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Conquest of the Empire (1984) Board Game

ByMichail

Conquest of the Empire is a classic board game released in 1984 by Milton Bradley. It is set in ancient times and combines elements of economic strategy and wargaming. The game allows 2 to 6 players to engage in battle and conquest as they seek to expand their empires and dominate the board.

Game Components of Conquest of the Empire

  • Game Board: Depicts the Roman Empire with various provinces.
  • Province Tokens**
  • Control/Influence Tokens: For each player color.
  • Game Pieces:
  • Caesar: One per player.
  • Generals: Four per player.
  • Infantry: 20 per player.
  • Cavalry: 10 per player.
  • Catapults: 6 per player.
  • Galleys: 8 per player.
  • Coins: 25 five-talent coins (Silver) and 50 ten-talent coins (Gold).
  • Dice: 8 dice (sometimes 12).
  • Fortifications: 16.
  • Cities: 16.
  • Roads: 20.
  • Cards: Part of the game set.

    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 that contains a fortified city. The game board is set up with province tokens, and each player places their initial units in their home province.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective: Capture the other players’ Caesars.
  • Turn Structure:
  • Movement: Move legions to adjacent provinces.
  • Combat: Engage in battles using dice rolls; each unit has a specific number to be rolled for elimination (Infantry: 4, Cavalry: 5, Catapult: 6).
  • Collect Tribute: Gather talents based on controlled provinces and cities.
  • Destroy Cities: Optionally destroy cities in owned provinces to deny benefits to opponents.
  • Purchase New Pieces: Use talents to buy new units, cities, fortifications, and roads.
  • Place New Pieces: Deploy newly purchased units and structures.
  • Inflation: Costs double at 100 talents and triple at 200 talents on the tribute scale.
  • Legions: Must be led by a general or Caesar; can include up to seven units.
  • Roads and Cities: Can be built to enhance movement and tribute collection.

    Player Experience

    **Conquest of the Empire** offers a mix of strategy and luck, with dice rolls determining the outcome of battles. Players need to balance resource management, territorial expansion, and the protection of their Caesar. The game can be short if a player’s Caesar is captured early, or long and complex if players engage in careful strategic play. Alliances and ransom negotiations add a layer of diplomacy and tactical depth.

    Pros

  • Strategic Depth: Combines resource management, territorial conquest, and unit combat.
  • Historical Setting: Immersive Roman Empire theme.
  • Replayability: Variable setup and player interactions ensure different games each time.
  • Diplomatic Elements: Alliances and ransom negotiations add complexity.

    Cons

  • Luck Factor: Dice rolls can significantly impact game outcomes.
  • Complexity: Multiple phases and rules can be overwhelming for new players.
  • Component Balance: Some players feel that catapults are too powerful.

    Personal Thoughts on Conquest of the Empire

    **Conquest of the Empire** is ideal for fans of military strategy and historical games. It requires a good balance of strategic thinking and adaptability to the randomness of dice rolls. The game is suited for players who enjoy complex, long-form games with deep strategic elements. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking quick, straightforward gameplay or games with minimal luck involved.

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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

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