Glory to Rome (2005) Board Game

Glory to Rome is a card-based city-building game designed by Ed Carter and Carl Chudyk. It was first released in 2005 by Cambridge Games Factory. The game is set in ancient Rome, where players take on the role of building and developing their own cities to gain glory and prestige.

Game Components of Glory to Rome

Deck of 159 order cards: Each card has multiple functions, including client, resource, building, and victory points.

Player mats: Double-sided mats for each player.

Central board: For tracking game progress.

Foundation cards: For building sites.

Merchant bonus cards: Special bonuses for moving cards to the vault.

Jacks: Wild cards that can be used in various roles.

How To Setup Glory to Rome

To set up the game, create a pile of building sites for each of the 6 foundations, with one card per player. Each player starts with a hand of 5 order cards. The game begins with the starting player leading an action by choosing a role from their hand.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Hand Management: Players manage cards that serve multiple purposes.

End Game Bonuses: Points awarded for completed buildings and vaulted cards.

Follow: Other players can follow the leader’s action if they have the matching role card.

Variable Phase Order: Actions are chosen dynamically based on the leader’s role.

Game Objective

Players aim to rebuild Rome after a great fire by constructing buildings, gathering resources, and collecting influence (victory points).

The game ends when the draw deck runs out, the last foundation card is used, a Catacomb is built, or a player builds the Forum Romanum and fulfills its requirements. The player with the most influence wins.

Player Experience

**Glory to Rome** is known for its steep learning curve but rewarding gameplay. New players may find it challenging to understand the multiple uses of each card, but as they progress, the game’s depth and strategy become apparent. The game’s pace is well-balanced, allowing for strategic planning and quick turns. The “tipping point” where players’ engines start to synergize is a highlight, making for an exciting climax to the game.

Pros

Innovative Card Mechanics: Cards have multiple functions, adding depth and complexity to the game.

Strategic Depth: Players must plan ahead and manage resources efficiently.

Interactive Gameplay: The “follow” mechanism allows other players to participate in the leader’s action.

Quick Turns: Despite the complexity, the game moves at a rapid pace.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: New players may find it difficult to grasp the game’s mechanics.

High Cost: Due to its out-of-print status, the game can be very expensive on the secondary market.

Frustration Factor: Some players may feel frustrated if their engine doesn’t take off, leading to significant disparities in player progress.

Personal Thoughts on Glory to Rome

**Glory to Rome** is a game tailored for enthusiasts of complex, strategic card games. It is ideal for players who enjoy engine-building and managing multiple resources. While it may not be the best fit for new players due to its complexity, it offers a rich and rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time to learn it. Despite its notorious history and high cost, the game remains a beloved classic among board game aficionados.

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