2 GB RAM Graphics: 2nd Generation Intel Core HD Graphics (2000/3000), 512MB DirectX: Version 9.0 Storage: 250 MB available space
Critic & Community Scores
Community Rating 2.6 / 5 (32 ratings) 4.3 / 5 (478 ratings)
Metacritic 85 / 100

Europa Universalis II vs Shovel Knight: which should you buy?

For a Filipino buyer looking for a budget-friendly strategy experience with broad platform support, Europa Universalis II is the better choice. At 1 GB RAM and a minimum processor of Windows XP, it is significantly less demanding than Shovel Knight, which requires 2 GB RAM and an Intel Core 2 Duo 2.1 GHz processor. Europa Universalis II is available on GOG, while Shovel Knight is on Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and others, offering more accessibility. However, Shovel Knight wins on gameplay depth and performance perception, with a 5-hour average playtime and a Metacritic score of 85, compared to Europa Universalis II’s 1-hour playtime and lower community rating of 2.6. For those who value offline strategy depth and minimal hardware needs, Europa Universalis II is practical. For those who want a longer, visually engaging indie experience with wider platforms, and are willing to invest more in hardware, Shovel Knight is superior. The price difference is not specified, but Europa Universalis II’s lower requirements make it more accessible. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize power and platform reach or simplicity and low system load. Europa Universalis II is ideal for casual PC gamers with limited hardware; Shovel Knight is better for those who enjoy platformers and have stronger systems.

Frequently asked questions

Which game has a longer average playtime?

Shovel Knight has an average playtime of 5 hours, whereas Europa Universalis II has an average playtime of 1 hour.