Beautiful Graphics And Lean Gameplay Makes Anno 117: Pax Romana Perfect For Newbies (Review)

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I’ve been playing city builders for ages, and it’s a genre with a ton of history. There are so many series out there, each trying to do its own thing. Games like Civilization, City Tycoon, and Frostpunk have all had their moments, but it’s tough for them to get that sweet spot between being really deep and actually keeping you hooked. The Anno series always struck me as being more about complexity – whether it’s historical or futuristic, they really dive into the nitty-gritty details of building a city.

The newest game, Anno 117: Pax Romana, is designed to be easy to pick up and play, rather than overly complicated. This makes it one of the most enjoyable and approachable city-building games released recently, boosted by its stunning visuals and delightful details. While experienced strategy gamers might find it a bit too simple, it’s a great option for anyone who usually avoids this type of game and is easy to recommend overall.

Score: 4/5

Pros: Cons:
Phenomenal graphics and streamlined gameplay deliver a polished experience for casual and hardcare gamers alike. Players looking for the deepest city-building experience possible might be disappointed by the focus on accessibility over complexity.
Compelling campaign mode is the perfect onboarding tool for gamers. The campaign’s relatively short length leaves the player wanting more.
Quality of life measures find the right balance between gameplay depth and entertaining sim. The UTI and menu layout can feel cluttered.

What Have The Romans Ever Done For Us?

Like most city-building strategy games, Anno 117: Pax Romana’s campaign is designed to prepare you for online play and the open-ended sandbox mode. The campaign itself is relatively short, but it’s enjoyable and serves as a great introduction to the game. It features a funny story with surprising twists that keep things interesting.

Players choose from two characters and are sent to Roman-occupied Britain (called Albion) as the governor of a new settlement. They’re ordered by Emperor Lucius to grow the Roman empire by building trade routes, defending against local rebels, and making important choices that shape their community. The game is enjoyable and keeps you engaged with unexpected turns, ultimately aiming to entice players to continue playing.

The main drawback is that the story feels a bit short, leaving you wanting to experience more. On the positive side, this keeps the focus firmly on the characters. The game also does a great job of introducing players to the city-building genre with a simple and easy-to-learn system. While I would have loved a longer, more detailed campaign, Pax Romana‘s story mode is still enjoyable.

Refining The Wheel Instead Of Reinventing It

Players familiar with previous Anno games or city-building titles like Civilization will quickly understand how Anno 117: Pax Romana works. Ubisoft Mainz didn’t try to drastically change the formula with this installment. In fact, Pax Romana is actually less complicated than some other games in the series. This streamlined approach to building and growing your city makes it a great choice for newcomers to the genre or those still getting the hang of things.

The game starts off feeling simple and inviting, but the menus can be confusing at first, like in many similar games. The user interface is tricky to get used to, particularly when playing on consoles. It’s clear this game is designed with PC players in mind, as it works best with a mouse and keyboard. Despite this, the game does a good job of keeping you engaged with the community you build, so you always feel connected to your progress.

The game Anno 117: Pax Romana is visually stunning, particularly on the PlayStation 5, which greatly enhances the experience. While effectively managing your supply lines is crucial for success, players can also progress by focusing on diplomacy, building a strong military, or developing religious influence. The gameplay has been simplified overall, even extending to combat, which now uses a straightforward system that keeps things moving without overwhelming players with complexity.

Compared to recent Anno games like Anno 1800, which are known for their complex systems, Anno 117: Pax Romana is a simpler experience. While long-time fans hoping for even more depth might be a little let down, this streamlined approach makes it perfect for newcomers or players who just want a relaxed and enjoyable city-building game.

I Came, I Saw, I Conquered

I’m really impressed with Anno 117: Pax Romana! It’s a beautiful city-builder, and honestly, the way it looks is a huge part of what makes it special. It’s not just about building things efficiently – every building feels charming and unique, which really brings the whole game to life. A lot of city-builders can feel a little sterile, but this one definitely avoids that!

I’ve never been entirely sure how I feel about city-building games, even when I first played SimCity 2000 as a kid. The idea of creating a thriving city is appealing, and it’s satisfying when everything runs smoothly. But I’ve always found the gameplay too complicated and lacking a strong story, though I understand that’s what some players enjoy.

Anno 117: Pax Romana seems like Ubisoft’s effort to create a game that appeals to a wider audience. It simplifies some aspects of the traditional strategy formula, focusing on a strong story and making the gameplay more accessible. This approach keeps the game moving at a good pace and creates a well-developed, immersive world. Players can easily become absorbed in the story, exploring Celtic territories and grappling with the challenges of integrating new cultures and expanding their empire. While dedicated strategy fans might prefer a more complex experience, these changes ultimately make Anno 117: Pax Romana a more enjoyable game than many others in its genre.

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2025-11-10 22:13