The Romans (2019) Board Game

The Romans Board Game is a strategic board game released in 2019, designed by Marco Primo and illustrated by Ragnar Brothers. The game falls under the categories of Ancient, City Building, Civilization, and Territory Building, offering players a chance to immerse themselves in the world of ancient Rome.

Game Components of Similar Roman Games

Map: Single map of Italy with a dated road system.

Units: Represented by strength points (500 men, 300 cavalry, or 10 elephants).

Cards and Play Aids: Scenario books, play aid cards, and online resources like VASSAL Module and Cyberboard Gamebox.

How To Setup Similar Roman Games

Setting up games like “Rise of the Roman Republic” involves preparing the map, placing units according to the scenario, and distributing play aid cards. The game includes detailed setup instructions in its playbook and scenario books.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Movement: Units can move freely subject to leader capability and attrition.

Combat: Unique Combat Results Table including “Unusual Result” dice rolls.

Roman Political System: Players must manage yearly elections, pro-roguing consuls, and Senate permissions.

Objective: Depending on the scenario, objectives range from winning battles to managing the Roman Republic’s internal and external conflicts.

Player Experience

Playing games like “Rise of the Roman Republic” or “Time of Crisis” can be both challenging and rewarding. Players must balance military campaigns with political maneuvering, making these games appealing to fans of historical strategy and wargaming. The games offer a mix of deep strategic play and manageable playtime, often finishing within an evening.

Pros

Historical Depth: Games like “Rise of the Roman Republic” and “Time of Crisis” offer a rich historical context, making them engaging for history buffs.

Strategic Complexity: Unique mechanics such as leader capabilities and Roman political systems add depth to gameplay.

Playtime: Most scenarios can be completed within a few hours, making them accessible for a variety of players.

Cons

Learning Curve: While the core mechanics might be manageable, the depth of historical and strategic elements can be overwhelming for new players.

Complex Setup: Some players might find the setup process, especially with multiple scenarios and play aids, to be somewhat cumbersome.

Personal Thoughts on Similar Roman Games

Games like “Rise of the Roman Republic” and “Time of Crisis” are ideal for enthusiasts of ancient history and wargaming. They offer a detailed and engaging experience that combines strategic military campaigns with the intricacies of Roman politics. These games are best suited for players who enjoy deep strategy and are willing to invest time in learning the game mechanics and historical context. For those new to wargames, lighter options like “Pandemic: Fall of Rome” might provide a more accessible introduction to the genre.

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