Foundations of Rome

Arcane Wonders · Board game · 2022
1–5 · best 4 Solo 60–90 min Weight 2.0/5
8.7 rating Ludopedia
8.0 rating BGG
8.7 rating Ludopedia
8.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you love city-building games with stunning visuals and accessible rules, Foundations of Rome is a sure bet for your game night!

Highlights
  • Spectacular miniatures
  • Easy to learn rules
  • Engaging theme
  • Clever indirect interaction
  • High-quality components
Keep in mind
  • Can have some downtime
  • Moderate language dependency
  • Better experience with more players
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Hey everyone! Get ready to travel back in time and become renowned architects in Ancient Rome with Foundations of Rome. In this city-building game, you'll compete to be the ultimate real estate mogul, acquiring land and erecting magnificent structures ranging from humble domūs and insulae to majestic fountains and foundries. The goal is simple: increase your renown and bring glory to yourself and the empire, but the strategy... oh, that's where the fun begins!

Featuring 96 wonderfully detailed miniatures that really pop on the table, Foundations of Rome isn't just a game; it's a visual experience celebrating the grandeur of Ancient Rome. And the best part? Setup is quick, and the rules are super easy to learn, so you'll be building your legacy in no time.

On each turn, the choice is yours: purchase a new lot to expand your holdings, construct a new building in the shared city of Rome, or simply collect income from your investments. At the end of each round, Glory Points are awarded based on the population and commerce you've brought to the city. And there's more! Civic buildings score not only for your own structures but also for those of your opponents, which adds a really interesting layer of interaction and strategy. It's a game that challenges you to think big and build an empire that will last for centuries!
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
1 OK
2 REC
3 BEST
4 BEST
5 REC
WHERE TO BUY
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Game details

Families

Ancient: Rome Components: 10 x 10 Grids Components: 3-Dimensional (3D) Components: Polyominoes Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Digital Implementations: TableTop Simulator Mod (TTS) Series: Dice Tower Essentials Theme: Construction
Publisher Arcane Wonders
Designer Emerson Matsuuchi
Artist Damien Mammoliti, Stephen Gibson
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players does Foundations of Rome support?
The game is designed for 1 to 5 players, offering a flexible experience for different group sizes.
What is the average playtime for a game?
A game of Foundations of Rome typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, perfect for a game night without overstaying its welcome.
Is it a complex game for beginners?
Not at all! With a BGG weight of 2.02/5, it's considered light to medium complexity. The rules are easy to learn, allowing new players to jump into the fun quickly.
What are the main components included in the base box?
The highlight is the 96 detailed building miniatures, in addition to a square grid board, cards, and tokens for managing your lots and income.
What is the ultimate goal of the game?
The goal is to accumulate the most Glory Points, which are earned by constructing buildings, attracting population and commerce to the city, and through interaction with civic buildings.
Do I need a lot of table space to play?
Yes, with the main board and the miniatures, it's good to have a decent amount of space to comfortably set everything up and appreciate the components.
Does the game have any language dependency?
The language dependency is moderate. While most components are iconographic, some cards or the rulebook might require translation or reference for non-English speakers.