The EU Engine...
...can certainly handle all three periods easily even if the medieval period would likely be the easiest to implement since it could recycle much of the rule set and AI. However, I am sure that the core elements of the EU engine (map and real-time progression) would work very well for a Napoleonic or Roman game too.
I especially don't see a problem creating a Roman game despite having such a limited number of playable states to toy around with. It would require a different focus--and thus be quite unlike EU--but it could certainly be a great game anyway. The only problem is finding that focus...
For example, the focus could be bringing light to the darkness, i.e. civilizing the barbarians: gaining victory points by raising the "culture level" of the provinces, building roads, temples, aqueducts, baths, etc.
Another, slightly different, focus could be keeping your citizens happy and comfy--and thus loyal. The risks of uprisings, intrigue, and rogue generals were ever-present in the Roman Empire. Think EU's religion sliders, but trying to balance expenditure to things like "Festivals and Shows", "Senatorial Bribes", "Military Wages", "Amenities" and "Religious Spending". A quick fix would always be getting more slaves, but that would increase the risk of slave uprisings and slow down your tech progression.
Interesting "Roma Universalis" game elements:
* Barbarian, tribal incursions
* Senatorial intrigue, assassinations
* Out-of-control generals (and their legions)
* Colonization (or rather, Culturization)
* Trade routes, industry investments
* Slavery (POWs, revolts, effects on progression)
* Legion Management (Permanent camps, auxilaries, composition, loyalty, etc)
So, I can't play the Gauls? Who cares--I can have a nice civil war instead!
...can certainly handle all three periods easily even if the medieval period would likely be the easiest to implement since it could recycle much of the rule set and AI. However, I am sure that the core elements of the EU engine (map and real-time progression) would work very well for a Napoleonic or Roman game too.
I especially don't see a problem creating a Roman game despite having such a limited number of playable states to toy around with. It would require a different focus--and thus be quite unlike EU--but it could certainly be a great game anyway. The only problem is finding that focus...
For example, the focus could be bringing light to the darkness, i.e. civilizing the barbarians: gaining victory points by raising the "culture level" of the provinces, building roads, temples, aqueducts, baths, etc.
Another, slightly different, focus could be keeping your citizens happy and comfy--and thus loyal. The risks of uprisings, intrigue, and rogue generals were ever-present in the Roman Empire. Think EU's religion sliders, but trying to balance expenditure to things like "Festivals and Shows", "Senatorial Bribes", "Military Wages", "Amenities" and "Religious Spending". A quick fix would always be getting more slaves, but that would increase the risk of slave uprisings and slow down your tech progression.
Interesting "Roma Universalis" game elements:
* Barbarian, tribal incursions
* Senatorial intrigue, assassinations
* Out-of-control generals (and their legions)
* Colonization (or rather, Culturization)
* Trade routes, industry investments
* Slavery (POWs, revolts, effects on progression)
* Legion Management (Permanent camps, auxilaries, composition, loyalty, etc)
So, I can't play the Gauls? Who cares--I can have a nice civil war instead!