Fall of Rome (2018) Board Game

Fall of Rome is a cooperative board game designed by Matt Leacock and Paolo Mori, published by Z-Man Games in in 2018. The game is set during the decline of the Roman Empire and players must work together to prevent the fall of Rome. With a runtime of 45-60 minutes and designed for 1-5 players, Fall of Rome offers a challenging and engaging gaming experience for history buffs and strategy enthusiasts alike.

Game Components of Fall of Rome

1 Board

3 Battle Dice

7 Role Cards

7 Pawns

70 Player Cards

7 Reference Cards

49 Barbarian Cards

100 Barbarian Cubes

16 Legions

6 Forts

5 Alliance Tokens

1 Invasion Rate Marker

1 Decline Marker.

How To Setup Fall of Rome

To set up the game, players first place the board in the middle of the playing area, which represents the Roman Empire. Each player selects a role card, which comes with unique abilities. The barbarian cubes are placed along the borders of the empire according to the setup rules. Players also shuffle and deal the player cards, and set up the barbarian deck. The game includes detailed setup instructions in the rulebook, ensuring a smooth start for new players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Recruit Armies: Gather and deploy Roman legions to defend cities and borders.

Fortify Cities: Build forts to enhance defense against invading barbarian tribes.

Forge Alliances: Collect sets of matching-colored cards to forge alliances with different barbarian tribes, converting them into Roman soldiers.

Battle Mechanics: Engage in combat using dice rolls, where the number of dice rolled equals the number of committed soldiers.

Objective: Prevent the fall of Rome by stopping barbarian invasions, forming alliances, and maintaining the stability of the empire. The game ends when players form five alliances, or when Rome is sacked, too many ‘decays’ occur, or too many barbarians are on the board.

Player Experience

Playing *Fall of Rome* feels like a strategic and immersive experience, especially for fans of the *Pandemic* series and those interested in historical themes. Players take on the roles of Roman generals, coordinating efforts to defend the empire against relentless barbarian invasions. The game requires teamwork, strategic planning, and the wise use of special abilities. The solo mode allows a single player to command three different roles, adding a unique challenge.

Pros

Historical Theme: Engaging historical setting that brings the fall of the Roman Empire to life.

Cooperative Gameplay: Encourages teamwork and coordination among players.

Innovative Mechanics: Combines familiar *Pandemic* mechanics with new elements like dice rolling for battles and forging alliances.

Solo Mode: Offers a challenging solo experience with a dedicated solo mode.

Replayability: Multiple paths to victory and varied role abilities ensure high replayability.

Cons

Learning Curve: May require time for new players to understand the unique mechanics and strategies.

Randomness: The dice rolling mechanic adds randomness, which can be challenging for experienced players.

Hand Management in Solo Mode: Some players find the solo mode less tense due to simplified hand management.

Personal Thoughts on Fall of Rome

*Fall of Rome* is ideal for fans of cooperative games and those who enjoy strategic gameplay with a historical twist. It is particularly suited for players who have experience with the *Pandemic* series, as it builds upon familiar mechanics while introducing new challenges and strategies. The game is great for both new players and veterans looking to spice up their gaming experience with a fresh take on cooperative gameplay.

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