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.