If you know anything about me: you will know that depending on the day, Europa Universalis IV is my favorite game of all time. For those of you who don't know: Europa Universalis IV is the fourth entry in the grand strategy series Europa Universalis. Developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive, the game released on August 13, 2013 for PC, Mac, and Linux.

In the game you control a nation from the Late Middle Ages through the Early Modern period (1444 to 1821 AD). You conduct trade, diplomacy, colonization, warfare, etc,. all on a deep and intricate level that only Paradox grand strategy games offer.

But that's enough gushing for one day, to the important stuff. Today, Paradox Interactive announced a new expansion titled Mandate of Heaven. According to Paradox, Mandate of Heaven enhances the game experience for playing the major nations of East Asia, especially Ming China, Japan, and the Manchu tribes.

One of centerpieces of Mandate of Heaven is managing the Celestial Empire, which will be handled similarly to how the Holy Roman Empire has been handled. In a press release, Paradox writes: "increase the power of your mandate by commanding tribute, then use your mandate to reform the imperial system, strengthening your grip on the Middle Kingdom and the continent as a whole. Embrace the meritocracy of China’s civil service to pass decrees that meet your empire’s immediate needs. Can you hold off challengers to your claim?"

The following overview of the expansion is provided:

Dynasties come and dynasties go, but China is eternal. An unbroken chain stretches through the millennia, and now this mantle lies on your shoulders. Rest secure in the Forbidden City, husbanding your power for the storms you know are coming. Your neighbors will kowtow and bring tribute to your palace. Does anyone dare challenge you, the heir to the Mandate of Heaven?

  • Ages and Golden Eras: Earn perks in four historical ages for meeting specific goals, building up to declaring your nation’s single Golden Era - 50 years of prosperity and power.

  • Meritocracy: The Chinese emperor can hire good advisors more cheaply, keeping the empire functional no matter who rules.

  • Tributaries: Some Asian nations can demand that weaker powers pay an annual tribute, whether in gold, manpower or monarch points.

  • Manchu Banners: Manchu provinces can provide cheap and effective Banner armies drawn from the traditional tribe system.

  • Japanese Shogunate: Compel the loyalty of your daimyos with new interactions that require them to submit to your authority, contribute to your power or even commit seppuku

  • Diplomatic Macrobuilder: Common diplomatic actions are now easily available from the macrobuilder interface.

  • New Events and Decisions: Most of these new systems are connected to new event series or decisions, enhancing your historical immersion.

Mandate of Heaven will ship alongside new Content Packs fitting the theme of the expansion, with new unit designs for many of the East Asian powers and other updated army models. A price point and release date have not been provided. However, an announcement trailer has -- you can check it out below: