Ubisoft's long-running Anno series is taking a significant leap back in time with its upcoming title, Anno 117: Pax Romana. Moving from the industrial revolution setting of Anno 1800 to the golden age of the Roman Empire presents both challenges and opportunities for the beloved city-building franchise. Based on recent hands-on previews, this historical shift appears to be enhancing rather than constraining the series' signature gameplay elements.
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| A bustling harbor scene captures the essence of trade and exploration during the Roman Empire, highlighting the maritime aspects of Anno 117: Pax Romana |
Building on Familiar Foundations
Anno 117 maintains the core city-building and economic management systems that fans of the series will immediately recognize. Players begin as a Roman governor tasked with establishing and expanding colonies, creating production chains, and developing trade networks across the Mediterranean. The familiar progression from a small settlement to a sprawling empire remains intact, with players needing to balance resource production, citizen needs, and economic stability.
Roman Flavor with Modern Mechanics
What sets Anno 117 apart from its predecessors is how it leverages its ancient setting to introduce fresh mechanics. The game places greater emphasis on adjacency bonuses than previous entries, making city layout more puzzle-like and strategic. Buildings influence their surroundings in meaningful ways—bakeries increase income in residential areas but raise fire risk, while pig farms decrease happiness but provide essential resources. These trade-offs create engaging decisions about whether to prioritize citizen satisfaction or economic gain.
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| A traditional sailing vessel sets out into serene waters, representing the strategic trade routes central to economic management in Anno 117: Pax Romana |
Religious Systems Add Depth
Religion plays a significant role in Anno 117, with players able to choose patron deities that provide specific bonuses. Neptune, for example, grants naval advantages that can improve shipping efficiency across your trade network. The game includes a religious progression system fueled by belief generated from sanctuaries and other religious buildings. In a historically accurate touch, players can adopt deities from different cultures, reflecting Rome's pragmatic approach to religion during expansion.
Multi-Region Management
Like Anno 1800, the new title features distinct regions to colonize and develop. Beyond the Mediterranean, players can expand northward into Celtic territories, introducing new resources, building types, and cultural dynamics. This creates interesting choices about whether to impose Roman culture or preserve local traditions in conquered regions—decisions that affect both domestic stability and diplomatic relations.
Ambitious Engineering Projects
Anno 117 introduces large-scale engineering projects that serve as significant milestones in a colony's development. The aqueduct system, for instance, requires substantial resources but provides fresh water that improves fire safety, agricultural output, and enables advanced public buildings. These projects represent the technological achievements of Roman civilization while providing players with meaningful long-term goals.
Visually Vibrant Ancient World
Visually, Anno 117 delivers a richly detailed and lively representation of the ancient world. Despite the historical setting limiting the architectural variety compared to more modern settings, the game creates vibrant, bustling settlements filled with activity. The attention to detail in the streets and buildings helps bring the Roman colonies to life, creating an engaging visual experience that rivals contemporary city-builders like Manor Lords.
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| A picturesque village scene brings to life the vibrant settlements of Anno 117: Pax Romana, showcasing the rich detail and atmosphere of the ancient world |
Optional Military Mechanics
While the game introduces land battles to complement naval conflicts, Ubisoft has made these military aspects optional. Players who prefer to focus exclusively on city-building and trade can adjust settings accordingly, ensuring the game remains accessible to fans who enjoy the more peaceful aspects of the Anno series.
Intuitive Interface Despite Complexity
Perhaps most impressively, Anno 117 manages to present its complex systems through an intuitive interface that guides new players without overwhelming them. The game provides enough feedback to help players understand its mechanics without excessive hand-holding, striking a balance that allows for creative freedom while preventing frustrating economic death spirals.
With Anno 117: Pax Romana scheduled for release later this year, the game appears poised to successfully translate the series' winning formula to an entirely new historical context. By preserving the economic and strategic core of Anno while thoughtfully incorporating elements unique to ancient Rome, Ubisoft seems to be crafting an experience that will satisfy longtime fans while potentially attracting newcomers interested in classical civilization.