Total War: ROME – The Board Game is a tabletop adaptation of the popular video game series Total War, which focuses on historical battles and warfare. Designed by PSC Games, this board game transports players to ancient Rome, where they take on the roles of powerful factions vying for control of the Mediterranean.
Game Components of Total War: ROME – The Board Game
Core Game: Includes the main board, quickstart rules, high-quality board, armies for Rome and its enemies, custom skull dice, 28 highly detailed miniatures, 150 faction markers, and 180 coins.Expansions: Features the **Battleplay** expansion for richer tabletop battles, the **Alexander** expansion with its own faction booster set, and the **Emperor** expansion focusing on the control of the Senate.Additional Items: Mercenary cards, action cards, ship cards, unrest tokens, gold, and various buildings.
How To Setup Total War: ROME – The Board Game
Setting up the game involves several steps:
Each player selects their faction (Rome, Carthage, Greece, or Barbarian Tribes) and sets up their starting armies, fleets, and reserve cards according to the predefined setup.Players start with two gold and two agents, which can be deployed in home regions.The diplomatic track is initialized with markers from other factions set to a neutral position.The initiative phase begins by shuffling initiative cards and distributing them to each player, determining the order of play.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Campaign / Battle Card Driven: Players use cards to manage their campaigns and battles.Dice Rolling: Custom skull dice are used for resolving various actions.Die Icon Resolution: Icons on the dice determine the outcomes of actions.Income: Players manage their income through trade, markets, and taxation.Tech Trees / Tech Tracks: Players can develop their faction through technological advancements.Objective: The goal is to conquer new lands, develop the faction’s economy, secure lands, use agents to disrupt enemies, and ultimately reach the top of the victory point ladder.
Player Experience
Players embark on a strategic journey to build their empire, balancing military conquest and economic development. The game is designed to be epic yet manageable, allowing for a complete game session in under three hours. Players must navigate complex decisions such as recruiting mercenaries, building infrastructure, and engaging in intense battles, all while maintaining diplomatic relations and sabotaging their opponents.
Pros
Epic Flavor: Captures the essence of the Total War video game series.Rich Gameplay: Combines multiple mechanics for a comprehensive strategy experience.Historical Depth: Draws from historical events and figures, adding authenticity.Quick Setup: The starter set includes quickstart rules for a simplified entry into the game.
Cons
Complexity: May be overwhelming for new players due to the multitude of mechanics.Delays: The game has faced significant delays, affecting its release timeline.Steep Learning Curve: Requires time to master the various rules and strategies.
Personal Thoughts on Total War: ROME – The Board Game
This game is ideal for fans of the Total War video game series and those who enjoy complex strategy board games. It offers a deep and engaging experience that simulates the grandeur of ancient empires. However, due to its complexity, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those new to strategy board games. For enthusiasts of historical strategy and epic battles, **Total War: ROME – The Board Game** promises a rewarding and immersive experience.
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