Exploring the Richness of Anno 117: Pax Romana
The allure of the Roman Empire has long captivated the imaginations of many, making it a fitting backdrop for simulation games focused on town construction. Anno 117: Pax Romana transports players to this illustrious historical period, offering a visually stunning representation of Ancient Rome that intricately details its most iconic monuments and structures. While the game builds upon a successful formula that has characterized the series, it faces an unexpected challenge that modern players must navigate: Ubisoft Connect.
Let’s delve into the positive aspects first, as they are plentiful. For those familiar with the Anno series, Anno 117 delivers an engaging experience right from the start. The game is a visual feast, showcasing breathtaking vistas and the grandeur of Roman architecture. Players can construct cities defined by towering statues and monumental constructions like the Colosseum, while housing districts, commercial areas, and social hubs such as the Forum spread across the landscape.
Players have the option to build in the fertile heart of Latium or take on the challenge of the empire’s more remote regions, including the enigmatic Celtic wetlands of Albion, known today as Great Britain. The game allows for an immersive experience, whether zooming in to observe the daily lives of citizens or pulling back to appreciate the overall design of your cities. Anno 117 has even outshone its predecessor, Anno 1800, earning the title of the highest-rated game in the series on Metacritic.
A significant contributor to this success is the array of new features introduced. The graphics have received a notable upgrade, and the building options have expanded considerably. The military systems have been particularly enhanced, allowing players to command Roman legions with the respect they deserve, featuring both ground and naval combat. Players can engage with a variety of pre-made rival governors, each equipped with unique personalities, traits, and negotiation styles, making diplomatic interactions, treaties, and declarations of war all the more strategic.
Religion plays a pivotal role in the game, reflecting the era’s cultural landscape. Players can select a patron deity for their islands, influencing the benefits their settlements receive. For instance, choosing Neptune can significantly boost the productivity of fishers and shipbuilders, while Mars enhances military capabilities. These divine influences extend across all regions under a player’s control, and as a deity’s influence grows, it can become the dominant force in your empire. Cultivating belief among citizens leads to a motivated and enthusiastic workforce, essential for thriving in this competitive environment.
One of the standout features of Anno 117 is the treatment of monuments, a longstanding element of the series. The amphitheater, particularly the iconic Colosseum, serves as a cultural centerpiece. In this installment, constructing these monuments involves four distinct building stages, culminating in celebratory festivals once completed. Players can host events ranging from local gladiator games to grand-scale naumachia, mock naval battles that delight the populace.
However, amidst the excitement, a significant concern has emerged since the game’s launch. Anno 117 requires both Denuvo Anti-tamper technology and an Ubisoft Connect account, with the latter causing notable frustration among players. As of now, Steam reviews reflect a 72% positive rating, with many negative comments citing issues related to Ubisoft Connect. Some players struggle to create the necessary account, while others report persistent multiplayer connection errors that hinder their gaming experience.
Anno 117: Pax Romana is currently available on Steam for .99 / £49.99. For fans of the series or newcomers eager to explore this captivating world, it presents an excellent opportunity to dive in—just be prepared to set up your Ubisoft Connect account beforehand to ensure a smooth experience.
Legendary city-building series arrives in the Roman Empire for a new start, but one roadblock is keeping players out
Exploring the Richness of Anno 117: Pax Romana
The allure of the Roman Empire has long captivated the imaginations of many, making it a fitting backdrop for simulation games focused on town construction. Anno 117: Pax Romana transports players to this illustrious historical period, offering a visually stunning representation of Ancient Rome that intricately details its most iconic monuments and structures. While the game builds upon a successful formula that has characterized the series, it faces an unexpected challenge that modern players must navigate: Ubisoft Connect.
Let’s delve into the positive aspects first, as they are plentiful. For those familiar with the Anno series, Anno 117 delivers an engaging experience right from the start. The game is a visual feast, showcasing breathtaking vistas and the grandeur of Roman architecture. Players can construct cities defined by towering statues and monumental constructions like the Colosseum, while housing districts, commercial areas, and social hubs such as the Forum spread across the landscape.
Players have the option to build in the fertile heart of Latium or take on the challenge of the empire’s more remote regions, including the enigmatic Celtic wetlands of Albion, known today as Great Britain. The game allows for an immersive experience, whether zooming in to observe the daily lives of citizens or pulling back to appreciate the overall design of your cities. Anno 117 has even outshone its predecessor, Anno 1800, earning the title of the highest-rated game in the series on Metacritic.
A significant contributor to this success is the array of new features introduced. The graphics have received a notable upgrade, and the building options have expanded considerably. The military systems have been particularly enhanced, allowing players to command Roman legions with the respect they deserve, featuring both ground and naval combat. Players can engage with a variety of pre-made rival governors, each equipped with unique personalities, traits, and negotiation styles, making diplomatic interactions, treaties, and declarations of war all the more strategic.
Religion plays a pivotal role in the game, reflecting the era’s cultural landscape. Players can select a patron deity for their islands, influencing the benefits their settlements receive. For instance, choosing Neptune can significantly boost the productivity of fishers and shipbuilders, while Mars enhances military capabilities. These divine influences extend across all regions under a player’s control, and as a deity’s influence grows, it can become the dominant force in your empire. Cultivating belief among citizens leads to a motivated and enthusiastic workforce, essential for thriving in this competitive environment.
One of the standout features of Anno 117 is the treatment of monuments, a longstanding element of the series. The amphitheater, particularly the iconic Colosseum, serves as a cultural centerpiece. In this installment, constructing these monuments involves four distinct building stages, culminating in celebratory festivals once completed. Players can host events ranging from local gladiator games to grand-scale naumachia, mock naval battles that delight the populace.
However, amidst the excitement, a significant concern has emerged since the game’s launch. Anno 117 requires both Denuvo Anti-tamper technology and an Ubisoft Connect account, with the latter causing notable frustration among players. As of now, Steam reviews reflect a 72% positive rating, with many negative comments citing issues related to Ubisoft Connect. Some players struggle to create the necessary account, while others report persistent multiplayer connection errors that hinder their gaming experience.
Anno 117: Pax Romana is currently available on Steam for .99 / £49.99. For fans of the series or newcomers eager to explore this captivating world, it presents an excellent opportunity to dive in—just be prepared to set up your Ubisoft Connect account beforehand to ensure a smooth experience.