THE ROMANS

Reviewed by Pevans

THE ROMANS (Ragnar Brothers, 1 to 4 players, ages 14 and up, 90-150 minutes; £50)

The title of this game designed by the Ragnar Brothers (Gary Dicken and Phil and Steve Kendall) rather gives away its subject matter: yep, it’s the Roman Empire. What it doesn’t tell you is that each player has their own version of the empire, on their own board (and it’s a sizeable board, too). Over five Eras, players extend the Pax Romana by defeating the natives in province after province. However, in the second half of each era, the barbarians attack, pillaging Roman cities and wresting back control of provinces from The Romans.