Catan Histories: Struggle for Rome (2006)

Struggle for Rome

“Struggle for Rome” is a 2006 German-style board game designed by Klaus-Jürgen Wrede and published by Horst Kunze. It is part of the Catan Histories series and is based on the game mechanics of Settlers of Catan.

Why is Struggle for Rome Popular?

The game is popular and significant due to its historical theme, which appeals to fans of ancient history and the Roman Empire. It also shares the same game mechanics as Settlers of Catan, making it accessible to a wide audience of board game enthusiasts.

Game Components of Catan Histories: Struggle for Rome

Game Board: A hexagonal grid representing the provinces and important Roman cities of the Western Roman Empire.

Miniature Figures: Each player has 10 supply wagons, 8 warriors, and 8 horsemen.

Roman Legionnaire: A figure acting as the game’s version of the robber from *Settlers of Catan*.

Dice: 2 dice for resource rolling.

Plunder Counters: 40 counters in 5 colors.

Gold Coins: 40 coins in denominations of 1 and 5.

Resource Cards: Including pasture, ore, and grain cards.

Development Cards: 30 cards with various effects.

Special Victory Point Cards: 12 cards for additional victory points.

Round Overview Cards: 4 cards for tracking game phases.

White Markers with Crosses: For marking rolled numbers.

How To Setup Catan Histories: Struggle for Rome

To set up the game, each player selects a barbarian tribe consisting of warriors and horsemen. The game board is placed in the middle, and each player positions their tribes outside the Roman Empire. The Roman cities are fortified with towers, and plunder tokens are placed on these cities. Players receive their starting resources and miniature figures. The Roman Legionnaire is also placed on the board according to the initial setup rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Resource Collection: Players roll dice to collect resources from hexes adjacent to their cities or nomadic tribes.

Roman Legionnaire: If a 7 is rolled, the Roman Legionnaire is moved, allowing a player to steal resources from another player.

City Sacking and Conquering: Players can sack or conquer Roman cities to gain victory points and plunder tokens.

Victory Points: Earned by sacking and conquering cities, establishing cities in different provinces, and using certain development cards.

Game End: The game ends when a player reaches 10 victory points (or 11 with the *Terror of the Legions* expansion).

Player Experience

In *Catan Histories: Struggle for Rome*, players take on the roles of barbarian tribes aiming to sack and conquer Roman cities. The game combines strategic resource management with the excitement of expanding and defending territories. Players must balance their resource collection with aggressive movements against the Roman Empire, all while navigating the challenges posed by the Roman Legionnaire.

Pros

Historical Theme: Immersive historical setting that adds depth to the gameplay.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and resource management.

Dynamic Gameplay: The Roman Legionnaire adds a layer of unpredictability and interaction among players.

Multiple Paths to Victory: Various ways to earn victory points keep the game engaging and diverse.

Cons

Complexity: May be challenging for new players due to the unique mechanics and historical context.

Length: Games can be quite long, especially as players strategize and navigate the board.

Limited Player Interaction: Some players might find the interaction limited compared to other games in the *Catan* series.

Personal Thoughts on Catan Histories: Struggle for Rome

*Catan Histories: Struggle for Rome* is ideal for fans of the *Catan* series and those interested in historical themes. It offers a unique twist on the classic *Settlers of Catan* mechanics, making it appealing to experienced players looking for a new challenge. However, new players might find the game overwhelming due to its complexity and the need to understand the historical context. Overall, it’s a great addition to any board game collection for those who enjoy strategic gameplay and historical settings.

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