If you're familiar with the classic WAR, get ready to swap tanks for legions! Released to celebrate the franchise's 35th anniversary, Roman Empire transports the conquest formula to the peak of Rome around 140 A.D. The board is a deep dive into history, featuring provinces scattered across Europe, North Africa, and Asia, all named in Latin for immersion, while larger regions remain in Portuguese for ease of use.

The core dynamic remains what we love: you receive a secret objective and must move your troops across the map to dominate it, all while trying to keep your plans hidden from your opponents. The big difference here is the scale and pacing. With a focus on slightly faster games and a reduced player count (3 to 4 players), the game forces you to rethink your strategies. Forget the borders of the traditional world map; now you'll have to deal with Mediterranean geography and the defenses of Roman provinces.

The pieces also got a thematic upgrade. Instead of generic armies, you command legionaries, knights, and catapults, each representing different combat strengths. It's the perfect blend of WAR's simple dice system and the elegance of the Roman setting. Whether expanding the empire's borders or defending your lands from insurgencies and enemies, the goal is the same: the ultimate glory of Rome. Can you conquer the necessary provinces before your rivals spot your movement?