Ubisoft Mainz delivers a stunning love letter to the Roman Empire with Anno 117: Pax Romana. As governor of a fledgling province, every cobblestone you lay and every trade route you establish shapes your legacy. But does this city-builder capture the glory of Rome, or does it crumble under its own ambition?
Table of Contents
Anno 117 Verdict at a Glance
| Category | Rating | Quick Take |
|---|---|---|
| Gameplay Depth | 9/10 | Intricate systems that reward strategic thinking |
| User Interface | 6/10 | Confusing navigation hampers early experience |
| Graphics & Sound | 9/10 | Stunning visuals with immersive Roman atmosphere |
| Learning Curve | 7/10 | Steep but rewarding for patient players |
| Replayability | 10/10 | Endless city layouts and strategic possibilities |
| Overall Score | 8.5/10 | A must-play for city-building enthusiasts |
What Makes Anno 117 Special?
Following the beloved Anno 1800, this Roman-themed entry expands familiar mechanics while introducing fresh systems. You’re not just stacking buildings—you’re balancing religion, research, diplomacy, and combat simultaneously. The official Anno series has always excelled at interconnected systems, and this iteration takes complexity to new heights.
The campaign transports you from Latium’s familiar terrain to Albion’s treacherous marshlands. Each region introduces new population tiers, resources, and challenges that force you to rethink your entire strategy. It’s methodical progression done right.
The UI Struggle Is Real
Let’s address the elephant in the forum: the interface feels unnecessarily convoluted. Finding specific buildings requires tab-hopping that disrupts your flow. Want to check production chains? More clicking. Unlocking structures tied to population growth? Hidden under tier-specific menus.
Veteran players will eventually memorize layouts, but newcomers face frustration. For a game about elegant city planning, the UI ironically lacks elegance. It’s the game’s most significant flaw—one that patches could easily remedy.
Systems That Shine Brightly
Religion Transforms Gameplay
Choosing which deity to worship isn’t cosmetic—it’s strategic. Focusing devotion on Mars boosts military production by 200%, while honoring Ceres skyrockets agricultural efficiency. You can switch gods, but the devotion penalty stings. This system adds meaningful long-term planning to every playthrough.
Research Unlocks Possibilities
The tech tree feels overwhelming at first glance, but it’s beautifully structured. Early research unlocks essential infrastructure, while late-game advancements provide game-changing bonuses. Prioritizing research that matches your expansion strategy creates satisfying synergy. Players who enjoyed city-building mechanics in similar strategy games will appreciate this depth.
City Planning Matters
Placing industrial zones too close to residential areas tanks happiness. Certain industries benefit proximity to specific population types. Every building placement carries weight, transforming casual construction into tactical puzzle-solving. Trial and error teaches harsh lessons—expect to demolish and rebuild multiple times before achieving that perfect layout.
Pacing Perfects the Experience
Unlike city-builders that overwhelm you immediately, Anno 117 introduces mechanics gradually. You’ll master basic supply chains before facing diplomatic negotiations. Combat arrives only after you’ve established solid economic foundations. This measured approach prevents burnout while maintaining engagement.
The campaign strikes an ideal balance between hand-holding and freedom. You’re guided without feeling restricted, challenged without feeling overwhelmed. By the time Albion’s complexities emerge, you’ve developed the skills to handle them confidently.
Performance and Presentation
The game runs smoothly post-launch, though textures occasionally take extra seconds loading saved games. Once rendered, everything flows beautifully—no stuttering or lag interrupts your Roman ambitions.
Voice acting breathes life into characters, with amusing banter breaking up intense city management sessions. The musical score captures Rome’s grandeur without becoming repetitive. Even nighttime cityscapes look gorgeous, encouraging you to zoom in and admire your creation.
Who Should Play Anno 117?
Perfect For:
- Fans of deep strategy and city-building simulation games
- Players who enjoyed Anno 1800 or similar titles
- Roman history enthusiasts seeking authentic atmosphere
- Gamers who relish complex, interconnected systems
Think Twice If:
- You prefer action-focused gameplay over methodical planning
- Steep learning curves frustrate you quickly
- You lack patience for trial-and-error optimization
Final Thoughts: Glory Awaits the Patient
Anno 117: Pax Romana delivers everything the series promises—intricate city-building, strategic depth, and that “just one more turn” addiction. The UI needs refinement, but the underlying gameplay brilliance overshadows this flaw.
Will barbarians overrun your settlements? Absolutely. Will your economy collapse spectacularly? Multiple times. But mastering the interconnected systems of trade, diplomacy, and warfare creates unparalleled satisfaction. When your perfectly planned city hums with efficiency, you’ll understand why Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anno 117 beginner-friendly, or should I start with earlier games in the series?
Anno 117 welcomes newcomers more gracefully than you’d expect, thanks to its gradual tutorial integration throughout the campaign. You don’t need prior series knowledge—the game teaches core concepts from scratch. However, expect 5-10 hours before mechanics truly click. The confusing UI adds unnecessary friction for beginners, but perseverance pays off. If you’re completely new to complex city-builders, consider watching the official tutorial videos on Ubisoft’s site before diving in. Earlier Anno games aren’t prerequisites, but they do share DNA that makes this entry feel familiar to veterans.
How much time should I dedicate per play session to enjoy Anno 117 properly?
Plan for minimum 2-hour sessions to feel meaningful progress. City-builders demand attention to supply chains, population needs, and expansion planning—rushing through 30-minute bursts leaves projects half-finished and cities vulnerable. The campaign’s autosave system is generous, but you’ll want time to complete objective chains and stabilize new settlements before stepping away. Weekend players who can dedicate 4-6 hour sessions will find the experience most rewarding, as this allows time for experimentation and recovery from inevitable mistakes that define the learning process.
