Awesome Music / Europa Universalis

It might have been enough if this series had awesome gameplay (and nice bits of hidden humour), but it is also well known for having some inspired and very captivating soundtracks.

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Europa Universalis II

• The very idea behind this soundtrack is genius in its simplicity: It's nothing but period music, with each century the game takes place in being represented by a set of songs and/or musical compositions from that era. Some of the finest European and worldwide period music artists and ensembles contributed to the soundtrack with music from their own past albums. Without further ado, have a listen. Why yes, the whole soundtrack is two and a half hours long. Not bad for a game published back in 2001.
• For better orientation in the various tracks, here's a listing. Unfortunately, back when the game was developed, the devs accidentally mislabeled some of the songs chosen for the soundtrack from existing period music albums. Thankfully, this discussion thread set the record straight on some of those mislabeled names of the songs.

Europa Universalis III

• After the simple but more experimental approach of the second game's soundtrack, Paradox Interactive hired composer Andreas Waldetoft to work on the music for the third game. Let's just say the results were well worth it:
  • "Conquistador", the menacing but justifiably epic main theme of the game.
  • "A Cruce Victoria" probably takes the cake when it comes to an interesting build-up and near-cinematic melodic qualities.
  • "Para Bellum", a sweeping moody choral piece which starts with a slow instrumental build-up, and reflects both its title ("Prepare for war") and the nautical/maritime themes present in the game.
  • "Battle of Damascus" is an unabashedly dramatic wartime theme.
  • "Discover New Land" brings out some Age of Sail exploration atmosphere and the "Swashbuckling Privateers" theme caters to your seafaring and piratey needs...

Europa Universalis IV

• To promote the game, they made this.
• Though the third game's soundtrack was in many ways a Tough Act to Follow, Waldetoft did his his best to prove again why he's Paradox Interactive's key composer.
  • ""The Voyage"", the main theme of this installment. Watch a live performance of it here.
  • "The Snow Is Coming", one of the finest of the calmer themes on the soundtrack.
  • "Ride Forth Victoriously" couldn't be any different, as it's a highly dynamic orchestral and choral piece running from beginning to end at breakneck speed and with great intensity.
• In a tip of the hat to the third game's music, several themes from its soundtrack make a return in EU IV, though in rearranged form:
  • "Conquistador" (EU III) -> "The Stage is Set" (EU IV).
  • "Para Bellum" (EU III) -> "The Stonemasons" (EU IV).
  • "Swashbuckling Privateers" (EU III) -> "Discovery" (EU IV).
• The Guns, Drums and Steel DLC gives a metal bend to five of EUIV's themes:
  • The Voyage.
  • Battle Of Lepanto.
  • King's Court.
  • The Stage Is Set.
  • Ride Forth Victoriously.
• The Sabaton Soundtrack music pack puts several songs from the band in the game, primarily from their Carolus Rex album. It's pretty fitting.
• March on Granada, perfect for when your armies are marching to war.

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