Rome, Inc.: From Augustus to Diocletian

About this board game

Rome, Inc.: From Augustus to Diocletian is a solitaire wargame for one player, covering the Roman Empire from 27 BCE to 286 CE. The publisher lists a playing time of 3 to 4 hours, while the game’s BoardGameGeek data lists 720 minutes.

Take the role of the empire’s CEO: appoint consuls and governors, raise taxes, deploy legions, fleets, and auxiliaries, and fight wars to increase Rome’s prestige and power. Every turn brings a new crisis, forcing difficult choices about where to commit resources.

Governors can conquer territory, develop provinces, and command military operations, but capable and popular leaders may also become dangerous rivals. Through assassination or rebellion, a governor may make himself Caesar. Historical statesmen have ratings for military and administrative talent, popularity, and intrigue, along with individual special abilities.

• Manage provinces grouped into military commands such as Britannia and Syria.
• Conquer and develop provinces controlled by barbarians, allies, or insurgents.
• Balance taxation, recruitment, prestige projects, public approval, and long-term reserves.
• Respond to barbarian wars and enemy leaders advancing from their homelands.

Expanding into the wealthy eastern provinces can increase taxes, while defending the northern frontier may be the more urgent priority. You must weigh the value of an able general against the risk of rebellion, or even place Caesar himself in the field.

Four scenarios begin in 27 BCE, 70 CE, 138 CE, and 222 CE, and they can be combined into campaign games. Each scenario lasts ten turns, with each turn representing five to ten years. Changing imperial dynasties alter the rules, introduce new units, and determine succession. Released in 2021, Rome, Inc. offers an excellent solitaire challenge at medium complexity.