Imperator: Rome

Imperator: Rome was Paradox's attempt at combining Victoria II's complex population system, Crusader King II's charater system, Europa Universalis IV's empire-building model, and fantastic graphics and UI in the age of Antiquity. On paper it sounds absolutely thrilling for any grand strategy fan. However, it proved unable to tie together these features and the game, even as of this review, is shallow and lacks any defining features.

What Went Wrong?

The greatest issue with Imperator is its clear overambitious vision. To combine EU4's unique mana system, which I've discussed in my EU4 review, CK2's charaters, and Victoria II's was like mixing your favorite foods and desserts together in one big dish hoping that it would taste even better. It's such a shame Paradox took this apparently "safe" route of using previous game mechanics instead of preparing something unique for such a distinct and interesting time period that doesn't have a go-to grand strategy title.

In fact, in Imperator itself there is evidence for original game features. The trade system, for instance is fantastic. The system allows the game to effectively model Antiquity's commercial and economic relations as well as giving each resource-producing nation bonuses and flavors. The scope and provinces of Imperator's map are also great features that not only include a wide variety of nations but accurately reflect the extent of ancient civilizations and their territories. It could even be argued that the population system was somewhat well-done when Paradox added the building system. So, there's evidence for the potential the game had.

Imperator also has some of the best sound effects and aesthetics in any grand strategy games. Even though the UI is complicated and somewhat inaccessible, which is also because of the gameplay features itself, the sound effects and aesthetics really add to the theme of Antiquity. Even the soundtrack is gorgeous and fitting for the setting. Again, it's such a shame such a fascinating time period went to waste in this game.

The Result

Sadly, these original features pale in comparison to the bland reality the game really is. The overcomplicated EU4-like mana system and the limited character system actively deteriorate the gaming experience and break immersion but pale in comparison to the lack of flavor each nation has. The worst feature in Imperator is how every nation plays the exact same, with the same military units, the same population types, and the same goals of painting the map. Unfortunately, Imperator is unbearably shallow and bland.

The worst part is that, although Paradox initially tried to remedy some of these pitfalls, as of this review, Paradox has effectively abandoned Imperator, leaving it to small updates and patches rather than an appropiate rework. This means Imperator didn't just have a case of a "bad release" or "rushed development", it's sadly just finished.

Conclusion

In an attempt to merge fundamentally incompatible features and streamline gameplay, Paradox created one of the blandest and most shallow strategy games ever produced. I wish some other company can see the potential for an awesome grand strategy game in the Antiquity setting at some point because Imperator: Rome left us all wanting for a real grand strategy game to cover the time period.