Cradle of Rome

 DS
Cradle of Rome Image
Metascore
63

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: In Cradle of Rome, players can build more than 20 historical sites from 5 different eras of Ancient Roman architecture by gathering resources such as wood, tools, gold and more by matching rows of 3 or more on the puzzle board and obtaining as many as possible before the time runs out. TheIn Cradle of Rome, players can build more than 20 historical sites from 5 different eras of Ancient Roman architecture by gathering resources such as wood, tools, gold and more by matching rows of 3 or more on the puzzle board and obtaining as many as possible before the time runs out. The more resources players gather, the faster they can build the city from a lowly saw mill and progress to such historical monuments such as the Temple of Venus and eventually the mighty Coliseum. Multiple gameplay modes offer various degrees of difficulty and a vast array of bonus tools adds even more incentive to continue the game and eventually become Emperor. [D3Publisher of America]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 20
  3. Negative: 2 out of 20
  1. Armchair Empire
    85
    Although there are all kinds of these games out on the DS, this one is definitely worth your time.
  2. GamingExcellence
    80
    There are a lot of bland puzzle titles that fail on one level or another but Cradle of Rome manages to avoid that status just narrowly.
  3. Cynamite
    70
    The mix between strategy and puzzle is entertaining, but not a highlight.
  4. NintendoWorldReport
    60
    The difficulty gets brutal, but the game is relatively forgiving. If you're interested in a short, fun puzzle game for DS, you could do much better, but you could also do worse.
  5. Game Informer
    60
    Cradle of Rome is far from terrible, but it has neither the strategic depth nor the Pavlovian addiction required to be a worthwhile puzzle game.
  6. Modojo
    60
    It's still a fun Bejeweled clone, and you'll need a few hours to clear its puzzles, but we needed something innovative.
  7. Pocket Gamer UK
    40
    An uninteresting matching puzzler that's slotted into a structure big on monotony, Cradle of Rome demonstrates game concepts shouldn't be built in a day.

See all 20 Critic Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. DaraU
    Apr 3, 2009
    10
    Cradle of Rome is one of the most relaxing and addicting games for DS. Just enough challenge to keep it interesting but also it lets you Cradle of Rome is one of the most relaxing and addicting games for DS. Just enough challenge to keep it interesting but also it lets you progress before you pull your hair out. I love this game.… Expand
  2. JaimeGarcia
    Dec 5, 2013
    5
    Although it tries to refresh the match-three formula by adding some minor RPG elements, it unfortunately fails to deliver a worthwhileAlthough it tries to refresh the match-three formula by adding some minor RPG elements, it unfortunately fails to deliver a worthwhile experience. You have to build an entire village by buying new buildings and upgrades using all the resources and money you keep gathering by matching 3 of a kind of each. As you further progress you are rewarded by unlocking new power-ups which can be used in-game. Those upgrades could be useful if it weren't for the fact that it takes a lot of time for their meter to charge and by the time you reach the best ones you are already too tired of having played dozens of levels that really offer you no rewarding challenge.

    It's not unplayable but it's definitely one of the most monotonous games I've played in a while. You can totally skip this one without any remorse.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

96
#96 Best DS Game of 2008
79
#79 Most Discussed DS Game of 2008