The Year of the 5 Emperors (2022) Board Game

The Year of the 5 Emperors board game takes players back to one of the most turbulent times in Roman history. In the year 193 AD, five different men claimed the title of Roman Emperor, leading to a period of chaos and civil war known as the Year of the Five Emperors. Players take on the roles of the different claimants to the throne, vying for power and control over the empire.

Game Components of The Year of the 5 Emperors

1 “Roman Empire” board

5 “Emperor” boards (one per player)

30 “Legion” counters

5 “Base” counters

165 cards, including 17 objective cards

1 rule booklet

1 historical booklet

Province cards, Slave cards, and various other card types.

How To Setup The Year of the 5 Emperors

Setup involves placing the Roman Empire board in the middle of the table. Each player chooses a character and places their corresponding Player board in front of themselves. The starting player is determined by the Roman numeral on their player board, with Helvius Pertinax starting first in a 5-player game. Players then draw their starting hands, with the number of cards increasing from 3 to 5 based on the player order. The Slave cards and remaining Objective cards are placed face up next to the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Deck-building: Players acquire cards to build their network of influence.

Area Control: Manage legions and position them in provinces.

Objective Fulfillment: Complete objectives to gain control.

Game Objective

The goal is to be the first player to fulfill 4 objectives (or 3 in the introductory game) by acquiring cards, positioning legions, and completing specific tasks. The first player to achieve this becomes the new emperor of Rome.

Player Experience

In **The Year of the 5 Emperors**, players take on the roles of Roman high dignitaries vying for the throne. The game is dynamic, with each turn offering strategic decisions such as declaring oneself emperor, managing legions, and completing objectives. Players must balance their own ambitions with the need to protect the empire from external threats. The game’s historical context and complex interactions add depth and replayability.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Multiple paths to victory and complex card interactions.

Historical Context: Set against the backdrop of a significant historical event.

Dynamic Gameplay: Each turn offers new strategic decisions and challenges.

Educational Value: Includes a historical booklet and accurate historical representations.

Cons

Complex Setup: Initial setup can be time-consuming due to the number of components.

Steep Learning Curve: The game’s rules and mechanics require several plays to fully grasp.

Luck Element: Card draws can significantly impact gameplay, introducing an element of luck.

Personal Thoughts on The Year of the 5 Emperors

**The Year of the 5 Emperors** is ideal for fans of historical strategy games and those who enjoy complex, dynamic gameplay. It is particularly suited for gamers who appreciate deck-building and area control mechanics. While it may have a steep learning curve, the game’s depth and replayability make it a worthwhile investment for those looking to immerse themselves in a historically rich and strategically challenging experience.

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