14 DAY TRIAL // I can take 30 years of suppression, economic development, and taxation before the landowners of Brazil become weak enough to push through the law that bans slavery. Or you can get an agitator in to recruit people for the cause and then fight a short, sharp civil war to show the landowners who hold real power in the country.
Make sure to ensure victory by getting the backing of a major European power, preferably one that’s not involved in another big conflict at the same time. France backed me when the revolt happened and contributed enough forces that victory came in under two years. Pedro’s reign appears secure and it’s time to focus on economic development.
Coffee resources, as well as sugar and tobacco, require plantations. We’re short of everything from tools to clippers and warships. And it will take a massive effort to end poverty. Let’s hope that many cultures develop a taste for the finer things in life, including strong brews and nicotine.
Colossus of the South is developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. It is a DLC described as a region pack for Victoria 3, which enhances the experience of players who want to explore a campaign in South America, especially Brazil.
As the biggest nation in the region, it gets a larger slice of new content. It might not be a colossus, but it can get there as long as players find ways to enact reforms and keep Pedro II on the throne. He is challenged by a powerful landowning aristocracy that really likes slavery. Brazil also has journal entries linked to coffee production and the development of a national culture.
South America receives more than 200 historical characters and 100 events, enhancing the immersion level of the entire region. All countries in the area are challenging to play, especially for gamers who are accustomed to the superior economic and military capabilities of European nations.
The DLC doesn’t make major changes to the gameplay. Players engage with internal politics, including laws and parties, and direct a country’s diplomacy and military operations. They decide how to develop regions, which buildings to create, and what to research.
I like the economic elements of Victoria 3 best. The update that accompanies Colossus of the South adds companies, which countries can use to boost industries they excel at. Local prices for each province make it more important to create links between resource extractions and industrial buildings. Pollution forces extra investment in the health institution and the rate of population increase.
The 1.5 update for Victoria 3 makes significant changes to warfare. Players now create armies, giving them troops and commanders, and they actually move across the map using a newly added road network. Multiple battles can happen on one front at once, with improved graphics to reveal troops' status and progress. Naval combat and invasions have also received improvements.
Victoria 3: Colossus of the South isn’t focused on the game’s look, like the previous Dawn of Wonder pack. Still, the grand strategy game can be spectacular close-up, especially as provinces evolve over time and armies shoot their cannon and set up tents and gives players a ton of information when zoomed out and using lenses. The soundtrack continues to be a delight, although I’m not sure if there are entirely new South America-flavored tracks.
Conclusion
Everyone will benefit from the big 1.5 update and its many changes, especially those affecting warfare and economic development. As soon as I’m satisfied with my Brazil run, I plan to return to my most played countries, Austria and Russia, and try out new strategies and ideas. If future DLC arrives with as significant a patch as Colossus of the South, then Victoria 3 is on a good trajectory.
Review key provided by the publisher.
