"Caesar is away on business, however he has instructed that you are to
go to the region of Tarsus on our Eastern Frontier to build a city that
will demonstrate Roman superiority throughout the Land .The Carthigans
are no match for our legions and you are to destroy them completely
there destruction will ensure this region again comes under roman control.
Caesar has never been to Tarsus and veiws this as a simple mission for you
before your journey to the Barbaric Northern Regions.Due to the rising
costs of waging war oversea s he has left you only basic funds to establish
the city .However the city enjoys exellent trade routes ,also try to establish
trade routes with the Natives this mission will make you a very rich man Govener
i almost wish i was going there myself ."
" Oh as always expect some military activity,but i dont think there is much of
a threat in the area anyway.I must leave now have some important business to attend to
good luck with your mission "
After several weeks travel from Rome you reach the region of Tarsus as your approaching
the city , you are alerted to a roman messenger riding your way .He hands you a scroll with
the emporers seal , must be from caesar .
Playability: 3
The large number of large invasions make this map hard if not impossible for novice players. I was aware the attacks would come from the same spot, which can be deducted from the map. Not many players will make that observation. You need to build up your defenses quickly, make regular saves and return to one if the invasion goes foul.
Balance: 3
Military is a bit too strong to my taste, I don't really like to replay but it took a while before I found the right defense. Economy is pretty tight early on, which is good, a bit too tight to manage the first troop request. Advance knowledge wil fix that. Further requests are not very difficult, but not too easy. The population goal is tight, making this a multiple challenge. with the focus on fighting.
Creativity: 4
There are several nice teasers on this map, the shortage in resources, and their position. Good planning can solve the problems, but planning is needed. The combined attacks do work well, better than I am used to, often defense against a huge attack is in fact easier than against a large one, as enemy morale drops quickly. The timing of the multiple attacks is good.
Map Design: 5
See comments above
Story/Instructions: 5
Great story, I love deceptions.
Additional Comments:
See above.
There seems to be an increasing interest in military scenario's for C-III. I'm afraid I do not share that interest and hope designers will focus on the stronger points of the game, how to make a well balanced prosperous city in a restrictive environment. Military action is part of that restriction, but only one aspect of it.