‘Vae Victis?’ you may well ask. Unsurprisingly for a game that expands on the grand strategy title, Europa Universalis Rome, it’s Latin for ‘woe to the conquered’, although we prefer the more dramatic ‘woe to the vanquished’ alternative translation.

Either way, it’s an appropriate title for the diplomacy the new senate brings to EU Rome, even if 4th Century ‘negotiation’ entails holding an entire nation to ransom. The new Roman republic and politics for tribal regions opens up this period of history to extend across the entire Roman era, and gives your military meanderings more depth than vanilla EU Rome. Your senate will have an agenda for the nation, usually to annihilate the opposition, and missions will pop up as you carve your course through ancient history. Naturally they don’t resonate as one: all of these politicians have individual personalities, most have personal agendas and some seek to replace the voice of the people with their own and return to the dictatorship of an empire.

Passing laws to achieve your ends means currying favour with certain parties in the Senate, but it’s not as easy as granting titles or smearing the reputation of the opposition. New laws always upset the balance a little and decrease the stability of the country, the cost of which can far outweigh the benefit unless considered carefully. Vae Victis comes with interface tweaks and an updated military AI; it’s enough to extend the playtime and enhance the experience for EU Rome veterans.