If a period or setting in history has the most potential to be turned into video games, it’s ancient Rome. Due to the extensive historical documents describing the fantastic people, locations, and traditions of a civilization that lasted over 1,500 years, Rome is one of the most fascinating ancient societies.
The fall of Rome was one of Europe’s most tumultuous periods, and since Roman civilization influenced so many countries, it has captivated people’s interest for ages. There are numerous Rome-inspired books, movies, games, and even fashion!
For now, let’s focus on the best games about Ancient Rome. This best demonstrates how playing and learning may be combined in minutes.
1. Rome: Total War
Game Release Year: 2004
Historical Period: 270 BC to 14 AD
With its outstanding campaign and addicting core gameplay, Rome: Total War is a real treat for any enthusiast of the Roman era. Most people didn’t think it was feasible to combine real-time strategy and turn-based gameplay, but Creative Assembly did it. Rome: Total War was the first of several games that combined many characters on the screen, allowing players to combat the army against a single console.
The game depicts the peak and last centuries of the Republican period and the initial years of Ancient Rome’s imperial era. At first, the user assumes charge of one of three Roman dynasties, with other non-Roman clans becoming available later.
It gives a thorough understanding of the Roman army’s structure and how the Romans controlled the inhabitants of towns and cities. It also requires the player to think clearly and sensibly to become the Roman Empire’s Ruler. This is what makes it one of the best games about Ancient Rome.
2. Ryse: Son of Rome
Game Release Year: 2013
Historical Period: 54-68 AD
Ryse: Son of Rome is based in Ancient Rome during Nero’s reign, a fascinating period in the empire’s history. While the majority of the game takes place far outside Rome, in Britannia, on the outskirts of the empire, we get a fair look at numerous historical facts and personalities along the way.
The personalities are not a hundred percent historically correct but are inspired by actual events. These include Nero: Rome’s emperor, warrior queen Boudica, Commodus and Basillius: children of Nero and Damocles amongst many others! With a surprisingly sophisticated combat system, players will engage in large-scale conflicts and gladiatorial clashes in the field.
3. Age of Decadence
Game Release Year: 2015
Historical Period: 395 AD Fall of the Roman Empire
The game is set in a world based on the collapse of the Roman Empire. Age of Decadence has a sophisticated turn-based combat system and a rich conversation and decision system that has a significant impact on how the world evolves around them.
As they engage in Roman politics and betrayals, gamers get to build their own identity. It’s also one of the few games that give you complete control over your character. You’ll be in Rome. As a politician, your job will be to keep Rome from breaking apart by avoiding hostile attacks. In essence, gamers must aid in the recovery of this civilization. However, because the narrative is set during the fall of the Roman Empire, there is no happy ending.
4. Shadow of Rome
Game Release Year: 2005
Historical Period: 48 BC
The storyline is a dramatized account of Julius Caesar’s assassination, centering on two main characters that the player will assume the role of. The first is Agrippa, a warrior whose father is suspected of murdering Caesar and is condemned to combat in gladiatorial theaters. The second is Octavianus, who embarks to prove Agrippa’s father’s righteousness.
In summary, it’s a wonderful chance to witness and participate in the Roman lifestyle. Players appreciate this old Roman game, which they see as both inventive and beautiful.
5. Assassin’s Creed: Origins
Game Release Year: 2017
Historical Period: 49-43 BC
The player assumes Bayek, a Medjay, and Aya, his wife, as they fight to defend the people of the Ptolemaic Empire during a period of massive uprisings. The Pharaoh, Ptolemy XIII, battles to preserve his authority while harboring desires to extend his kingdom.
Even though the game is centered in Ancient Egypt during the Ptolemaic period, gamers will still engage with historical personalities such as Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Pompey Magnus, Brutus, Lucius Septimus, and others from Rome’s past.
6. Grand Ages: Rome
Game Release Year: 2009
Historical Period: 60-53 BC
Grand Ages: Rome is an empire-building and real-time strategy game set during the last period of the Roman Republic. The game depicts actual past events, such as the slave rebellion headed by Spartacus, a former gladiator, and allows players to choose between Julius Caesar and Pompey Magnus.
Players are entrusted with accomplishing missions and establishing a reputation as leaders and politicians. Players must keep the population happy by providing adequate food, religion, and amusement. When players struggle to meet the requirements of their people, crime and sickness may develop, and houses may be abandoned.
The list of best games about Ancient Rome does not end here. It is to get you started. These games not only allow you to get a taste of the Roman culture through characters and settings but also puts you in their shoes. This is because history is not only about learning what happened in the past. You also need to contemplate what could have happened and the possible consequences of those events. This is what these games allow you to do!