Foundations of Rome

Why this game?

Recently I came into possession of the basic set, called Senator level, of the game Foundations of Rome. Up to 4 can play,  although as few as two works. There is an expansion for a fifth player if you have it.

It is at first glance a sort of hybrid game-I can see elements of Go!, Monopoly.

  

  Box , front & back

 

  Playing pieces sorted a tray for possible and other hard to get items

Just putting out the components shows the detail in the game. The players gather around three boards.  The game is a build and block game. The number of players decide  the game board area. 

Board for two or three players.

 

 Board for four or five players.

The victory point and population board makes it easy to track the progress of the players.

The biggest attraction is production value of the playing pieces.  Here is the turn marker, for instance. 

 

 The turn marker denoted which period of Empire is being involved.

 

  Each lot gets a deed card.

 The game is divided into three 'Eras.'

 

The Era sheet incorporates the Available for Sale deeds.

 The rules are well laid out and usefully illustrated.

 Use of coins and how to model the city.

With two games under my and Gregg's. belts, Friday Roger will get a chance to play as well.