Mare Nostrum: Empires (2016) Board Game

Mare Nostrum: Empires is a strategy board game that takes place in the ancient Mediterranean world. Players take on the role of one of the civilizations of the time, such as Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, or Persians, and compete to build an empire through economic development, military conquest, and diplomatic negotiations. The game is designed by Serge Laget and published by ASYNCRON games in 2016.

Game Components of Mare Nostrum: Empires

Game board depicting the Mediterranean region

Civilization boards for each player

Miniature figures representing armies and fleets

Resource tokens

Development cards

Trade agreements

Victory point markers

How To Setup Mare Nostrum: Empires

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Each player selects a civilization board and places their markers on the starting spaces.

Randomly determine the starting player.

Distribute resources and development cards to players as per the rules.

Begin the game with the starting player taking their turn.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players must expand their empire by building cities, developing technologies, conducting trade, and engaging in military conflict. The objective is to accumulate victory points through various means, such as controlling regions, completing objectives, and forming alliances. The game ends when a player reaches a set number of victory points or triggers a specific event.

Player Experience

Pros:

Offers a good balance of strategy and player interaction

Multiple paths to victory provide replayability

Beautiful artwork and thematic components immerse players in the ancient world

Cons:

Some players may find the game complex and overwhelming at first

The diplomacy aspect requires negotiation skills, which may not appeal to all players

The game can be lengthy, especially with a full player count

Personal Thoughts on Mare Nostrum: Empires

Mare Nostrum: Empires is a well-crafted game that caters to fans of ancient civilizations and strategic gameplay. The game’s components are of high quality, and the attention to detail in the artwork and design is commendable. While the game may not be suitable for casual gamers due to its complexity and length, it offers a rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time and effort. The pricing and availability of the game may vary, but it is worth considering for enthusiasts of the genre.

In conclusion, Mare Nostrum: Empires is a game that is best enjoyed by players who appreciate deep strategy and historical themes. While it may not be for everyone, those who are willing to delve into its complexities will find a rich and engaging experience that is worth their time. Fans of civilization-building games and ancient history should definitely give Mare Nostrum: Empires a try, while those looking for a more casual gaming experience may want to skip it in favor of simpler alternatives.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.