For the 110 developers at Ubisoft Mainz, the upcoming city-building game, Anno 117: Pax Romana, is a culmination of years of experience and passion. Set to launch in Winter 2025, this title builds on the legacy of its predecessors.
The Anno series has seen both successes and failures. The latest installment before this one, Anno 1800 from 2019, received high praise. In contrast, earlier futuristic games like Anno 2205 and Anno 2070 had mixed reviews. However, Pax romana aims to attract a wide audience with features appealing to strategy enthusiasts and newcomers alike. This game marks a significant milestone as it will be released together on PC and consoles for the first time.
Manny team members have dedicated over a decade to the franchise. They understand what loyal fans desire: stunning visuals that utilize advanced graphics technology, diverse gameplay options, engaging systems for interaction, and moments that bring humor amidst chaos.I recently visited Rome to get an early look at Anno 117: Pax Romana. I had the chance to play it firsthand while speaking with creative director Manuel Reinher and game director Jan dungel. The experience left me tired but excited about what lies ahead for this series.### A Fresh Take on History
Anno 117: Pax Romana is set during one of history's most peaceful times—the height of Roman prosperity—unlike its predecessor which focused on industrialization during turbulent times. The developers chose not to depict war but rather an era marked by stability lasting nearly two centuries.
“Our fans have long requested this setting,” Reinher explained during our discussion. “Rome’s power is captivating; though, we faced challenges due to existing expectations surrounding Roman themes.” He emphasized that Pax Romana provides an ideal backdrop for exploration without focusing solely on conflict—a core aspect of traditional gameplay in previous titles.
In this new installment,players assume the role of a newly appointed governor in Latium—a province central within the Empire—tasked with maintaining peace and prosperity among citizens while navigating political rivalries.
Players can also explore Albion—the mysterious Celtic lands where Romans fearfully tread—and decide how best to interact with its inhabitants.
### Meaningful Choices Await
Pax Romana promises players more impactful decisions than ever before through an extensive discovery tree featuring over 150 unique discoveries across three categories: economy, civic matters, and military strategies. This design aims to reduce linearity often felt in past games by allowing players greater freedom in their choices regarding research paths—from improving storage capabilities for trade or exploring various religions—to enhancing military strength or developing infrastructure like paved roads or language skills.
As always with Anno titles; economic simulation remains central alongside city-building mechanics infused with elements typical of strategy games—but now land combat returns after being absent from recent entries into the franchise!
While details remain scarce about combat mechanics during my preview session; developers confirmed both land-based skirmishes alongside naval battles will feature prominently within gameplay dynamics—allowing cities robust enough militarily access deeper strategic options without transforming into full-fledged war simulations since diplomacy remains viable too!
### Stunning Visuals
Beyond gameplay enhancements; Ubisoft aims for visual excellence claiming they want it recognized as “the most stunning builder game ever.” A dynamic day-night cycle creates breathtaking scenes—from flickering lights illuminating streets at dusk—to vibrant fields swaying gently under sunlight—all contributing towards immersive experiences throughout each session played!
The team also seeks authenticity by showcasing ancient Rome’s multiculturalism—highlighting influences drawn from Celtic & Egyptian cultures along trade routes fostering exchanges between provinces enriching society overall!
### Welcoming New Players
Ubisoft Mainz assures that both veterans familiarizing themselves again along newer audiences entering these realms will find enjoyment thanks largely due improved onboarding processes designed specifically cater varying skill levels present today’s gaming community!
“Anno can feel complex initially,” Dungel noted candidly adding “but rewards come gradually through understanding systems involved.”
Sitting down amidst historical architecture while attempting my first playthrough felt surreal—I worried whether I could build something worthy enough reflecting ancestral pride! After some initial confusion regarding placement logistics—I finally began constructing essential structures needed ensuring smooth operations across territories governed effectively!
despite facing hurdles early-on—including minor roadblocks preventing connections between buildings—I persevered eventually establishing thriving communities complete necessary services catering diverse needs ranging from healthcare provisions security measures ensuring safety against potential threats arising nearby shores…
However despite progress made—it became clear financial struggles loomed large overhead threatening sustainability future endeavors undertaken… loans piled up quickly leading panic set-in amongst fellow gamers around me struggling similarly manage resources effectively…
Before I could rectify issues plaguing empire expansion efforts—we were abruptly informed time was up leaving unfinished business behind…
With anticipation building around release date later this year across multiple platforms including PS5 Xbox Series X/S PC—it seems clear there’s much excitement surrounding what lies ahead within world created under banner known simply as anno.
