The newly released city-builder game has already captivated me after just four hours of playtime, and I’m confident in stating that it’s perfectly suited for a specific type of individual: namely, those with an unrelenting fascination with ancient Rome.
The ancient combat sport of Gladiatorial Combat has been released on a digital platform, specifically for Windows PCs, with the launch occurring on Thursday. While it’s a typical city-builder in essence, this game adds a unique layer of complexity through its Ancient Roman setting, where even the most mundane tasks like collecting resources or building structures take on a hauntingly beautiful quality.
Instead of constructing a stronghold in the core of your city, you establish a vibrant town square, where citizens gather to exchange ideas and foster meaningful connections. Can you construct elaborate aqueducts, water-powered mills, and reservoirs to harness the force of nature? In an unconventional approach to traditional residential design, you create distinct architectural styles, with Plebeian and Patrician designs emerging based on the presence of employees or the intention to collect taxes. You get the purpose.
To expand your city, upgrade its infrastructure by attracting a sufficient number of Plebeians and Patricians, while ensuring they sustain the city’s operations. To ensure the contentment of the Roman populace, pledge a robust employment landscape for all citizens. To ensure the Patricians’ complete satisfaction, provide them with ample free time to rejuvenate and revitalize throughout their day. If you fail to preserve each caste’s occupied units, the situation can quickly escalate into chaos, prompting a dire warning notification indicating that someone in your city has lost their life.
To cater to the refined tastes of its noble residents, a wide range of recreational activities will be available for selection. Construct sprawling baths and vineyards, or develop the skills to produce accomplished actors, fearless gladiators, and agile charioteers, then build majestic theaters, imposing arenas, or a legendary Circus Maximus for them to perform in?
While your residents aren’t the only ones it’s necessary to appease, nevertheless. As in ancient Rome’s grand tradition, you will be able to construct imposing temples dedicated to the esteemed deities of Minerva, Mars, Jupiter, Pluto, Apollo, and Ceres. Upon completion of the sacred edifice dedicated to their divine being, it is imperative to elevate the faith stage for that deity through either hosting a grand celebration in their honor or offering a meaningful sacrifice. You will be able to choose an animal or decide to sacrifice a member from either your Plebeian or Patrician ranks. By performing such an act, you may appease the divine forces and grant your city a divine favor.
If you decide to venture beyond your city, you’ll be able to uncover the map and establish trade routes with other Roman cities as you explore. Here’s an edited version:
The solution allows for the collection of high-end resources, including marble and silk. You can then opt to transport these valuable items to Rome, which is often a key objective in various mission scenarios.
Notwithstanding the progress, there remains much to uncover – my exploration has only scratched the surface of the vast content available – yet thus far, it’s been an engaging take on the genre for history enthusiasts and aficionados of Ancient Rome in equal measure. The lingering uncertainty centers on whether your vision will focus exclusively on serving the patrician class, or instead strive to become a leader who genuinely represents the interests of the people.
Citadelum
