Age of Rome (2023)

Overview

Become the next Emperor of Rome in Age of Rome, a strategic worker placement game set in the turbulent year of 44 BC. In this game of ambition and cunning, players take on the roles of aspiring leaders, each vying for power in a constantly shifting political landscape. A unique rotating board presents new challenges every round, forcing players to adapt their strategies as they balance war, politics, trade, and religion—all while outwitting their rivals. At the beginning of the game, each player is assigned a distinct hero with their own player board. They also receive secret quests and a set of starting resources: Denarii, Followers, Scheme tokens, Legions, and Votes. The game unfolds over nine intense rounds, during which players compete to earn Glory points and seize the imperial throne. Each round is divided into four phases. First comes the Scheme phase, where an Event card is revealed, affecting the gameplay for that round. Turn order is determined, and players take turns activating their Schemes. Next is the Building phase, in which players construct structures that grant various benefits and help solidify their presence across the provinces. The third phase is the Action phase, where players take turns placing Followers on the board to carry out a wide range of actions, from sending Legions to conquer territories and trading for resources, to participating in votes and gathering key items. Finally, during the Income phase, players collect rewards based on their achievements and adjust the rotating board, altering the strategic landscape for the next round. Glory points can be earned in numerous ways. Players may gain points by constructing valuable buildings, winning majorities through voting, conquering regions with their Legions, trading and collecting important items, or completing secret quests. Ambitious players can even attempt to build a grand Pantheon, a monumental achievement that brings great prestige. After the ninth round, the final scores are calculated. The player with the most Glory points is crowned the new Emperor of Rome, claiming control over the greatest empire the world has ever known.