Anno 117: Pax Romana

Overview

Anno 117: Pax Romana transports players to the height of Roman civilization, where strategic city-building meets political maneuvering in an empire spanning from Latium's fertile heartlands to the mysterious Celtic wetlands of Albion. As a Roman governor in 117 AD, you must construct thriving settlements while managing the delicate relationship between local populations and imperial expectations. The game challenges players to make meaningful decisions that ripple through their provinces, affecting everything from trade relationships to military alliances.

Developed by Ubisoft Mainz, this latest installment in the award-winning Anno franchise introduces a Roman setting that emphasizes both the grandeur and complexity of governing during Pax Romana. The game seamlessly blends traditional Anno city-building elements with new mechanics focused on cultural integration and political consequences. Every choice carries weight, from honoring local Celtic traditions to enforcing strict Roman law, creating a dynamic narrative shaped entirely by player decisions.

The Roman Empire setting provides a rich backdrop for exploring themes of cultural diversity, imperial expansion, and the true cost of maintaining peace across vast territories. Players witness their decisions manifest in tangible ways, from the architecture that adorns their cities to the loyalty of their citizens and the favor of distant emperors.

Gameplay & Mechanics

Anno 117: Pax Romana delivers sophisticated city-building mechanics that capture the complexity of Roman provincial governance. The core gameplay loop revolves around constructing detailed settlements while balancing multiple competing interests: citizen needs, imperial demands, and regional politics.

• Economic management systems
• Military strategy components
• Diplomatic relationship mechanics
• Cultural integration features
• Political consequence frameworks

Anno 117: Pax Romana

The building system offers unprecedented detail and flexibility, allowing players to witness daily life unfold in their settlements. Citizens pursue individual routines, from children chasing dogs through cobblestone streets to massive crowds gathering in amphitheaters for gladiatorial spectacles. This attention to detail extends beyond mere visual appeal, as citizen happiness directly impacts productivity and loyalty.

Combat mechanics encompass both land-based strategic battles and naval warfare, providing multiple paths to expansion and conflict resolution. Players can forge alliances with neighboring provinces or demonstrate military superiority through calculated shows of force. The choice between diplomatic solutions and military intervention significantly impacts long-term stability and imperial standing.

What Makes This Anno Different?

The Roman setting introduces unique governance challenges that distinguish this entry from previous Anno games. Cultural diversity becomes a central gameplay element, as players must navigate the tension between Roman standardization and local customs across different regions. Celtic traditions in Albion require different approaches than established Roman territories, creating varied strategic considerations.

Anno 117: Pax Romana

Political relationships extend beyond simple trade agreements to include complex imperial hierarchies. Players must maintain favor with distant emperors while addressing immediate provincial concerns. The possibility of defying imperial authority adds a layer of risk-reward calculation rarely seen in city-building games, where rebellion carries severe consequences but potentially greater autonomy.

The scale of construction matches the ambition of the Roman Empire itself. Players can develop multiple provinces simultaneously, each with distinct geographical features and cultural characteristics. From the rolling hills of Latium to the wetlands of Celtic Britain, terrain significantly influences building strategies and economic opportunities.

Multiplayer & Strategic Depth

Anno 117: Pax Romana supports up to 16 players in online multiplayer modes, enabling complex diplomatic scenarios between multiple governors. Alliances become crucial for managing large-scale conflicts and economic partnerships that span continents. The multiplayer component emphasizes negotiation and strategic planning over rapid expansion.

Anno 117: Pax Romana

The game's strategic depth emerges through interconnected systems that reward long-term planning. Economic prosperity requires careful resource management and trade route establishment, while military strength demands strategic positioning and alliance maintenance. Cultural policies affect citizen loyalty, which influences productivity and military recruitment effectiveness.

Players must consider the broader implications of their governance style, as heavy-handed tactics may ensure short-term compliance but create long-term instability. Alternatively, accommodating local customs may strengthen regional loyalty while potentially drawing imperial scrutiny.

Visual Design & Immersion

The visual presentation captures the grandeur of Roman architecture alongside the diverse landscapes of the empire's provinces. Detailed building animations and citizen behaviors create living cities that respond dynamically to player decisions. The contrast between Roman engineering marvels and local architectural styles reinforces the cultural themes central to gameplay.

Anno 117: Pax Romana

Environmental variety enhances strategic considerations, as different regions offer unique resources and challenges. The lush Mediterranean landscapes of core Roman territories present different opportunities than the rugged Celtic territories, requiring adaptive building strategies and resource management approaches.

Conclusion

Anno 117: Pax Romana represents a compelling evolution of the city-building strategy genre, combining the franchise's proven construction mechanics with meaningful political and cultural decision-making. The Roman Empire setting provides rich historical context for exploring themes of governance, cultural integration, and the complex balance between local autonomy and imperial authority. With its emphasis on consequence-driven gameplay and strategic depth, this installment offers both longtime Anno fans and newcomers a sophisticated simulation of one of history's most influential civilizations.