Annals of Rome

Personal Software Services

Industry	Video game development and publishing
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Annals of Rome

Annals of Rome is a turn-based strategy video game created and distributed by Personal Software Services. Its initial release occurred in the UK in 1986 for platforms including the ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, and Atari ST. Subsequently, it was introduced in Germany for the Commodore 64 in 1987 and the Amiga in 1988. The game is set during the Late Roman Empire period, where players aim to endure challenges posed by rebellious European nations.

Gameplay

Players interact with two primary screens: one dedicated to maneuvering troops within Roman territories or engaging enemy forces controlled by the computer, showing details such as troop strength, inflation levels, popularity ratings, and overall scores; the other screen allows assigning leadership of Roman legions to one of the 21 Senate members. These senators are evaluated based on their military skill, loyalty, and age. Should the government's popularity drop below 2 on a scale from -5 to +5, commanders who lack loyalty might instigate a rebellion, potentially proclaiming themselves dictator if before 50 BC or emperor if after, thereby founding a new ruling dynasty.

Reception

Despite graphics and interface considered modest for its era, Annals of Rome earned an 85% score from Crash magazine. In 1986, Popular Computing Weekly recommended it as an excellent choice for dedicated strategy enthusiasts. Its favorable reception prompted adaptations for various key systems such as the C-64, Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, PC, and Amiga. Today, it is often recognized as an overlooked classic title.

Computer Gaming World praised innovative features like adjustable turn duration but criticized incomplete elements including missing victory conditions and limited save options. The publication awarded it just over three stars in 1990, noting that its strengths were more apparent on 16-bit versions despite outdated visuals. By 1993, its rating declined to slightly above two stars. Author Orson Scott Card acknowledged its commitment to historical detail but anticipated limited commercial success due to its dated presentation style.