Paradox Interactive has released Victoria 2, the sequel to the strategy PC title, Victoria.

“The pre-order exceeded our expectations, but we should have seen that coming,” said Fredrik Wester, CEO of Paradox Interactive. “Victoria 2 provides the right combination of history, simulation and strategy—exposing a game meant to challenge and excite the ultimate gamer.”

Created by the developers of Europa Universalis and Hearts of Iron, Victoria 2 is set during the colonial era of the 19th century featuring historical gameplay on a map of the entire world. Guide your nation from the era of absolute monarchies in the early 19th century, through expansion and colonization in hopes of becoming a truly great power by the dawn of the 20th century.