Time of Crisis: The Roman Empire in Turmoil, 235-284 AD

GMT Games, Ergo Ludo Editions · Board game · 2017
2–4 · best 4 120–180 min Weight 3.0/5
rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy games with a Roman historical theme and modern mechanics like deckbuilding and area control, 'Time of Crisis' is a sure bet! Prepare for an intense power struggle full of twists and turns.

Highlights
  • Rich and immersive Roman theme
  • Excellent deckbuilding/map synergy
  • Meaningful strategic decisions
  • Innovative card drafting
Keep in mind
  • Moderate learning curve
  • Can be long for some
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Prepare to dive into the turbulent Crisis of the Third Century, a period when the Roman Empire nearly collapsed under the weight of civil wars and barbarian invasions. In 'Time of Crisis', you and 2 to 3 friends take on the roles of ambitious Roman dynasties, vying for power and glory amidst the chaos. Starting with little influence and a handful of cards, the goal is to build your legacy, expand your control over valuable provinces, strengthen your armies, and defend against internal and external threats. The game combines popular mechanics like deckbuilding and hand management with a light yet engaging wargame experience. The brilliant twist here is the interplay between your deck and the map: the cards you draw dictate your actions on the board, and your position on the map influences how you can shape your deck for the future. Will you focus on flattering the Senate, commanding the legions, or winning over the people? Or perhaps a mix of everything? One of the coolest features is that you choose which cards go into your hand each turn, but remember, the entire deck must eventually be played! Effectively managing timing and what enters and leaves your deck is crucial. From civil wars and border defenses to political intrigue, religious cults, and the constant threat of barbarians, the game captures the essence of this tumultuous era. Will your dynasty manage to rise to power and lead the empire before Diocletian restores peace?

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

4 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 OK
3 REC
4 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Ancient: Rome Components: Map (Continental / National scale) Continents: Europe Digital Implementations: Rally the Troops Game: Time of Crisis (GMT) History: Roman Empire Region: Middle East Region: North Africa War Level of Command: Strategic
Publisher GMT Games, Ergo Ludo Editions
Designer Brad Johnson (I), Wray Ferrell
Artist Rodger B. MacGowan

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What is the average playtime?
The game typically takes between 2 and 3 hours to play, though it might extend slightly depending on player experience and the number of participants.
Is this a very complex game?
It has a moderate complexity. The basic rules are easy to learn, but the interactions and strategies can be deep, especially with the combination of deckbuilding and area control.
Who is this game recommended for?
It's ideal for those who enjoy historical themes, especially the Roman Empire, and like games that blend mechanics like deckbuilding, hand management, and map movement. Players who appreciate a good light wargame will also enjoy it.
What is the ideal player count?
The game plays well with 2, 3, or 4 players. Each configuration offers a slightly different experience in terms of interaction and competition for resources.
What are the game's components?
The game includes a main board representing the Roman Empire, action and event cards, influence markers, military units, dice, and components for players to manage their resources and armies.
Does luck play a significant role?
There are elements of luck, such as dice rolls in combat and card draws, but strategy and planning, especially in deck and action management, are much more decisive for victory.

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