REPUBLIC OF ROME

GameRepublic of RomeComplexityHigh
CompanyAvalon HillTime8 hrs
SettingAncient RomeSolitaireMinimal
TypePoliticalRating9

Overview

Republic of Rome is a political game set against the backdrop of Roman Republic. It spans the period from the 1st Punic War to the ascendency of Augustus Caesar.

Players take the role of hypothetical faction leaders as they strive for political dominance.

Game Mechanics

The heart of the game is the Senate Phase. During the Senate Phase, senators are voted into office, governorships and concessions are allocated, corrupt office-holders are prosecuted, and other business of government takes place.

Players wheel and deal as they determine how to allocate all these goodies. Offices increase the influence of the senator, and this translates directly into votes.

Against the backdrop of all these political activities, enemy empires rise to challenge the might of Rome (in the form of war cards. Players have to cooperate with one another to ensure that Rome remains sufficiently strong to survive these challenges.

Victory

There are basically two ways for a player to win in ROR, namely through accumulation of Influence and through Civil War.

Victory through Influence can be achieved by :

  1. Having one of his senators accumulate 35 Influence points; or
  2. Having one of his senators win a Vote of Consul for Life. To be eligible, the said senator must have an Influence of at least 21; or The senator may add his Influence to this Vote(only).
  3. Having the highest combined faction Influence when the last card is drawn.

Another way to victory is to declare a Civil War against Rome, and win.

One unique feature is that there is no guarantee that a player will win the game. It is entirely possible (and rather common) for all the players to be defeated. This can occur when Rome is overthrown by external enemies

Comments

This is one of the best games I have ever come across. It involves as much player interaction a la Diplomacy. But the need to keep Rome afloat usually means that players cannot stab another every chance they get.

There is always some email game going on. The game actually plays better on email as secret deals can be made without anyone else the wiser. The scope for deceit by such things like rumours, etc makes opening your mailbox daily an anticipation.

Comments

Official Errata from Avalon Hill

The Colosseum A ROR Game Page

SPQR Another ROR Game Page

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