The clamor for reform has not been there nor has it been listed on the techs for the factions I have played. Maybe some of the high level building have it but I have not been in a position to build them.

In the last few days I have tried out Prussia, Poland, Russia, Sweden, Spain, GB, Austria and a brief look at France. I won’t say it is taken out but I have not seen it.

The AI is still a blundering boob it just declares war now without being able to back up its claims. Major Powers are not much better than the Minors, they just have more land.

The AI does not seem as willing to swap regions as it was. I don’t know if that is all together good or bad.

Russia seems to play much like it did before the changes, and I guess that is good. But still the minors are not the powers they were so they don’t put up the furious fight they did.

I am not trying to be an expert on the topic.

These are impressions and not too in depth. I have kept the play brief deliberately.

From what I have seen the new trade system is just fine.

The building costs are much too high for some factions, as are the recruitment and upkeep costs.

For other factions they are about right or even a little low. (troop costs)

The challenge of keeping a government type from start to finish is gone from what I see, and I miss the challenge.

Many of the regions have also had their value cut. Some of these need to be looked at.

I am unclear on the tax penalties. I noticed them big time with GB but hardly at all with most of the others.

Spain seems the big looser and it was a struggle before. It can not stand up to the Pirates or even the minor powers. It needed to avoid war before, and that was difficult owing to its weakness. Not… well the AI is more aggressive and Spain has on troops. It seem to me it needs help.

I will still try to get to some others if I have time.