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Stilicho: Last of the Romans (2020) Board Game

ByMichail

Stilicho: Last of the Romans is a board game that takes players back to the late Roman Empire era, specifically during the reign of Emperor Honorius. The game focuses on the military campaigns and political intrigues of the time, with players taking on the role of the renowned general Stilicho, who fought to defend the empire against external threats.

Game Components of Stilicho: Last of the Romans

  • Map Art: Created by Mark Mahaffey
  • Mapsheets: 22″ x 17″
  • Rulebook: 20 pages
  • Display Sheet: 1
  • Cards: 100
  • Enemy Deck**
  • Roman Deck** (includes History Cards, Event Cards, Battle Cards, and Action Cards)
  • Counters: 54
  • Dice: 2 six-sided dice
  • Army Boxes: For Roman Comitatenses and Leaders
  • Leader Boxes: For assigning Leaders to armies
  • Olympius Track: To track Olympius’s influence
  • Advocate Box: For the Leader Symmachus

    How To Setup Stilicho: Last of the Romans

    To set up the game, the player begins by placing the mapsheet on the playing surface. The mapsheet features three fronts where the enemies (Vandals, Goths, and Constantine III) advance. The player assigns the initial 12 Comitatenses to the Army Boxes, with a maximum of 6 per box, and places the available Leaders (Stilicho and Sarus) in their respective Leader Boxes. The Olympius Track and Advocate Box are also set up according to the initial rules. The Enemy Deck and Roman Deck are shuffled, and the game is ready to begin with the player drawing the appropriate number of cards based on the current round.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective: The player must survive external and internal attacks, quell the three advancing enemies (Vandals, Goths, and Constantine III), and keep Olympius under control to prevent Stilicho’s execution.
  • Gameplay Mechanics:
  • Card Driven: The game is driven by two decks of cards: the Enemy Deck and the Roman Deck.
  • Dice Rolling: Used for resolving battles and other challenges.
  • Hand Management: Players must manage their Roman cards carefully to counter enemy surges and internal threats.
  • Point to Point Movement: Movement of troops and leaders along designated paths.
  • Campaign / Battle Mechanics: Involves strategic deployment of troops and leaders across different fronts.
  • Game Turns: The game consists of 10 turns, with each turn divided into three rounds. The player draws a varying number of cards depending on the campaign phase (Early, Mid, Late).

    Player Experience

    Playing **Stilicho: Last of the Romans** is a tense and decision-filled experience. The game demands careful hand management, as players must balance the need to counter immediate threats with preparing for future challenges. The use of two decks of cards creates a dynamic where each card drawn has significant implications, and the player must weigh the utility of each card against the current state of the board. The addition of Late War Cards in the later rounds introduces new challenges and opportunities, keeping the gameplay engaging and unpredictable.

    Pros

  • Engaging Mechanics: The combination of card management, dice rolling, and strategic troop deployment creates a compelling and challenging experience.
  • Thematic Integration: The game’s mechanics are tightly integrated with the historical theme, making the player feel the weight of Stilicho’s responsibilities.
  • Clear Board Design: The mapsheet is well-designed with on-board aids that simplify the rules and enhance gameplay.
  • High Replayability: The random draw of cards and the varying conditions of each turn ensure multiple unique playthroughs.

    Cons

  • Rule Complexity: While the rules are generally manageable, the game can be overwhelming for new players due to the depth of its mechanics.
  • Difficulty Balance: Some players find the game too easy or too repetitive, with enemies sometimes feeling too elastic in their advances.
  • Generic Cards: The inclusion of generic Action Cards can feel like filler, reducing the thematic coherence of the game.

    Personal Thoughts on Stilicho: Last of the Romans

    **Stilicho: Last of the Romans** is ideal for fans of solo wargames and those who enjoy a challenging, strategic experience. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate the historical context of the late Roman Empire and are willing to invest time in mastering the game’s mechanics. The game’s thematic depth and engaging gameplay make it a great addition to any serious board game collection, especially for those who enjoy games in the States of Siege genre. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity and the need for careful planning and resource management.

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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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