New Ancient City-Building Game Announced: Anno 117: Pax Romana

by Frank McDougall
in Action, News, PC, Release, XBOX
on 12 June 2024

An exciting new city-building game has been announced that will transport players back in time to the Roman Empire. Anno 117: Pax Romana, developed by Ubisoft Mainz, aims to immerse players in the grandeur of Ancient Rome during the last year of Roman Emperor Trajan’s reign.

Set to release in 2025 on Ubisoft+, PS5, Xbox Series X, Amazon Luna, and PC, Anno 117: Pax Romana will offer players the opportunity to explore a vast and diverse territory under the Roman Empire. As a Governor, players will take on the challenge of managing the costs of maintaining peace, creating a balanced economy, and ensuring the prosperity of their provinces.

One of the standout features of the game is the ability for players to choose their starting province. They can opt for the untamed Celtic Wetlands of Albion in Great Britain, shrouded in mystery and untouched by Roman civilization, or opt for the traditional heartlands of Latium. Each province will present its own unique set of challenges and opportunities.

Anno 117: Pax Romana marks a new era for the Anno franchise, with a refreshed visual identity and a clear focus on cultivating the joy of building. According to Brand Director Haye Anderson, the revamped visual identity incorporates humor and fun to reflect the spirit of the community.

Fans of city-building games will surely appreciate the historical context of Anno 117: Pax Romana. While it diverges from the Caesar series, it shares similarities thematically and mechanically, offering players the long-awaited opportunity to experience a city-building game set in Ancient Rome.

With the success of the Anno franchise and the anticipation surrounding Anno 117: Pax Romana, it may well become Ubisoft’s next big hit in the city-building genre. Players can look forward to a game that combines economics, diplomacy, military strategy, and compelling narrative, all set against the backdrop of the Roman Empire’s final years of peace.

Here are some additional facts and relevant information about Anno 117: Pax Romana:

1. Historical Accuracy: The developers, Ubisoft Mainz, have stated their commitment to historical accuracy in recreating Ancient Rome. Players can expect to see accurate representations of architecture, culture, and daily life in the Roman Empire.

2. Factions and Characters: The game will feature various factions and characters that players can interact with, including Roman nobles, senators, and foreign tribes. The decisions and relationships formed with these factions will have an impact on gameplay and the overall storyline.

3. Trade and Commerce: Anno 117: Pax Romana will emphasize the importance of trade and commerce in building and managing the player’s city. Players will have to establish trade routes, secure resources, and manage economic stability to ensure the prosperity of their provinces.

4. Military and Defense: As a Governor in the Roman Empire, players will also have to contend with the military aspect of managing their provinces. Building and maintaining a strong defense force, as well as managing alliances and potential conflicts, will be crucial for maintaining peace and security.

5. Cultural Development: In addition to managing the economy and military, players will have the opportunity to develop the cultural aspects of their city. This includes constructing iconic buildings, promoting the arts, and enhancing the overall quality of life for their citizens.

Key Questions and Answers:

Q: What platforms will Anno 117: Pax Romana be available on?
A: The game is set to release on Ubisoft+, PS5, Xbox Series X, Amazon Luna, and PC.

Q: What is the historical setting of the game?
A: Anno 117: Pax Romana is set during the last year of Roman Emperor Trajan’s reign in Ancient Rome.

Q: What are the unique features of the game?
A: The ability to choose a starting province, the emphasis on trade and commerce, and the focus on historical accuracy are some of the standout features of Anno 117: Pax Romana.

Key Challenges and Controversies:

1. Balancing Historical Accuracy and Gameplay: Developers face the challenge of creating an authentic Roman experience while still ensuring enjoyable gameplay mechanics and features.

2. Meeting Player Expectations: With the anticipation surrounding the game, there is pressure to meet the expectations of both Anno franchise fans and city-building game enthusiasts.

Advantages:

1. Historical Setting: Anno 117: Pax Romana offers players the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich historical setting of Ancient Rome, providing an educational and engaging experience.

2. Variety of Gameplay Elements: The game combines various gameplay elements such as economy management, diplomacy, military strategy, and storytelling, offering a diverse and immersive city-building experience.

Disadvantages:

1. Potential Complexity: With multiple gameplay elements and mechanics, the game may have a learning curve that could be challenging for new players or those unfamiliar with the genre.

2. Limited Availability: The game will only be available on specific platforms, potentially limiting access for players on certain gaming devices.