Annals of Rome

Annals of Rome is a turn-based strategy game that will have you playing the role of a Roman Senator. Your main goal is to take control of as much of the cities and provinces as possible and manage them successfully. The other groups that you will have to go against are tribes that also want to take control over large portions of the known world- the Persians, Vandals, Turks and others. You can manage your armies through the generals. The game presents some realistic facts and concepts about the period (273 B.

C.-1075 A.D.).
The most interesting part of the game is how all aspects of managing the land is just as important as the military operations. While you are going against the different empires, you will have to deal with the economic management of your own empire as well as deal with internal and external politics.
As a Roman senator, you will be in charge of all aspects of managing the army from setting their salaries to positioning the troops when you wage war. You will also be in charge of the economic performance of the cities and setting tax rates. As you go along the game, there will be a simulated passage of time and you will experience the outcome of your decisions. There will also be other empires that will attack you so you need to make quick decisions and defend your empire. Each turn represents 25 years in history. Maintaining a stronghold on your forces and on your regions is very important. You can keep your people satisfied by imposing fair taxes and by keeping your officers and your troops happy.
To guide you in your battles is a map that has changing colors to indicate who has control over what provinces/ cities. You must manage your territories well; otherwise, you own officers may stage a rebellion against you.
This game presents enough challenges for those who are used to playing war/strategy games. The game is not boring or confusing despite the micro-management that you have to do. In fact, as I mentioned earlier, managing your empire is what makes the game even more exciting.
The controls and the concept of the game may be simple but it doesn’t mean that playing the game is a walk in the park. This is still a great game to test your gaming skills and your capacity to formulate and implement strategies.