Preview: Anno 117: Pax Romana – A New Focus on Political Simulation?
Anno 117: Pax Romana is the latest entry in the long-running Anno series, and it’s taking players to a setting fans have been requesting for years: ancient Rome. With the announcement at Ubisoft Forward just months ago, many are eager to see how this new Roman era fits into the beloved city-building franchise. But will this be more of a political simulation than a traditional Anno game?
A Fresh Setting in Ancient Rome
The Anno series has been around for over 25 years, with its first title, Anno 1602, released back in 1998. Now, with Anno 117: Pax Romana, the game is moving to one of the most iconic periods in history: the Roman Empire. However, despite being slated for a 2025 release, Ubisoft has been tight-lipped about gameplay footage. Even at Gamescom, no hands-on demo was provided, but we did get plenty of concept art and details about what’s to come.
Two Provinces, Two Cultures
In Anno 117: Pax Romana, players will focus on two primary provinces: Latium and Albion. Latium, a core Roman province, boasts large cities, vineyards, and iconic landmarks, but beneath the surface, political conflicts simmer. Albion, on the other hand, represents the newly conquered lands of the Celts. These rugged people are skilled warriors and craftsmen but considered uncivilized by Roman standards.
The challenge lies in managing these two very different cultures. Romanization plays a key role, and it’s up to the player to unify these cultures and keep the peace. This multicultural dynamic adds a layer of complexity not seen in previous Anno games.
Cultural Progress and Political Challenges in Anno 117: Pax Romana
The heart of the game revolves around managing the distinct needs and desires of your citizens. Like previous Anno titles, each population tier has specific wants that you must satisfy to ensure growth and prosperity. However, in Anno 117, there’s a twist. You can choose how to upgrade your population. For example, a Celtic craftsman might become a Roman “Mercator” or remain a Celtic blacksmith. Each choice affects production chains, with Romans needing togas and dyes, while Celts prefer wool and pants.
These decisions will shape not only your economy but also the culture of your provinces. Balancing these needs while keeping both cultures happy adds a political element that could transform Anno 117 into more than just a city-builder.
Managing Multiple Provinces
As you progress in Anno 117, you’ll have the opportunity to manage both Latium and Albion simultaneously. This opens up all production chains, but it also introduces a lot of complexity. You’ll need to carefully balance the needs of both Roman and Celtic populations, ensuring that they coexist peacefully. Rival factions will also challenge you throughout the game, adding even more layers to the political and cultural landscape.
Complex Questions About Anno 117: Pax Romana
While the multicultural society in Anno 117 sounds exciting, it also raises tough questions. Will the Celts rebel against Roman rule? Will your decisions as a governor lead to uprisings or unrest? These questions remain unanswered. Additionally, the developers have hinted at the inclusion of slavery, a critical aspect of Roman society, but how this will be handled in the game is still unclear.
Conclusion: Exciting, Different, Promising?
Without actual gameplay footage, it’s difficult to judge how Anno 117: Pax Romana will play. However, the features announced so far sound incredibly promising. The focus on political simulation, cultural management, and the challenges of balancing multiple provinces could push the Anno series in a bold new direction. Will this shift towards a more political game appeal to fans? We’ll have to wait and see, but the potential is there to be one of the most exciting entries in the series.
Stay tuned for the release here.
