Chariots of Rome (2017) Board Game

Chariots of Rome is a board game released in 2017, designed by Chelsea Autio and published by Victory Point Games. The game is set in ancient Rome and revolves around chariot racing, a popular sport during that time. Players compete against each other to be the first to cross the finish line, using dice rolling and strategic movement to outmaneuver their opponents.

Game Components of Chariots of Rome

Player boards for tracking speed, endurance, tactics, and rattled status

Charioteer cards providing unique abilities

Fate cards introducing random events and bonuses

Action cards for resolving damage and swerves

Cardboard markers and tokens for resource tracking

Specialised dice for rolling movement and Fate checks

Flat cardboard tokens or standees representing the chariots

How To Setup Chariots of Rome

To set up the game, each player starts with a charioteer, a charioteer card, and a player board. The charioteer cards are shuffled and revealed one at a time. Players begin with 12 Endurance points, no Rattle points, and a set number of Tactics points, which depend on the number of players. The game board is laid out, representing the Circus Maximus, and players place their chariot tokens on the starting line.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Action Queue: Players take turns based on the revealed charioteer cards.

Dice Rolling: Used for movement, Fate checks, and resolving attacks.

Grid Movement: Chariots move on a grid representing the racing track.

Push Your Luck: Players can risk endurance points for extra movement.

Game Objective: The goal is to be the first chariot to cross the finish line after a predetermined number of laps, while avoiding crashes and maintaining endurance.

Player Experience

Playing Chariots of Rome is a dynamic and exciting experience, especially with larger groups. The game is known for its fast-paced turns, tactical decision-making, and the suspense of potential crashes and attacks. Players can choose to move, increase or decrease speed, or use tactics points to perform attacks like whipping or ramming other chariots. The Fate cards add an element of unpredictability, and the Charioteer cards provide unique abilities that can significantly impact gameplay.

Pros

Accessible and Easy to Learn: The game can be taught within 15 minutes.

Dynamic Gameplay: Fast-paced turns and tactical decisions keep players engaged.

Unique Charioteer Abilities: Charioteer cards add different personalities and strategies to the game.

Exciting Interactions: Ramming, whipping, and Fate cards create thrilling moments.

Flexible Playtime: Games can last between 45 to 180 minutes, depending on the number of players.

Cons

Component Quality: Some players may find the cardboard tokens and standees less impressive compared to higher-end components.

Balancing Issues: Some Charioteer abilities can be significantly more powerful than others.

Complexity in Large Groups: Managing actions and resources can become more complex with a large number of players.

Personal Thoughts on Chariots of Rome

Chariots of Rome is ideal for players who enjoy competitive, action-packed games with a strong thematic element. It is particularly suited for groups looking for a fun, interactive experience that combines strategy and luck. While it may not be the best fit for players seeking a deeply complex or solo-focused game, it excels in providing an entertaining and immersive experience for those who enjoy the thrill of chariot racing and combat.

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