Lest Darkness Fall: Rome in Crisis, AD 235 – 285 (2006) Board Game

Lest Darkness Fall: Rome in Crisis, AD 235 – 285 is a board game that takes place during a tumultuous period in Roman history. The game is set during the Crisis of the Third Century, a time of political instability, economic turmoil, and military conflicts that threatened the very existence of the Roman Empire. Players take on the roles of Roman generals and governors, vying for power and influence as they navigate the chaotic landscape of the empire.

Game Components of Lest Darkness Fall: Rome in Crisis, AD 235 – 285

Map: Each hex on the map represents 100 miles (162 km) from side to opposite side.

Units: Include the Roman emperor and his court, co-emperors, rebel claimants, legion bases, vexillations (mobile elements), garrisons, fortifications, Germanic tribes, Parthian gund (corps), and Palmyran legion-equivalents.

Game Turn: Each turn represents a 10-year period.

How To Setup Lest Darkness Fall: Rome in Crisis, AD 235 – 285

Setup involves preparing the map and deploying the various units according to the initial conditions of the game. One player takes on the role of the Roman Empire and its client states, while the other player commands the enemies of the Roman Empire, including barbarian Germanic tribes, Parthia, Palmyra, and rebel forces. The game comes with detailed rules and setup instructions, typically found within the Strategy & Tactics Magazine issue.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Strategic-level wargame.

Designer: Not explicitly mentioned in the sources.

Game Mechanics:
– Area Control
– Hex-and-Counter
– Hand Management

Objective:
– Roman player must maintain the territorial integrity of the empire against invaders.
– Enemy player must invade, loot, and occupy core Roman territory or reach the city of Rome to win.

Player Experience

**Lest Darkness Fall: Rome in Crisis, AD 235 – 285** offers a dynamic and challenging experience for players, particularly those interested in historical wargames. The game involves complex strategies and tactical maneuvers, with both players having opportunities to attack and defend over the course of the game. The 10-year turns allow for a broad strategic view, while the detailed units and hex map provide a granular level of control.

Pros

Historical Depth: The game provides a thorough historical context of the third-century Roman crisis.

Strategic Complexity: Offers a challenging and engaging experience for wargame enthusiasts.

Detailed Units: Various types of units represent different historical entities, adding to the game’s realism.

Long-term Strategy: The 10-year turns allow players to plan and execute long-term strategies.

Cons

Complexity: May be overwhelming for new players due to its strategic depth and historical context.

Limited Player Count: Designed for two players, limiting its appeal for larger groups.

Component Dependency: Relies heavily on the magazine issue it was published in, which might be hard to find.

Personal Thoughts on Lest Darkness Fall: Rome in Crisis, AD 235 – 285

**Lest Darkness Fall: Rome in Crisis, AD 235 – 285** is ideal for wargame enthusiasts and history buffs who appreciate strategic-level games with deep historical context. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy complex, long-term strategy and are willing to invest time in understanding the game mechanics and historical setting. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those new to wargames due to its complexity and limited player count.

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