Foundations of Rome (2022) Board Game

Foundations of Rome is a board game released in 2022, designed by Stephen Gibson and Damien Mammoliti. The game is set in ancient Rome and revolves around city building and economic management. With a runtime of 60-90 minutes, it is suitable for 2-4 players aged 13 and above.

Game Components of Foundations of Rome

81 Deed Cards

40 Silver Coins (1’s – 19x, 3’s 21x)

4 Player trays (Red, Blue, Green, Purple)

32 Residential (Beige), 32 Commercial (Olive), and 32 Civic (Grey) buildings

96 Plastic Icon tiles (24 per player color)

32 Lot markers (8 per player color)

8 Score cubes (2 per player color)

4 Player Aid cards

1 First Player token

1 Deed board

1 Score board

1 City board

20 Invocation cards

Additional components for Emperor/Maximus versions, including a 5th Player expansion, Monuments, Trading/Stealing, Will of the Consul, Objectives, Player Roles, and metal coins.

How To Setup Foundations of Rome

Setting up **Foundations of Rome** involves a relatively quick process. Players start by placing the City board on the table, followed by the Deed board and Score board. Each player selects a player tray and places their Lot markers and Score cubes accordingly. The Deed Cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The game also includes various expansions, which need to be integrated according to the specific version being played. The setup is designed to be easy to learn and quick to execute, allowing players to dive into the game promptly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Turn: On their turn, a player can choose to purchase a new lot, build a new building in the shared city of Rome, or collect income.

Glory Points: Players earn Glory Points at the end of each round based on the population and commerce they have brought to the city, as well as for civic buildings that score points based on both their own and their opponents’ buildings.

Victory Conditions: The game ends after a set number of rounds, and the player with the most Glory Points is declared the winner.

Expansions: Includes various expansions such as Monuments, Trading/Stealing, Will of the Consul, Objectives, and Player Roles, which add additional mechanics and depth to the game.

Player Experience

Playing **Foundations of Rome** offers a unique blend of strategic city-building and social interaction. The game’s high production value, including detailed miniatures and robust components, enhances the overall experience, making it visually appealing and engaging. Players appreciate the ease of setup and the intuitive gameplay, which allows for quick entry into the game. However, some players find the game’s simplicity at odds with its high price point, suggesting that while the game is enjoyable, it might not justify the cost for everyone.

Pros

High Production Value: The game features impressive miniatures and robust components that enhance the player experience.

Easy to Learn: Quick setup and intuitive rules make it accessible to new players.

Engaging Gameplay: The combination of building and earning Glory Points keeps players engaged.

Social Interaction: Expansions like Trading/Stealing add a social layer to the game.

Theme Immersion: The game’s theme and components help players feel like they are building ancient Rome.

Cons

Expensive: The game’s high price point is a significant deterrent for many potential buyers.

Simple Mechanics: Some players feel that the game’s mechanics are too simple for the cost.

Overproduced: Critics argue that the game could have been produced more cheaply without losing gameplay value.

Personal Thoughts on Foundations of Rome

**Foundations of Rome** is ideal for players who value a visually stunning and engaging city-building experience. While it may not be the most complex game, its ease of play and high production values make it a great introduction to board games for newcomers. For experienced players, it serves as a fun, casual game that can be brought to the table frequently. However, for those on a budget or seeking a game with deeper mechanics, other options might be more suitable.

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