Black board game box with the title "Glory to Rome", featuring a white eagle above laurel branches, with the text "A GAME BY CARL CHUDYK / CAMBRIDGE GAMES FACTORY" underneath. The box is lying on a wooden surface.
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Glory to Rome (2005)

ByMichail

Glory to Rome

Glory to Rome is a card-based board game designed by Ed Carter and Carl Chudyk and published by Cambridge Games Factory in 2005. The game has a theme of rebuilding the city of Rome in the aftermath of the Great Fire. Glory to Rome received positive reviews and became popular among board game enthusiasts. However, the game became infamous in the 2010s due to being out of print, which led to greatly inflated prices in the secondary market. The English publishing debacle did not affect some reprints of foreign translations, licensed to different companies.

Why is Glory to Rome Popular?

Glory to Rome is popular among board game enthusiasts due to its unique Gameplay Mechanics of Glory to Rome. The game uses a novel mechanic of multi-purpose cards which can be used to lead actions or as various types of resources. The game involves lots of interaction, and while it’s fairly daunting to teach, it makes sense after about a round of play. There are lots of strategies to take, plus it has the buildings that do crazy things that make it really fun.

Game Components of Glory to Rome

  • Deck of 159 order cards: Each card has multiple uses, including client, resource, building, and victory points.
  • Central board**
  • Double-sided player mats**
  • Merchant bonus cards**
  • Foundation cards**
  • Jack cards**
  • Site cards for building construction**

    How To Setup Glory to Rome

    To set up the game, each player receives a double-sided player mat and a starting hand of cards. The central board is placed in the middle of the playing area, and the deck of order cards is shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The game begins with a leader token that cycles around the table, determining the player who chooses the action for the turn.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics

  • Card Drafting: Players draft cards from the pool or demand resources from other players.
  • Hand Management: Managing cards in multiple ways (client, resource, building, victory points).
  • Follow: Other players can follow the leader’s action.
  • End Game Bonuses: Bonuses awarded at the end of the game.
  • Set Collection: Collecting cards to build structures and gain influence.
  • Variable Phase Order: The leader token determines the sequence of actions.

    Game Objective

    The objective is to gain the most influence by reconstructing Rome after the Great Fire. Players achieve this by building structures, collecting patrons, and moving cards to their Vault for victory points.

    Player Experience

    **Glory to Rome** is known for its steep learning curve but rewarding gameplay. Players must make tough decisions each turn, utilizing cards in multiple ways, which can be both intriguing and overwhelming. The game scales well from 2 to 5 players and maintains high interaction and minimal downtime. New players may find the first few rounds confusing, but as the game progresses, the mechanics become more clear.

    Pros

  • Heavy Player Interaction: High engagement among players.
  • Deep Strategy: Multiple ways to use cards, requiring strategic thinking.
  • Involved Gameplay: Constant decision-making keeps players engaged.
  • Minimal Downtime: Quick turns and constant action.
  • Scalability: Plays well with any number of players from 2 to 5.
  • Replay Value: Different strategies emerge with each play.

    Cons

  • Steep Learning Curve: Initial games can be confusing and slow.
  • Cost: Historical issues with availability have driven up secondary market prices.
  • Artwork: The original print’s artwork is often criticized as subpar.

    Personal Thoughts on Glory to Rome

    **Glory to Rome** is a game for enthusiasts of card-based engine builders and those who enjoy complex strategic decisions. Despite its challenging initial plays, the game rewards mastery and strategy, making it a favorite among experienced gamers. However, due to its high cost and historical publishing issues, it may not be accessible to all. For those who can secure a copy, either through original prints or custom versions, it offers a rich and engaging gaming experience. If you love card-based engine builders and are willing to invest time in mastering the game, **Glory to Rome** is definitely worth considering.

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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