While I enjoy the intricacies of designing infrastructure and managing traffic flow, it’s often the moments when things go wrong that truly define the best city-building experiences, from classics like SimCity 2000 to modern titles like Cities Skylines. Effective disaster management is a core component of successful urban planning, and the upcoming title Nova Roma promises to rigorously test these very skills. This visually stunning Roman Empire simulation, developed by Lion Shield and published by indie strategy powerhouse Hooded Horse, is set for release in January.
Lion Shield describes Nova Roma as a spiritual successor to its highly acclaimed game, Kingdoms and Castles, which garnered significant praise on Steam for its intricate logistics system. Their new project appears to share much of that successful foundation: accessible enough for new players yet offering substantial depth for veterans, all wrapped in a distinctive and vibrant art style. Players should especially be prepared for wet conditions, as water management plays a critical role.
A trailer showcasing Nova Roma’s dynamic gameplay, including the challenges of water management and various disasters, is available to watch.
In Nova Roma, your objective is to reconstruct the Roman Empire on untouched territories following its historical downfall. Water is a major new element compared to its predecessor, requiring careful manipulation and control to ensure your settlements flourish. This involves constructing dams and aqueducts, but precision is key; any missteps could rapidly lead to your city being overwhelmed by floods.
Adding to the difficulty are the barbarians lurking in the surrounding wilderness, eager to pillage your villages at any given opportunity. Even more formidable are the loyal legions of the old Empire, who might arrive seeking to reintegrate your flourishing Nova Roma back into their fold.
And if that wasn’t enough, there’s a significant divine factor: the gods themselves. The full Greco-Roman pantheon is active, and you’ll need to appease them through grand acts of worship. You can undertake quests to gain favor with specific deities, but be warned: neglecting others could provoke their jealousy, potentially leading to divine retribution in the form of fire or even more floods.
An in-game screenshot depicts a lightning strike causing a dam to burst, visually representing the game’s disaster mechanics.
Nova Roma will launch in early access on Thursday, January 22, and will be available on Steam and the Epic Games Store. You can add it to your wishlist now to receive launch notifications.
For those eager for more strategic gameplay today, explore our curated list of the best strategy games. Also, consider upgrading your setup with the best gaming monitor to fully appreciate whatever game you choose.
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