Board game box cover titled "Conquest of the Empire" from the MB Gamemaster Series, depicting Roman-themed illustrations including emperor portraits, soldiers, ancient architecture, and a map background. Suitable for 2-6 players, ages 10-adult.
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Conquest of the Empire (1984)

ByMichail

Conquest of the Empire

Conquest of the Empire is a military strategy board game set in the Roman Empire after the death of Marcus Aurelius, with 2 to 6 players pitting their armies against each other in an attempt to become the ruler of Rome. The game was created in 1982 by Larry Harris and published by The Citadel under the title VI Caesars. Harris revised the game for Milton Bradley in 1984 to be reissued under the title Conquest of the Empire as part of the Gamemaster series. The game was re-released in the summer of 2005 by Eagle Games, redesigned by Glenn Drover.

Why is Conquest of the Empire Popular?

Conquest of the Empire is a popular game among strategy board game enthusiasts. It is known for its engaging Gameplay Mechanics of Conquest of the Empire and its ability to capture the grandeur of the Roman Empire. The game is significant because it allows players to experience the thrill of commanding armies and engaging in battles in a historical setting.

Game Components of Conquest of the Empire

  • Game Board: A map of the Roman Empire
  • Province Tokens**
  • Control/Influence Tokens** for each player color
  • Game Pieces:
    – Caesar
    – Generals
    – Infantry
    – Cavalry
    – Catapults
    – Galleys

  • Coins: 5-talent (Silver) and 10-talent (Gold) coins
  • Fortifications**
  • Cities**
  • Roads**
  • Dice: For resolving battles
  • Instruction Booklets: For classic and revised rules.

    How To Setup Conquest of the Empire

    Players start by selecting their home provinces, which are determined by the number of players. Each player begins with a Caesar, six generals, a small number of combat units (four infantry), and a home province. The home provinces include Hispania, Italia, Macedonia, Numidia, Egypt, and Galatia, each containing a fortified city. Players place their initial units in their home province and set up their control markers.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective: Capture the other players’ Caesars to win the game.
  • Turn Structure:
    – Movement: Move legions and galleys.
    – Combat: Engage in battles using dice rolls.
    – Collect Tribute: Gather talents based on controlled provinces and cities.
    – Destroy Cities: Optionally destroy cities to prevent enemy benefits.
    – Purchase New Pieces: Buy new units, cities, and fortifications using talents.
    – Place New Pieces: Deploy newly purchased units and structures.

  • Legions: Must be grouped with a general or Caesar to move; can be stationed without a commander in a province with a city.
  • Tribute Scale: Track income; inflation triggers at 100 and 200 talents, doubling and tripling costs respectively.
  • Capturing Leaders: Held prisoner for ransom or executed; captured generals can lead legions, but not build new triremes in the opponent’s color.

    Player Experience

    **Conquest of the Empire** offers a dynamic and strategic gameplay experience, requiring players to balance resource management, military expansion, and tactical battles. The game can be short if a player is lucky and captures an opponent’s Caesar early, or it can be a long, complex game of strategy and well-thought-out battles. Players need to be aware of their Caesar’s safety, manage their tributes effectively, and utilize ships and fortifications to their advantage.

    Pros

  • Deep Strategy: Offers a rich strategic gameplay experience.
  • Resource Management: Players must manage their talents to buy and maintain units.
  • Tactical Battles: Engaging combat mechanics using dice rolls.
  • Historical Setting: Set in the Roman Empire, adding a historical context.
  • Multiplayer: Supports 2 to 6 players, making it a great game for groups.

    Cons

  • Complex Rules: Can be overwhelming for new players.
  • Long Setup: Setting up the game and understanding the rules can take time.
  • Inflation Mechanic: Can lead to significantly increased costs, potentially slowing down the game.
  • Catapult Balance: Experienced players feel that catapults are too powerful, affecting game balance.

    Personal Thoughts on Conquest of the Empire

    **Conquest of the Empire** is ideal for fans of military strategy and war games who enjoy deep, complex gameplay. It is best suited for players who are willing to invest time in learning the rules and managing their resources and units effectively. The game’s historical setting and multi-player support make it a great addition to any board game collection, especially for those who appreciate strategic challenges and tactical battles. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those looking for a quick, simple game experience.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl