Colosseum (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Colosseum is a card game released in 2016 by Just Play Games. Designed by Masato Ikeda and Ryo Sugiura, the game is set in the world of gladiatorial combat in ancient Rome. Players take on the roles of gladiators battling it out in the arena for fame and glory.

Game Components of Colosseum

3D components including theatre upgrades and arena elements

Event Asset tokens

Noble dice

Clunky metal coins

Oversized game board

No player boards or box insert

How To Setup Colosseum

To set up the game, players start by preparing their theatres and acquiring initial resources. Each player selects a starting hand of Event Asset tokens, which will help them in acquiring and preparing for their shows. The game board is set up with various spaces for different actions such as buying upgrades, investing in new Event Programs, and performing shows.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Phases

Phase 1: Players buy upgrades for their theatre or invest in new Event Programs.

Phase 2-3: Players acquire resources such as gladiators, actors, animals, and props.

Phase 4: Players perform their shows, rolling Noble dice to attract magistrates and spectators.

Phase 5: Clean-up, where players discard used elements, receive coins based on their spectator count, and adjust their scores.

Objectives

Prepare and perform shows to attract the most spectators.

Earn money and reinvest it in theatre upgrades and Event Programs.

Attract magistrates to increase spectator counts.

Player Experience

Playing **Colosseum** feels like managing a real theatre, where strategy and negotiation are key. The game is structured logically, but the real challenge lies in bidding and negotiating, which can be a fun yet nerve-racking experience. The excellent components, including 3D elements and metal coins, add to the immersive theme. However, it’s important to note that the game is more suited for experienced gamers due to its complexity in negotiation and strategy.

Pros

Excellent components with 3D elements and metal coins

Solid euro game with a theme that sparks imagination

Very little player downtime

Encourages personal skill development in bidding and negotiating

Cons

No box insert

Oversized game board without player boards to manage tokens

Luck factor can be high, especially with starting hands

Personal Thoughts on Colosseum

**Colosseum** is ideal for dedicated euro game enthusiasts who enjoy strategic bidding, trading, and set-collection mechanics. It’s not a family game and is best played with peers who are equally experienced gamers. The game offers a unique blend of theme and mechanics, making it a standout in the euro game category, but it may not be the best fit for those looking for a more casual gaming experience.

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