Summary
- Release Year: 2014
- Genres: Simulator, Strategy
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Slitherine Ltd.
- Publishers: Ageod
Alea Jacta Est (2014): A Review
Alea Jacta Est is a tabletop strategy game for two or four players that simulates the epic battles of ancient Rome. The game was designed by Emanuele Ornella and Lorenzo Silva, and it was published by GMT Games in 2014.
The game is played on a map of Italy, which is divided into a number of provinces. Each player controls a Roman army, and the goal of the game is to conquer as many provinces as possible.
Players take turns moving their armies around the map and fighting battles against each other. Combat is resolved using a dice-rolling system, and the outcome of each battle is determined by a number of factors, including the size of the armies involved, the terrain, and the leadership of the generals.
Alea Jacta Est is a complex and challenging game, but it is also very rewarding. The game offers a lot of strategic depth, and there are many different ways to win.
Components
The Alea Jacta Est box includes the following components:
- A mounted game board
- 160 plastic army units
- 100 wooden blocks
- 50 cards
- 6 dice
- A rulebook
Gameplay
Alea Jacta Est is played in a series of turns. Each turn, players take the following actions:
- Move: Players move their armies around the map. Armies can move through any province that they control, and they can also move through neutral provinces. However, armies cannot move through provinces that are controlled by enemy armies.
- Recruit: Players can recruit new units to their armies. Units can be recruited in any province that the player controls.
- Build: Players can build fortifications in any province that they control. Fortifications can be used to defend provinces from attack.
- Battle: If two or more armies occupy the same province, a battle will occur. Battles are resolved using a dice-rolling system. The outcome of each battle is determined by a number of factors, including the size of the armies involved, the terrain, and the leadership of the generals.
Winning the Game
The game ends when one player has conquered all of the provinces on the map. If no player has conquered all of the provinces after 10 turns, the player with the most provinces wins the game.
Review
Alea Jacta Est is a great tabletop strategy game that simulates the epic battles of ancient Rome. The game is easy to learn but difficult to master, and it offers a lot of replayability.
One of the things that I like most about Alea Jacta Est is its historical accuracy. The game is based on real historical events, and it uses a number of historical figures as characters. This makes the game feel more immersive and engaging.
Another thing that I like about Alea Jacta Est is its strategic depth. The game offers a lot of different ways to win, and there is no one-size-fits-all strategy. This makes the game very challenging and rewarding.
Overall, I highly recommend Alea Jacta Est to any fan of tabletop strategy games. The game is well-designed, historically accurate, and very challenging.
Tips for Playing Alea Jacta Est
Here are a few tips for playing Alea Jacta Est:
- Control the center of the map. The center of the map is the most important area in the game. If you can control the center, you will be able to move your armies quickly and easily to any part of the map.
- Build fortifications. Fortifications can be used to defend your provinces from attack. If you build fortifications in key provinces, you will be able to make it much more difficult for your opponents to conquer them.
- Use your generals wisely. Generals can give your armies a number of bonuses, such as increased attack strength or defense strength. Use your generals wisely to give your armies an edge in battle.
- Don’t be afraid to attack. The best way to win in Alea Jacta Est is to attack your opponents early and often. Don’t be afraid to take risks, and don’t let your opponents build up their armies too much.
Conclusion
Alea Jacta Est is a great tabletop strategy game that simulates the epic battles of ancient Rome. The game is easy to learn but difficult to master, and it offers a lot of replayability. I highly recommend Alea Jacta Est to any fan of tabletop strategy games.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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