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5 Best Games Set in Ancient Rome

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The Roman Empire is one of the most talked about civilizations in the world. From its historical figures to its architectural blueprints, its rich culture to its riveting bloodsports — Ancient Rome has been the source of inspiration for countless media franchises, video games included. And it's because of how much source material the period accrues, that both developers and filmmakers are able to continue on their journeys to capitalize on its heritage.

Of course, with so much history to absorb and spill onto the canvas, one can only assume that there'll be a lot of historical inaccuracies along the way. But from what we've read, there are a few certain video games that capture the rawness of the empire and siphon out the cookie-cutter content. So, if you're a real history buff and love to spend time delving into encyclopedias on the Roman Empire, then be sure to check out these five titles.

 

5. Ryse: Son of Rome

Ryse: Son of Rome - Damocles Trailer

Ryse: Son of Rome is a story-driven action-adventure game set during the height of the barbarian invasion on Ancient Rome. As Marius Titus, legionary under the XIV Legion, players will enrol in an epic tale of vengeance, conflict, and comradery. With engaging hack and slash combat and a powerful narrative to boot, the Crytek-led masterpiece carves a name in the very marble that revolves around Rome's idyllic heritage.

After witnessing his family yield to mindless slaughter during a barbarian attack, legionary Marius is promised a path of vengeance, one that sees him ascending the Legion ranks as an aspiring general. Upon discovering the truth about the attackers, the up-and-coming centurion embarks on an epic quest to return dignity to his family name and demolish those who wronged not only the Titus family name, but the citizens of Rome.

 

4. The Forgotten City

The Forgotten City - Launch Trailer | PS5, PS4

The Forgotten City strikes a fine balance of stealth, puzzle-solving, and exploration, effectively making a quality product that also oozes sophistication and heritage. With the Roman Empire being its centerpiece, players will have the opportunity to indulge in a hidden world of lost culture and memorabilia. And that's just a fraction of the whole experience, with the remaining segments being divvied up into conversations, mysteries, and revelations.

The Forgotten City follows an unnamed protagonist in a modern day Italy. After winding up lost somewhere on the Tiber River, the unlikely hero discovers a portal to an alternate reality, one which has the power to rewind time to the Roman Empire era. Now awake in a city reborn, the hero steps out to uncover the truth behind its secrets and, more importantly, the factors that contributed towards its downfall.

 

3. Shadow of Rome

Shadow of Rome - E3 2004 Trailer - PS2

Shadow of Rome is a brutally violent hack and slash game that delves deep into Rome's iconic bloodsports and the events that shook the Coliseum on a daily basis. As well as being incredibly combat-heavy, the game also splits into a calmer subplot, one that sees players using a mixture of stealth-based tactics and puzzle-solving to further advance the narrative.

Shadow of Rome follows a fictionalized version of Julius Caesar's assassination, in which two protagonists, Agrippa, and Octavianus, are forced to unmask the killer's identity. With one assuming the role of a gladiator in the Coliseum, and the other acting as an informant from the outside, the two set out to alleviate the suspicions that shroud their inner thoughts.

 

2. Rome: Total War

Rome: Total War - E3-2004 Trailer

Rome: Total War is the third instalment in the award-winning strategy-based Total War saga by The Creative Assembly. Once again assuming the role of the curator of war tales, players will immerse in a variety of engaging battles, all of which revolve around the universally renowned Roman Empire and the prominent figures that helped to shape its legacy.

In Rome: Total War, players must forge an army in order to conquer Italy and its many surrounding countries. By assigning yourself to one of three Roman families, you will need to rally your troops and build an economy capable enough to withstand even the harshest battles. Live to tell the anthology of tales, and you could just find yourself sitting atop a throne built on bloodlust and power.

 

1. Assassin's Creed: Origins

Assassin’s Creed Origins - "Legend of the Assassin" Launch Trailer | PS4

Assassin's Creed: Origins is not only a reimagining of the stealth-based series, but an entire reboot with a whole new shift in direction. By employing a role-playing design, Assassin's Creed opened to a whole new world of opportunity, and Ancient Rome, thankfully, was the chosen theme. Or at least, Ancient Egypt, with a major pinch of Roman mythology.

Assassin's Creed: Origins may very well cast its focus on Bayek, Medjay of Egypt, but it does divvy up a lot of its attention to Rome also. As well as having a whole heap of local figures to interact and quest with, players are also able to meet prominent Romans, such as Julius Caesar, Pompey Magnus, and Lucius Septimus. Basically, you get the best of both worlds, and fortunately for you, you get to bask in the fact that you're the centerpiece, divided between two great nations full of culture and history.

 

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there any games you'd recommend? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.

Jord is acting Team Leader at gaming.net. If he isn't blabbering on in his daily listicles, then he's probably out writing fantasy novels or scraping Game Pass of all its slept on indies.