Imperium Romanum III - An Updated Version. Is this Strategic PRESTAGS?

I remember Imperium Romanum from the old wargaming days (later period, 1985) and I have a copy which is currently out at storage. Actually it was called Imperium Romanum II (so was there a I?).

I have just noticed that Decision Games have released an updated version (this would be Imperium Romanum III, which is what it is being referred to on boardgamegeek).

It was originally West End Games, but that company (or its rights) were sold and have been through a few owners. I can't find any reference to Decision Games, but they must have the rights now if they are publishing an updated version of it.

The game is designed by Dr Albert A Nofi, one of the old SPI designers.

Here is the box cover for the version I have:

And a nice picture of my old version, map and counters, I found online:

The new updated version is US $140 plus shipping.

Here is the link to the relevant page at the Decision Games shop.

Here is the box for the new version (I actually prefer the old box, but maybe it's all the nice PRESTAGS era memories):

Some info about the game:

The map - gorgeous:

The map viewed in its three sections. Also note the small map sections on the top. These are Insert Boxes for narrow sea straights hexes.

The narrow sea straights sections are described in the rules thus:

The counters:

I am tempted.

VERY tempted.

But where and when will it be possible to set up the three maps?

On a Boys Weekend of course.

I have uploaded the Rules so Python can have a look and assess the suitability as a Boys Weekend game. I don't think it is overly complex, and there are many three player scenarios. Looking through the scenario book I can see the some scenarios only use part of the map, so it won't always be necessary to set up all three maps.

Download ImperiumRom-Rules_V3F

Here are the scenarios in a big book of scenarios which I have also uploaded. This really reminds me of PRESTAGS and all of the different scenarios. This might be Strategic PRESTAGS!

Download ImperiumRom3-Scenarios_V4F

Check out the scenarios:

And in case the rules and scenarios pdfs take too long to download through typepad here is a link to boardgamegeek where they can be downloaded.

The Game Sequence:

VERY  VERY tempted.

Ok, I'll get it.

Comments

[Thygocanberra]

what was the verdict?

[Paul]

OK I will let Python check the rules before I commit.

[Thygocanberra]

Huge Post by Paul !!
telling review by Python - combat system with a serious flaw?
Of course, the trouble with these Mega games is they take so long to set up and the rules are so complex. Says me the lover of accuracy ...

[PythonMagus]

I noticed it being advertised. I used to set up the game pre my parenting life. I do intend to set it up on our table tennis table at a time when the house is quiet.

From memory, the units look identical - unseasoned and seasoned system the same.

The combat system was frightful. Almost every result has one side completely eliminated with all leaders and the other side taking some damage. I found this completely ahistorical. Caesar lost at Dyrrhachium a matter of weeks before he won at Pharsalus - and even then had to race to Alexandria to stop Pompey raising a new army.

If Al has not fixed that, no banana. I'll read the rules after dignity.