Moving units and forming forces are the only physical things players actually do. The battle screen, consisting of a curved thermometer bar, is enlivened by the clash of weapons and screams of the wounded. Sound effects are helpful with winds howling, troops tramping and triremes’ oars splashing. Not as spectacular but equally well done are the ledger screens, option pages and message pop-ups that are the vital part of game mechanics. These counters are so packed with information on special abilities, status, cohesion, and strength that players with high resolution monitors and old eyes will want to avoid eye strain by cranking resolution down to a comfortable level.

The depictions keep track with changes in appearance over the two-century span. Combat units on the counters and in the unit panel are shown with equipage rivaling those shown in Osprey publications and coffee-table books. The commander portraits appear to come from ancient pictures and coins, although one wonders if Spartacus really looked like Kirk Douglas. These counters show either commanders of forces or the dominant troop type for leaderless forces. On-map counters are reminiscent of boardgames using cardboard pictures in plastic stands. The most impressive map may slip under the radar F7 will bring up a fine map of the entire Roman world. The nine map overlays showing supply levels, control, loyalty, objectives, provinces, regions and terrain types also exhibit improved color and graphics. The zoom feature picks out the number of towers on city walls and tiny, but vital, depots. snow-capped Alps and varied-terrain Spain crisscrossed with rivers.

The default military map has terrain features that approach 3D quality with great color representing terrain type, e.g. The most stunning examples of this are the maps. Nonetheless, how well will the transition from bayonet to gladius work?Ĭompared to earlier AGEOD games, Alea Jacta Est‘s graphics are awesome. The game has many innovations over previous products. In Alea Jacta Est (The Die is Cast), the designers have zeroed in on a topic, Roman civil wars, but spread the time period from 87 BC to 193 AD. The return is not to the 18th–20th centuries stomping grounds but to ancient Rome. Passed Inspection: Great graphics, fine AI, exquisite historical detailįailed Basic: Steep learning curve, long processing time, small fontĪfter flirting with a complex mega-strategy game, AGEOD has come back to the grand strategy style that worked so well in the past. Alea Jacta Est: Roman Civil Wars – PC Game Review By Jim CobbĪlea Jacta Est: Roman Civil Wars.

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