Imperator: Rome

 PC
User Score
5.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 218 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 72 out of 218
  2. Mixed: 39 out of 218
  3. Negative: 107 out of 218

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  1. georgio
    Apr 26, 2019
    4
    Imperator: Rome is not a good game. I'd even go further and say that it combines all the bad aspects of Paradox games but offers nothing rewarding. For a new player the game will still seem complicated. You have all these things you need to learn about. You have to take care of 6 different resources. You need to manage research that works through complicated formula of over dozen variousImperator: Rome is not a good game. I'd even go further and say that it combines all the bad aspects of Paradox games but offers nothing rewarding. For a new player the game will still seem complicated. You have all these things you need to learn about. You have to take care of 6 different resources. You need to manage research that works through complicated formula of over dozen various additive and multiplicative modifiers. You will scratch your head trying to find out what "+5% of X efficiency" actually means.

    Except it does not mean anything really in this game as you can safely ignore majority of game mechanics introduced. Once you setup some basic things all you do is just wait for your resources to accumulate and use them to solve all your problems. I have to stress the word "wait". There are no meaningful decisions to make while you wait. Once you setup your trade and arrange your realm - which takes maybe around 10 minutes of gametime - you just wait. There is no meaningful diplomacy. Your ruler or your family does not matter, your generals and governors do not matter, your allies and enemies do not matter - because there is no meaningful interaction created around them. Even the random events and catastrophies are so uninspiring. All this makes for a very dull gameplay.

    If you are fan of strategic games and want to have better experience of Ancient Era on strategic level then go and buy Rome Total War 2 and install Divide et Impera mod. It is much better game even if you only play on strategic map and autoresolve. That is the testament of what Paradox prepared for players after almost 2 decades of creating Grand Strategy games.    … Expand
  2. emitbreaker
    May 14, 2019
    0
    I've played more than 140 hours as Rome, but this game is not readied yet, as most of Paradox's product used to be.

    Pops are just annoying system, and they didn't learn from their failure at Stellaris. You need mana to managing pops, but in the end, Rome and Latium will have more than 1000 pops, and you need to manage or control them one by one. It's just a nonsense. AI's are    I've played more than 140 hours as Rome, but this game is not readied yet, as most of Paradox's product used to be.

    Pops are just annoying system, and they didn't learn from their failure at Stellaris. You need mana to managing pops, but in the end, Rome and Latium will have more than 1000 pops, and you need to manage or control them one by one. It's just a nonsense.

    AI's are cheating. On what earth a nation cedes their land to their Revolts when the nation attacked by others? If you open another war to the revolts? Then the revolts exchange their land with its enemy, so that you cannot simply occupy lands at once.

    If you are expecting Europa Universalis 4 or Crusader Kings 2, remember that it took more than few years and DLCs with 300+ USD.    … Expand
  3. nikoparo03
    May 15, 2019
    0
    Orribile! Gioco incompleto, grezzo e, quindi, ingiocabile. Se già hai giochi paradox, non comprarlo, TE NE PENTIRAI! ti conviene aspettare 560,50€ di DLC, 7 anni, un big bang e la colonizzazione di Proxima Centauri e forse sarà giocabile e magari ci sarà qualche nuova meccanica(si, qualche nuova meccanica: finirà ci sono solo meccaniche o identiche al precedente titolo EU:Rome o meccanicheOrribile! Gioco incompleto, grezzo e, quindi, ingiocabile. Se già hai giochi paradox, non comprarlo, TE NE PENTIRAI! ti conviene aspettare 560,50€ di DLC, 7 anni, un big bang e la colonizzazione di Proxima Centauri e forse sarà giocabile e magari ci sarà qualche nuova meccanica(si, qualche nuova meccanica: finirà ci sono solo meccaniche o identiche al precedente titolo EU:Rome o meccaniche prese dai giochi BASE di EU4, CK2 e Vic2).… Expand
  4. HardCheck
    Feb 24, 2021
    10
    With Update 2.0 this game ist that, what i call a paradox game!
    I love it, before and now double!
    Take it for less now and go to rule the world
  5. IsaacCAT
    Apr 20, 2021
    9
    Grand strategy game from Paradox that sinthetyzes all the experience from previous games to a master piece with a lot of potential. Because Paradox model to develop their games through time it gives players free features of the game every year, as DLC are cosmetic and completely optional so far. The game at release was barebones and that deserved some criticism, but now with 2.0 it isGrand strategy game from Paradox that sinthetyzes all the experience from previous games to a master piece with a lot of potential. Because Paradox model to develop their games through time it gives players free features of the game every year, as DLC are cosmetic and completely optional so far. The game at release was barebones and that deserved some criticism, but now with 2.0 it is already a very nice game to enjoy for many hours and different plays. Replayability it is higher when you are acquainted with the ancient period, but is not one of the major points of historical games the opportunity to learn something new?… Expand
  6. IrishFella
    May 21, 2019
    3
    Trying to combine parts of your other games that are kept separate for a reason is stupid. Doing it this badly is criminal. Treating your fans like children makes you a c*nt
  7. Turbo823
    May 31, 2019
    0
    A barebones game at re-release of EU-Rome with broken mechanics and uninteresting factions. This game is obviously a platform for Paradox's DLC. The base game is uninteresting and boring. The AI is dumber than a rock.
  8. deathmachinept
    Jun 2, 2019
    0
    Paradox studious has been in a downfall trend when it comes to the quality, polishment and innovation of their games, Imperator represents the lowest bar yet.

    The game forsakes basic game design rules and builds a messy foundation of a game that seems to point to failure and an unsalvageable product. Technologies, decisions, army training, political decisions are done with single    Paradox studious has been in a downfall trend when it comes to the quality, polishment and innovation of their games, Imperator represents the lowest bar yet.

    The game forsakes basic game design rules and builds a messy foundation of a game that seems to point to failure and an unsalvageable product.

    Technologies, decisions, army training, political decisions are done with single clicks and immediate results there is no build up or strategy in choosing which direction to take or when to wait for x tech and declare war.

    You mop the map with your armies there is no combat strategy just move your army with more troops and attack the enemy.

    Characters and the consul play such a small role and come and go so fast that you can't build an attachment with them, if there is a complex logic behind them it's impossible to experience.

    The game has no redeeming qualities everything is bland and awful, total war rome 2004 is superior in every way to this game.

    Also shame on this fake reviews like from
    Destructoid, Gaming Nexus... they didn't even tried the game, no gamer could give a postive score to this pile of cookie clickers..

    Enough to say that after 3hours of giving the game a chance I had it uninstall.    … Expand
  9. MNCCritic
    Jun 4, 2019
    4
    Failing grade.

    The Good: The Hellenistic Period is a brilliant choice. Oh, and they used lots of pretty colors. The Bad: Let's keep it simple. I will use the same amount of effort they used in making this game. 1) A highly dumbed-down version of Europa Universalis. 2) More work than fun. The Ugly: The desire to maximize revenues through expansions couldn't be more obvious.    Failing grade.

    The Good: The Hellenistic Period is a brilliant choice. Oh, and they used lots of pretty colors.

    The Bad: Let's keep it simple. I will use the same amount of effort they used in making this game.
    1) A highly dumbed-down version of Europa Universalis.
    2) More work than fun.

    The Ugly: The desire to maximize revenues through expansions couldn't be more obvious. Paradox has INSULTED their fan base.

    Sad really. I will never trust this company again.    … Expand
  10. FjrodFish
    May 16, 2019
    1
    Is it just me, or is this game absolutely horrendous? I've tried several times to sit down and enjoy it. Oh, how I've tried. Ridiculous game-mechanics, the game failing to pause after hammering space thousands of times, shallow diplomacy with a lack of so many options and intricacies. You capture a province, then out of thin air, it becomes un-captured while you capture more, then someIs it just me, or is this game absolutely horrendous? I've tried several times to sit down and enjoy it. Oh, how I've tried. Ridiculous game-mechanics, the game failing to pause after hammering space thousands of times, shallow diplomacy with a lack of so many options and intricacies. You capture a province, then out of thin air, it becomes un-captured while you capture more, then some other nation that is at war with the nation you are at war with swoops in and captures the province next to your land, effectively separating you from the rest of the territory you are currently at war for control over. Crap diplomacy. Crap alliances. Crap defensive leagues. Just crap everything. As wide as an ocean yet as shallow as a puddle. Almost no unit variation. Crap trading system. Stupid tactics and strategy. ...grand strategy game? it has the representations of countries on the map, and of military units, but that's all. It looks intricate. Yet it's intricacies are deceptive and poorly executed. I re-load and re-load and re-load just to fight off the stupidity of the game to make some progress. Well. Screw that. I am done giving this game chances. It's horrendous.… Expand
  11. QZCritic
    May 18, 2019
    0
    Boring game ,on the late stage of game all countries have huge amount of many and manpower.
  12. LeandroB
    Aug 12, 2020
    3
    Update 1.5 is out now and i have to say that i tried...
    The release was a total mess, the game was bland and uninteresting, lacking all aspects. Much have changed since it, but over a year later and the game still have no soul.
    at the forums i read someone saying that the game was a "Complex Spreadsheet" and its totally true, there is a lot of micromanagement that changes absolutely    Update 1.5 is out now and i have to say that i tried...
    The release was a total mess, the game was bland and uninteresting, lacking all aspects. Much have changed since it, but over a year later and the game still have no soul.
    at the forums i read someone saying that the game was a "Complex Spreadsheet" and its totally true, there is a lot of micromanagement that changes absolutely nothing, the game is a big map painter and paint the map is the only thing you can do. I was hoping for it to get better and interesting, but i have now lost hope. Buy it on sale if you have to.    … Expand
  13. XBliss
    Apr 28, 2020
    4
    Hey, Europa Universalis fan and Ancient Rome geek here.
    Imperator: Rome is bad game for those who seek strategic game in ancient age with all of mechanics provided in this times. The game called "Imperator: Rome" must have well-developed mechanics of ancient Rome policy. Am I right? There's nothing near about it. Roman politics and political system had a special shade especially in    Hey, Europa Universalis fan and Ancient Rome geek here.
    Imperator: Rome is bad game for those who seek strategic game in ancient age with all of mechanics provided in this times. The game called "Imperator: Rome" must have well-developed mechanics of ancient Rome policy. Am I right? There's nothing near about it. Roman politics and political system had a special shade especially in ancient age (2 consuls, pretors, tribuns, internal political war between the aristocracy and the opposition etc.). But instead of everything, Rome has a state system (aristocratic republic) similar to all other republics represented in the game. Consuls are elected for five years (!), which does not comply with the Roman constitution of those times and a bunch of others things that do not match history.
    This game is a combination of all the mechanics from past games. Because of this, for example, the mechanics of characters imported from the Crusaders King are very circumcised and inferior.

    Question of other nations represented in the game is going to Paradox Interactive game developing strategy:
    As I say I am a Europa Universalis fan(2k+ hours played) and i have played other games from paradox(victoria, stellaris, crusader kings, hearts of iron) Developer has similar politic from game to game - release pre-alpha version of game calling it "1.0" and over the next years to refine their games by releasing huge patches and paid DLCs adding content to the game. I hate Paradox for this. I want to see all of content in the full game release instead of collecting the game in parts like LEGO.

    Maybe after 3 years this game will be playable and enjoyable but for now it's a dummy    … Expand
  14. PoshMafia
    May 29, 2019
    2
    I just want to thank all of the publish game journalist out their for their impeccably, undoubtedly, unarguably biased reviews. I hear the media event was really awesome last year. Money well spent to be sure. ;-)

    Also this game is a re-skin of old mechanics, out side of the world map. i know 10 man modding teams that could do this better and bring more compelling game play to the table.
  15. inkmmo
    Oct 23, 2019
    1
    Paradox lost it's creativity for making video games. This game is half Crusader Kings half Europa Universalis but it is such a bad mix that makes game boring. Player comes in wanting to play wanting to enjoy but game is old engine unsure what to do and player for the most time after patch 1.2 is emptying corpses from the government because they die too quickly. So then player hires 16 yearParadox lost it's creativity for making video games. This game is half Crusader Kings half Europa Universalis but it is such a bad mix that makes game boring. Player comes in wanting to play wanting to enjoy but game is old engine unsure what to do and player for the most time after patch 1.2 is emptying corpses from the government because they die too quickly. So then player hires 16 year old kids to run the state - it doesn't matter just not to be annoyed and game really annoys player with irrelevant stuff sucking out any potential to have fun.… Expand
  16. Shogun96
    Apr 21, 2021
    9
    Yes , the launch of this game was horrible, but now, two years later, the game has MASSIVELY improved with FREE patches (yes, no need to buy anything more). New systems have been introduced and they are perfectly intertwined with the already existing and improved mechanics of the game.
    Regarding the DLC, this is one of the few Paradox games where DLC are absolutely not needed, they add    Yes , the launch of this game was horrible, but now, two years later, the game has MASSIVELY improved with FREE patches (yes, no need to buy anything more). New systems have been introduced and they are perfectly intertwined with the already existing and improved mechanics of the game.
    Regarding the DLC, this is one of the few Paradox games where DLC are absolutely not needed, they add flavour and some very minor secondary mechanics, but 95% of the important stuff is added with the free patches.
    Give this game another chance, because it certainly deserves it and I am convinced that you will like it!    … Expand
  17. Megabyzos
    Apr 21, 2021
    10
    Maybe starting version was bad. I had luck and started with 2.0. And this is the best game about ancient Rome I ever played in my life. Only more events and repair barbarians to realize full potential.
  18. Meraco
    Apr 28, 2019
    1
    As predicted and posted in the steam forums, (before they started deleting every negative thread)

    The game is a shell, a DLC platform, which is the usual Paradox model used for games like Crusader Kings 2 and others.. Anyone who has CK2 can clearly see that they omitted content by design in order to add content later on with paid DLC's. I would not be surprised if they made at least    As predicted and posted in the steam forums, (before they started deleting every negative thread)

    The game is a shell, a DLC platform, which is the usual Paradox model used for games like Crusader Kings 2 and others.. Anyone who has CK2 can clearly see that they omitted content by design in order to add content later on with paid DLC's. I would not be surprised if they made at least $300.00 worth of DLCs over the course of the next couple years.

    The gameplay is shallow, empty and not very enjoyable after a few hours in game.

    Perhaps this will one day be a good game, but it will cost you to find out..    … Expand
  19. Talbis
    Apr 27, 2019
    3
    I have a love-hate relationship with Paradox. On one hand, I know they can make an amazing game, on the other hand... the base game or any future DLC might break the whole thing. And then there's the DLC issue, mainly the fact that most of the cool things come only as DLC. Take Crusader Kings II, the base game is fun and all, but the really good things are in DLC and there's a LOT of DLCI have a love-hate relationship with Paradox. On one hand, I know they can make an amazing game, on the other hand... the base game or any future DLC might break the whole thing. And then there's the DLC issue, mainly the fact that most of the cool things come only as DLC. Take Crusader Kings II, the base game is fun and all, but the really good things are in DLC and there's a LOT of DLC and it all costs a fortune. Don't believe me? Well, for the cost of a CK2 and all the DLC I could buy a good, used car... or pay my rent for three months. Yeah...
    Here's the point - Imperator: Rome doesn't feel like a finished game, more like a platform to sell DLC. Politics are a joke, trade basically doesn't exist, characters have no point to them, battles are illogical and based on dice rolls (like in Europa Universalis, but even worse due to the technology level)...
    This game looks like a complex military and politics grand strategy game with a multitude of resources to balance and micromanage... but truth be told all the mechanics in this game are shallow, dressed up to look impressive but for someone who played almost all of Paradox's games it won't take long to figure out that there's one resource you truly need... and that it's abundant.
    To say that I'm disappointed would be being kind, and I'm not kind. This game is blatantly filled with placeholder mechanics for their DLC to fix over time.
    Don't be me, wait, give it a few years...    … Expand
  20. metuonemo
    Apr 29, 2019
    4
    Unacceptable release for Paradox. I have almost 1000 hours in their various games, but this is an underwhelming and disappointing mess. As others have stated, you really don't need to pay attendtion to anything. Just give it in game time and you will win, you may or may not care. Ruling families? Who cares they are meaningless. They will most likely fix the issues that are involved inUnacceptable release for Paradox. I have almost 1000 hours in their various games, but this is an underwhelming and disappointing mess. As others have stated, you really don't need to pay attendtion to anything. Just give it in game time and you will win, you may or may not care. Ruling families? Who cares they are meaningless. They will most likely fix the issues that are involved in Imperator (like giving me a reason to play for more than an hour). However, that's not the point how did this make it out of beta? Paradox is now just like Bethesda, buyer beware.… Expand
  21. BastardWilliam
    May 6, 2019
    0
    Half-baked cookie with full price? Fine.
    Fans as voluntary debuggers? Fine.
    Mixed up game with no innovations? Fine.
    Irresponsible attitudes and censorship of comments? No.
    Prefer to be map-painting game than history-simulation game? No.
  22. redhott
    Apr 27, 2019
    4
    If you are wondering why Steam reviews are, currently, at 47 %, it is for gameplay and game mechanics reasons. It is not a bad game, only a bit average (at release) for a few good reasons. The game is a bit shallow. Paradox will likely fix it in 1 year, but it appears to be the worst game release of Paradox in a long time, for good reasons, actually. And Paradox is already addressing it,If you are wondering why Steam reviews are, currently, at 47 %, it is for gameplay and game mechanics reasons. It is not a bad game, only a bit average (at release) for a few good reasons. The game is a bit shallow. Paradox will likely fix it in 1 year, but it appears to be the worst game release of Paradox in a long time, for good reasons, actually. And Paradox is already addressing it, announcing new updates etc. Players complain about a complicated UI, not fun at conquest, lack of features that would make the character management and gameplay fun and less tedious, the tedious trade system, and many other things. As said, they will certainly fix it in 8-12 months but until then it is... kind of interesting how PC Gamer and other magazines rated the game so high when the actual players have reasonable doubts, that even Paradox addresses. I get the feeling that those journalists did not really play the game, which is a shame, or did not know the prequel Europa Univeralis: Rome, or other PDX titles such as EU4, CK2 or VIC2, who knows; certainly interesting though and good reminder that if thousands of players rate a new game so badly that there must good reasons for that. Fortunately, PDX is actually pretty good at addressing such issues and improving their games over time. 4/10 today, and 9/10 in 1 year, for sure.… Expand
  23. BustinJieber
    May 8, 2019
    0
    Imperator: Rome is not a game. It is a shallow, boring and very poorly optimized framework for selling small bits of a game, piecemeal (aka DLCs).

    Every nation plays the same, and that same is as barebones as it gets, with nothing to do, exceptionally dumb AI and our dear old friend mana, the magical fairy dust that instantly solves all your problems with a snap of the fingers. After    Imperator: Rome is not a game. It is a shallow, boring and very poorly optimized framework for selling small bits of a game, piecemeal (aka DLCs).

    Every nation plays the same, and that same is as barebones as it gets, with nothing to do, exceptionally dumb AI and our dear old friend mana, the magical fairy dust that instantly solves all your problems with a snap of the fingers. After all, who needs sensible mechanics that require planning and *strategy* in a Grand Strategy game?

    If you are looking for an interesting strategy game to play, look elsewhere. Perhaps, in 5-7 years and $300+ worth of DLCs Imperator: Rome will take its place among CK2, EU4 and Vicky 2, but right now it is such a low-effort cash grab that it's not even worth to scratch an itch for the antiquity.    … Expand
  24. SonOfPerdition
    Apr 29, 2019
    2
    Paradox pulled no punches calling the game the combination of such great titles as Crusader Kings 2, Europa Universalis 4, and Victoria 2, and while that certainly is true to some capacity, it is like they took ideas from those games stripped any complexity and fun from them and called their work done.

    There are a lot of people out there claiming that this game is a good base for future    Paradox pulled no punches calling the game the combination of such great titles as Crusader Kings 2, Europa Universalis 4, and Victoria 2, and while that certainly is true to some capacity, it is like they took ideas from those games stripped any complexity and fun from them and called their work done.

    There are a lot of people out there claiming that this game is a good base for future DLC that will expand on the concepts this game has, but that argument is worthless. This game is not worth the $40 Paradox is charging for it and that DLC is not with the $19.99 that it will cost when that content should be in the base game now.

    I don't want to rant on forever, though gods know I could, so the TL;DR of it is, Imperator: Rome is not a good game. It's a shell made to be as basic as possible so features to make it fun can be sold later on. There are better grand strategy games and better strategy games based in Rome, go buy one of those instead.    … Expand
  25. 0_Hattori_0
    May 7, 2019
    1
    Give it three years and $200-ish worth of dlc later, and it may be worth calling a full game. But in its current state, its a hollow handjob.

    The loyal community of modders to fix this train wreck will be the only reason ill go through cancer.
  26. MrSpoof
    Apr 27, 2019
    4
    This is not a fun strategy game. It manages to have one of the most overly-complex and labyrinth-like GUI's I've ever seen, yet for all its many many menus it never manages to give you the information you actually need in the context where you need it. And many of the games complex systems don't even seem to matter that much! This feels like a game with too many concepts mashed togetherThis is not a fun strategy game. It manages to have one of the most overly-complex and labyrinth-like GUI's I've ever seen, yet for all its many many menus it never manages to give you the information you actually need in the context where you need it. And many of the games complex systems don't even seem to matter that much! This feels like a game with too many concepts mashed together without much thought over how they interact.… Expand
  27. mcgregor4630
    Apr 29, 2019
    2
    Every reviewer that gave Imperator Rome a 70 or above deserves to be boycotted and viewed with suspicion for being bribed. The game is remarkably shallow and riddled with AI bugs that makes a medium to long term game tedious.
  28. santiagopm88
    May 2, 2019
    4
    Have you ever seen an adaptation of a board game that is released to cater to your younger siblings who couldn't handle the full game? That's how Imperator Rome feels to a Europa Universalis user. It is entirely war based, with the peace-time mechanics being a bore. Its mechanics are simplified and transaction based with little strategic uncertainty, making it feel at times more like aHave you ever seen an adaptation of a board game that is released to cater to your younger siblings who couldn't handle the full game? That's how Imperator Rome feels to a Europa Universalis user. It is entirely war based, with the peace-time mechanics being a bore. Its mechanics are simplified and transaction based with little strategic uncertainty, making it feel at times more like a trading game than a strategy one (you can move entire populations, convert them, culturally adapt them, make upgrade them from slaves to citizens and stabilize your empire all without unpausing the game if you have enough mana to transact with, which is not very compelling narrative). Paradox will doubtlessly improve it with DLC, but if you are a long time paradox fan, skip this one… Expand
  29. Ikarian123
    Apr 27, 2019
    3
    Harsh score, because Paradox Interactive is PARADOX INTERACTIVE. They should not release game in this state and call it full version.
    Imperator Rome is more like demo version of full game. Its hard to find positives.
    There are few: + Ancient Era timeline To this time, Ancient Era was present only in various mods, rather as regular part of game (except EU:R) + Many and very variable    Harsh score, because Paradox Interactive is PARADOX INTERACTIVE. They should not release game in this state and call it full version.
    Imperator Rome is more like demo version of full game. Its hard to find positives.
    There are few:
    + Ancient Era timeline
    To this time, Ancient Era was present only in various mods, rather as regular part of game (except EU:R)
    + Many and very variable mechanics
    Very wide spectre of mechanics (laws, ideas, religion, economy...)

    Negatives are worse:
    + Shallow
    Game have large variety of mechanics, but most of them are very shallow in present state (maybe in later updates and DLC it will be improved)
    + Waiting game
    If something is really frustrating and bothering, its waiting. Waiting. Waiting. You just sit, watching monitor, dont press any button, do not react on anything except few pop-ups and waiting to collecting finesses, diplomatic or military power etc.

    Summary: Paradox Interactive took numerous mechanics and systems of CK2, EU and Vic, did not improve them, mixed them in to Ancient Timeline and released it as "full" game. Score is very harsh, because Paradox Interactive is not some newcomers and because in various places, price of this game is really overshoot (game is worth about 20-30 euros, not about 30-50 euros). And because I love Ancient Rome, Roman Republic and Roman Empire, it was for me twice dissappointing.    … Expand
  30. buggy999
    Apr 27, 2019
    0
    I've waited for this games' release for months. Massive fan of Paradox games. Love CK2, EU4 and Stellaris! Sunk hundreds of hours into them. This game is just poor on so many levels.

    1. It's completely wooden / soulless. Hard to explain but 4-5 hours in and you'll understand. It's just boring, dry and unimaginative. Unlike with other Paradox titles you feel very little connection with    I've waited for this games' release for months. Massive fan of Paradox games. Love CK2, EU4 and Stellaris! Sunk hundreds of hours into them. This game is just poor on so many levels.

    1. It's completely wooden / soulless. Hard to explain but 4-5 hours in and you'll understand. It's just boring, dry and unimaginative. Unlike with other Paradox titles you feel very little connection with the game and characters / nations within.
    2. It runs terribly. I have an Alienware R13 and the performance of this game is horrendous.
    3. This cost me £45.99!!! Unfortunately I've played for 4 hours and so cannot get a refund from steam.

    Awful, awful game that I've just wasted near £50 on. No doubt it will be sorted over the next couple of years (at additional cost).

    IMO what they have done with IR is an absolute insult to their fan base. However, fanatically loyal fans / customers will go as far as actively defending it! If PDX want to release a "shell" of a game for next to nothing, say £9.99, then charge through the nose for DLC, then that is cool! They can't have it both ways though.

    It's a disgrace. "Stop buying PDX games then?" - That's precisely what I'll be doing or in the very least I'll never buy another PDX game on release-day.

    UPDATE: UNINSTALLED THIS ABSOLUTE GARBAGE.    … Expand
  31. FlexibleOrange
    Apr 27, 2019
    1
    the game is snapped, it is unplayable. At any speed you set it goes to slow down. The depth of the game is non-existent, the fighting is monotonous. There are no traditions, Rome has the same military tradition as Syracuse?! No special unit of course. The trading system is absent. This game is at least 20 steps behind the previous.
  32. bbonkers
    May 3, 2019
    0
    Nothing wrong that a few hundred dollars of DLC wont fix.

    Come back to this game in 5 years, its just a cash grab at the moment.
  33. Newheart
    May 2, 2019
    4
    Not ready, feels like the shell of a good game that needs lots more content. Too much RPG type elements and character decisions for my taste. Generic unit types. Has potential. Will be good in time, but not yet.
  34. Hosenmaus
    Apr 26, 2019
    0
    It is simply a rip-off. I know nearly all Paradox Games but this one has basically nothing to offer. It's in a very very early access status. The devs put no effort in it but try to sell it as fullprice.. For 15-20 Euro as early acces ok but not for 55 euro. They used a random facegenerator and even the imperators and everything else looks like the same. Just 4 Buildings (including aIt is simply a rip-off. I know nearly all Paradox Games but this one has basically nothing to offer. It's in a very very early access status. The devs put no effort in it but try to sell it as fullprice.. For 15-20 Euro as early acces ok but not for 55 euro. They used a random facegenerator and even the imperators and everything else looks like the same. Just 4 Buildings (including a defensive one..) No harbours, nothing. It has so much lack. It's not normal. If i would write dxown all the bugs and lack of content I would sit here for 30 minutes. Stay away...… Expand
  35. ourgekj
    Apr 26, 2019
    1
    Worst release since total war rome 2. the game is unplayable. Stuttering is breaking the game.
  36. Stellen
    Apr 27, 2019
    2
    This follows the route of Hearts of Iron 4; taking the fantastic and complex Hearts of Iron 3 and strips everything from it, leaving an incredibly shallow and bland version of Crusader Kings 2 and Europa Universalis 4 with Roman names. Don't even bother trying other nations or cultures, they all play exactly like Rome, with the same units, research options, Government, and gameplay, inThis follows the route of Hearts of Iron 4; taking the fantastic and complex Hearts of Iron 3 and strips everything from it, leaving an incredibly shallow and bland version of Crusader Kings 2 and Europa Universalis 4 with Roman names. Don't even bother trying other nations or cultures, they all play exactly like Rome, with the same units, research options, Government, and gameplay, in and out of combat.… Expand
  37. DirtyDeeds4Free
    May 2, 2019
    1
    This is a very poor game currently. If you played CK2 or EU4 you can easily see that in this state game is just a shallow platform for multi DLC which will entirely redesign a lot of game mechanics. So you can start this journey now...but it's really not worth it since you will be frustrated and replay it hundreds of time in future with hopefully better experience. Becuase it's anThis is a very poor game currently. If you played CK2 or EU4 you can easily see that in this state game is just a shallow platform for multi DLC which will entirely redesign a lot of game mechanics. So you can start this journey now...but it's really not worth it since you will be frustrated and replay it hundreds of time in future with hopefully better experience. Becuase it's an absolutely shamefull rip-off practice from Paradox even if the game deserves 3 or 4 I give it 1.… Expand
  38. Netcriminal
    Sep 22, 2019
    5
    I found the tutorial completely unhelpful, the game mechanics are not substantial to the enjoyment of the game. In the end it seems like a wonderful simulation, but a very bad game to play. I enjoyed the historical events a lot.
  39. Dodger
    Apr 25, 2019
    4
    This game feels like a copy paste from their previous games. The graphics are prettier and that's about it, everything else has been stripped away to the bare minimum and the performance is absolutely shocking for such a basic game. The worst thing of all though is that it's boring, incredibly so actually, quite literally nothing happens 99% of the time.

    Maybe pick this game up in a    This game feels like a copy paste from their previous games. The graphics are prettier and that's about it, everything else has been stripped away to the bare minimum and the performance is absolutely shocking for such a basic game. The worst thing of all though is that it's boring, incredibly so actually, quite literally nothing happens 99% of the time.

    Maybe pick this game up in a year or two after they've added all the planned DLC, for now avoid.

    Very disappointing as i have been a big paradox fan for years.    … Expand
  40. Jasniok
    Apr 25, 2019
    4
    Game is empty. When I play as Rome (tutorial) almost nothing happens. Sometime few not very interesting events (just agree/not agree). Characters have no spirit. World has no life. Ok, I have skipped tutorial and I had started new game. The same, unfortunatelly.
  41. RustyJames
    Apr 26, 2019
    4
    At least, devs should test it before release. Not fun and unplayable right now. Bad copy of EU4.
  42. BoredGamer42
    Apr 26, 2019
    0
    Flunks on Install.

    If you're a big fan of restrictive licensing agreements, spyware, data mining, third party account registration, and the promise of unpromising DLC in the future, look no further.

    Then look away, as it's kind of ugly. Paradox, clean up your act!
  43. VeriNoop
    Apr 26, 2019
    6
    After playing a total of over 1000 hours of different Paradox games (I know that isn't even that much), but this is the first time I actually got disappointed. I didn't even have high expectations for the game, unlike Stellaris (which gets boring fast too).

    The game is simply bland and boring. Every faction is similar in the end, with only small differences that in the long run don't    After playing a total of over 1000 hours of different Paradox games (I know that isn't even that much), but this is the first time I actually got disappointed. I didn't even have high expectations for the game, unlike Stellaris (which gets boring fast too).

    The game is simply bland and boring. Every faction is similar in the end, with only small differences that in the long run don't really matter. The UI is terrible in my opinion, the different icons they have for different tabs are made just too complex, instead of something simple like in EU4. The ledger and the music player are missing too, but will most likely be added in a later date.

    I got bored of the game in only 4 hours, tried different countries during that. And as a final try I tried playing as Rome. That playthrough ended after I conquered Etruria, as I got bored. The peacetime gameplay is even more boring compared to EU4 as an example. It's a waiting game.

    The combat is fun, until you start steamrolling everything, which will happen so fast as you don't really have to worry about aggressive expansion or coring in this one. Especially when the AI is broken. I migrated to India as Dania as a joke, I was able to grow in peace for 20 years until they attacked me. But they didn't. They didn't throw a single unit at me, so I was able to win the war without doing anything. Had I waited for more, I probably could have taken land, but I just got hundreds of ducats or whatever the currency is in the game. After that war I ended that playthrough.

    I wouldn't recommend getting the game at this point. The game will get better in a year or two, when it gets free updates and DLCs. I personally don't mind Paradox DLC policy, as long as I get my money's worth of the game, like I've with EU4 and CK2.    … Expand
  44. GERULAS
    May 18, 2019
    6
    UI looks great but works like crap and most of this game crashes are because of this crapy UI

    PS: What is wrong with Para(DLC)box that they banned everybody on steam forums who dare to say anything negative about this poor game. When did communism censorship moved in Sweden !?
  45. juliiouse
    Apr 26, 2019
    5
    When Paradox are firing on all cylinders, they're capable of producing grand strategies that are rich in complexity, challenge and immersion. They exist as a kind of timed sandbox: you pick a nation and-- no matter how big or small-- there are mechanics in place to challenge you in a way that makes nation building a richly rewarding experience. At their worst, Paradox grand strats canWhen Paradox are firing on all cylinders, they're capable of producing grand strategies that are rich in complexity, challenge and immersion. They exist as a kind of timed sandbox: you pick a nation and-- no matter how big or small-- there are mechanics in place to challenge you in a way that makes nation building a richly rewarding experience. At their worst, Paradox grand strats can become simple map painters without the real time battles found in Total War. Unfortunately, several hours as Rome and the Iceni revealed Imperator to be a shallow map painter.

    This point stood out more as the Iceni. I love playing underdog nations in Grand Strats. Playing as natives in EU IV is a great experience which is full of rewarding challenges. There's a Stephen King book called 11.22.63 in which a man goes back in time to prevent the assassination of JFK, but history does not want to change and throws increasingly horrible roadblocks in his way. This is how an underdog nation should play in a grand strat: you should feel like you've gone back in time with the knowledge of a terrible fate which can be averted if you manage to unite the tribes, upgrade your technology and modernise your government in time for the first European ships to reach your shores, but have endless challenges in your way. Playing as the Iceni does not give you this experience. They play almost identically to the Romans with no flavour mechanics or real challenges to differenciate the experience. One could argue that this will be fixed in DLC, but if that's the case, why support the game now when it is at it's highest price?

    The promise Imperator made was great: a merger of the dynastic simulation of CK2, the population mechanics of Vicky 2, and the nation building found in EU IV. Unfortunately, each of these mechanics is so watered down and poorly displayed that it's rare you'll ever really bother looking into it too much.

    The internal empire management of the game is dull for any of the nations available. As Rome, I expected to wrangling my way through an increasingly hostile senate whilst building up a technologically based super power in the Mediterranean. Instead, I built a few warehouses and invaded all my neighbours with only the odd tyranny hit for not consulting the senate.

    The reliance on combat to have any real fun in the game isn't ideal. Combat in Paradox grand strats has always been a little janky, and this is no exception for Imperator, but as you fight your hundredth war, the issues really show.

    The Mana system returns from EU IV in an even more aggressive way. There are now four mana resources in addition to money and manpower, and are needed for almost every decision you make. I hoped that they would adopt the CK 2 system of elected expert's skills in specific areas either contributing to progress toward something, or being used as a percent chance of success per month for diplomatic/covert actions, but instead their skills just contribute to how much mana you get a month. This is also very lopsided: I always found myself in abundance of military power but had no religious power.

    The game is also plagued by a very poorly designed UI. Information panels overlap one another and important information is hidden on rarely visited tabs. The art direction of the UI is terrible. Whilst previous games opted for abstracted, simple shapes to represent tabs, Imperator uses weird, oversized pieces of art: for example, EU IV's economy tab is represented by a stack of coins, whereas Imperator's economy tab is represented by a predominantly green picture of a woman standing in the foreground holding a staff with a chest of green-coloured coins far away behind her. I find myself clicking the wrong tabs all the time.

    Graphically, the game is strong. The map has a great variety of biomes and the settlement positioning, scale and density do a lot to capture the feeling of the area at the time. However, this may just be early days, but performance seems a little weak, with plenty of stuttering.

    In summary, I'd give this game a lower score, but it displays promise: other than the mana system, there is nothing fundamentally broken with the game. It needs work to be the best it can be: non-Mediterranean nations need to feel different, the UI needs fixing and the game needs more peacetime mechanics.

    If you're sitting on the fence about this, I'd say don't bother right now. Either wait for DLC and patches to sort the game or play another grand strategy.    … Expand
  46. kytopressler
    May 1, 2019
    5
    Billed, perhaps unfairly, as the glorious combination of CK2 and EU4, Imperator Rome is instead the illegitimate lovechild which plasters together concepts of each and waters them down into a bland $40 soup. The Mana system adapted from Monarch Points in EU4 has centralized power in Imperator Rome to the point of excess, nearly every mechanics waits on the beck and call of some Mana pointsBilled, perhaps unfairly, as the glorious combination of CK2 and EU4, Imperator Rome is instead the illegitimate lovechild which plasters together concepts of each and waters them down into a bland $40 soup. The Mana system adapted from Monarch Points in EU4 has centralized power in Imperator Rome to the point of excess, nearly every mechanics waits on the beck and call of some Mana points which accrue at painfully slow rates. The dependency on Mana points also results in a game that feels markedly "unphysical." The ultimate issue with the game is that its core mechanics rely on watching a set of four numbers go up, and then expending them for immediate gratification, removed from any physical context to stir the imagination of the player. If you are looking for a game with a "soul" where you truly get to feel like you're at the helm of a great historical empire, get Crusader Kings II. If you want a game which has satisfyingly complex systems and subsystems where the fate of your nation depends on careful, and meticulous planning, get Europa Universalis 3 or 4. If you want to watch the Oratory power number tick up every month for two years so you can finally fabricate a claim, get Imperator Rome.… Expand
  47. Hectorbodies
    Feb 21, 2020
    8
    Will be a very good game, for the moment it lacks a lot of things but i had fun in different campaigns. Not as polished as Eu4 and Ck2 but still a very decent one.
  48. Nordak
    Nov 29, 2020
    10
    I originally purchased this game at release as for most Paradox games when they first come out they tend to lack a lot of content. I'm a huge fan of EU4 and Hearts of Iron IV fan and I can tell you that Paradox games are like a bottle of wine. If you open it early it's not as tasty, if you wait several years and check out the game with the DLC packs its a delicious tasty red wine. IveI originally purchased this game at release as for most Paradox games when they first come out they tend to lack a lot of content. I'm a huge fan of EU4 and Hearts of Iron IV fan and I can tell you that Paradox games are like a bottle of wine. If you open it early it's not as tasty, if you wait several years and check out the game with the DLC packs its a delicious tasty red wine. Ive revisited the game after Patch 1.5 Menander update and it's really great fun with all the improvements they have made. A lot of aspects from EU4, Hearts of Iron IV and others but feels unique and very immersive and historical to the time of Rome. My hope is a DLC will come out taking the timeline all the way from 27 BC to 350 ish AD the fall of Rome and the birth of Christianity would be so exciting! Overall a great game and looking forward to the future DLC and extended timeline!… Expand
  49. tobivv
    Nov 26, 2019
    3
    The UI is hard to navigate, it takes a lot of time to execute desired actions. The game offers no interesting mechanics and is only about conquering with nothing else to do.
  50. Ghost1069
    Apr 19, 2020
    0
    Terrible game. I tried it with all the updates and DLCs and it is STILL, after more than a YEAR after launch and SEVERAL DLCs (the cost for everything is like 100€), pure **** I did not get ANY enjoyment from this game. And I have been played since EU II and HoI II; Victoria 2, EU IV and CK 2 are really good games (Stellaris is pretty good too), but this one... it just takes the worse fromTerrible game. I tried it with all the updates and DLCs and it is STILL, after more than a YEAR after launch and SEVERAL DLCs (the cost for everything is like 100€), pure **** I did not get ANY enjoyment from this game. And I have been played since EU II and HoI II; Victoria 2, EU IV and CK 2 are really good games (Stellaris is pretty good too), but this one... it just takes the worse from each one:

    - boring micromanagement from Victoria (with little to no reward for it other than it is necessary);

    - the arbitrary limits and variables ("political influence", "tyranny", etc.) that limit you for no reason (and prohibit you from emulating many things that historically happened);

    - the abstracted, rather shallow representation of pops;

    - diplomacy is bare bones,

    - battles and tactics, although interesting in paper, end up being just... boring.

    And I liked managing the hierarchy in HoI III, so I am not adverse to micromanagement, it´s just that this games throws a lot, seems complex and immersive... and ends up being shallow and boring paper-work. I just cannot believe there are people who would pay around a hundred bucks to play... this thing. I honestly think that many (most) of the reviews above 5 are either bots or paid reviewers.

    tl;dr: NOT RECOMMENDED    … Expand
  51. Sheleshka
    Apr 23, 2020
    7
    The game now has very little content, but soon it will come out additions and the game will be very cool. As it is, it is an empty game.
  52. otto500206
    Sep 2, 2020
    7
    This game is not a successor of a game with Clausewitz Engine, meaning that this game is a successor of a very old game(EU: Rome). Because of that, the game looked very empty when it was released. But with updates, Paradox Development Studio made this game better. Also, the fact that this game doesn't having a single dlc like a CK2, EU4 or HOI4 dlc is a very great thing.
  53. MykytaP
    Oct 5, 2019
    8
    This game got much better after the update which changed a LOT and the game is much deeper and enjoyable now. A lot of game mechanics were reworked still I would like to see different nations to be more fleshed out and unique, which I’m sure will be added with updates and DLCs
  54. alexmann1
    May 2, 2019
    8
    Summary: Compared to other Paradox Grand Strategy games (CK2, EU4, HOI4) Imperator Rome falls short. It lacks the complexity and depth found in these other titles and seems to be an EU4 clone without a lot of the strategic depth. That being said even a weak Paradox entry is still a good (even great) game. There are no other games in the market that provide this kind of experience and whenSummary: Compared to other Paradox Grand Strategy games (CK2, EU4, HOI4) Imperator Rome falls short. It lacks the complexity and depth found in these other titles and seems to be an EU4 clone without a lot of the strategic depth. That being said even a weak Paradox entry is still a good (even great) game. There are no other games in the market that provide this kind of experience and when you stack up Imperator Rome against every other strategy title on the market it holds its own. If you want a strategy game set in antiquity this is the best one by a large margin. While it may be lacking some details and features found in other Paradox titles I am glad it is out now- and won't be the next start citizen of M&B 2 where it never actually releases.

    Pros:
    -Battles give you more control
    -Lots of units compared to EU4
    -More war complexity
    -Government system is deep enough
    -Civil wars and other events are fun
    -Certain quality of life tools really make things more enjoyable
    -Captures the feeling of this time period
    -Is historically authentic
    -It's fun to play

    Cons
    -All the nations kinda play the same. Only 3 government types, all the choices are the same, all the units are the same.
    -The MANA thing is bland and boring and takes away depth
    -The trade system is lacking badly. Based more on resources than money- it's really hard to understand
    -The Mercenary system is strange and allows snowballing too easily
    -The interface is terrible
    -SEVERELY lacking diplomatic options.    … Expand
  55. robertjonfox
    May 10, 2019
    10
    This is an excellent game, and I'm a long time fan of Paradox titles. I don't normally post reviews but in this case I think Paradox deserves much more credit than what the critics are saying. Is there much to be improved? Yes. But, they did come through with their promise to incorporate some of the best elements from previous titles. There is much work to be done, though. The characterThis is an excellent game, and I'm a long time fan of Paradox titles. I don't normally post reviews but in this case I think Paradox deserves much more credit than what the critics are saying. Is there much to be improved? Yes. But, they did come through with their promise to incorporate some of the best elements from previous titles. There is much work to be done, though. The character development and political mechanics really need to be improved. The combat system is good, but they need to provide more options and an automatic pause when a battle starts or you will miss all of the good information. The trade mechanic is good, but a little difficult to manage. Diplomacy is in the infancy stage - you're either in good relations or basically on the verge of war with little in between. As far as character interactions and development - I really wish it was more like CK2 where the player actually cares about the characters. In Imperator, the characters are just pawns being moved around to give this bonus or avoid that problem. I'd really like to see this improved and become more of a core part of the game. But overall this is a really great gaming experience and if you are a fan of the time period, this is the best game on the market.… Expand
  56. Skogen21
    Apr 28, 2020
    10
    One of the best strategy game I've played. I bought the game after cicero patch and there are no problems with game performance or crashes.
    Game seems to be complicated in the beginning, later just simple paint map game. But now it is shiny diamond with some interesting mechanics. I just want to explore game mechanic, trying different approaches. (rule the world as roman emperor, restore    One of the best strategy game I've played. I bought the game after cicero patch and there are no problems with game performance or crashes.
    Game seems to be complicated in the beginning, later just simple paint map game. But now it is shiny diamond with some interesting mechanics. I just want to explore game mechanic, trying different approaches. (rule the world as roman emperor, restore Greek city states power, civilize barbaric tribe, be a technological super power in the middle of nowhere, rise and unit galic tribesman a and conquer roman empire ... no, problem)    … Expand
  57. 1muflon1
    Apr 26, 2019
    10
    I think its a nice paradox entry in the antiquity period. People complain that it has not as many features as CK2 and EU4 forgetting those games had years of updates and more than dozens of expansions. I am really looking forward to seeing how this title will grow as paradox expands it
  58. Hobojobes
    Apr 27, 2019
    7
    Another classic Paradox release, a reasonable base game that lacks character. If you are willing to invest in DLC for the next year I am sure Imperator will turn into a brilliant game, but right now it feels shallow.

    All my challenge as Epirus was in the first hour or two, beyond that I steamrolled the map. The AI is seemingly unable to launch naval invasions. Internal strife seems to    Another classic Paradox release, a reasonable base game that lacks character. If you are willing to invest in DLC for the next year I am sure Imperator will turn into a brilliant game, but right now it feels shallow.

    All my challenge as Epirus was in the first hour or two, beyond that I steamrolled the map. The AI is seemingly unable to launch naval invasions. Internal strife seems to have little to no effect, the one civil war I "suffered" was ended with zero losses to me barring attrition. Characters exist but feel pretty bland, feels like CK2 lite with the few events that are included recycling over and over.    … Expand
  59. Loonybinjin
    May 8, 2019
    10
    Singleplayer is a bit try right now, but it's solid in multiplayer and serves as a great basis for future growth.
  60. hknyrbkn
    Oct 16, 2019
    6
    Yes, it still needs to be polished with update over update and of course, DLCs, but the overall idea and its mechanism are promising. It is exciting to watch how it evolves.
    For those who are bothered with the DLC policy, well, Paradox has been doing it this way since time immemorial. You should have taken this into consideration before buying it.
  61. Skulb
    May 3, 2019
    9
    All the laughably negative reviews are not a review of this game, which is great, but of PDX DLC policies. Keep that in mind if you make the mistake of reading any of the brainless red posts here, or even worse: on Steam. A horde of zombie fanatics is afoot, and it is best to hide in the basement until it passes.
    As for Imperator, it is the best PDX grand strategy game since CKII was    All the laughably negative reviews are not a review of this game, which is great, but of PDX DLC policies. Keep that in mind if you make the mistake of reading any of the brainless red posts here, or even worse: on Steam. A horde of zombie fanatics is afoot, and it is best to hide in the basement until it passes.
    As for Imperator, it is the best PDX grand strategy game since CKII was released. A particular highlight is the combat, which is super engaging. Of course, you have to actually play the game first, which the Red Tards here have not done, regardless of what they claim. Surprisingly, the AI is borderline great. In my last game I am playing as the Etruscans, which is not easy with Rome to the south. But I caught them bogged down in a war against the Bithynians and invaded three times in 30 years to try and finish them off.
    After the second war I had conquered Latium, and I therefore assumed that the AI Rome was now done. The third attack I decided to do spread out from coast to coast, because how could he have rebuilt anything in just ten years. Obviously my 75 000 hillbillies would sweep aside any resistance! And up he shows with a 45 000 man army, and allied with the Syracusans who brought 35 000. And since I was spread out I got completely massacred. Clawing back to win this war took nearly 40 years of game time, and at the end one of Rome's vassals spent tons of gold on mercs behind me. And then there was a civil war, and before I could end it the Gauls invaded. And now I have a Gaul rebellion brewing, but needed a break.

    Lack of content, my ***! Spoiled, deranged people with lack of brains more like it.    … Expand
  62. Untrustedlife
    May 2, 2019
    10
    Game is perfect.
    Trading is far superior to EU4, for example
    Trade system is now provincial rather than national, You create your trade routes then you import trade goods straight into the province, each province has different resources they can trade, and having surplus in the province gives access to new units based on the trade good, local bonuses and national bonuses based on the    Game is perfect.
    Trading is far superior to EU4, for example
    Trade system is now provincial rather than national, You create your trade routes then you import trade goods straight into the province, each province has different resources they can trade, and having surplus in the province gives access to new units based on the trade good, local bonuses and national bonuses based on the trade good if the capital has a surplus of said resource. Instead of buildings generating resources, after certain slave population thresholds in a city the city itself produces additional resources and you can increase trade value with pops on each end of the route.

    It gives access to new types of units, bonuses not only about trade(EUIV didn’t do this), it’s provincial which means it’s more detailed because now you have to worry about trade in each province rather then by country (EUIV is by country) and resources that exist in each province rather then just at the national level.(EUIV didn’t even come close to this level of detail to be honest, EUIVs trade system doesnt effect game play at all by comparison even though you could protect trade routes hunt pirates and such)

    And no, I’m not new to paradox games I have CK2 (and literally all it’s DLC, yes I spent that much money), EUIV, Stellaris and Vicky 1 and vicky 2. Been playing for years. So don’t give me that crap.

    In fact trade is one of the coolest parts of I:R
    ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)    … Expand
  63. Gernmeier
    May 26, 2019
    9
    I think the game isn't as bad as many people say. It isn't always accurate, it is made very easy and so on. And to be honest: Even on hardest difficulty it's way too easy. But I enjoy playing it, so a 9/10 is my rating.
  64. HeresyX
    Apr 30, 2019
    8
    While not as deep as you might've hoped, Imperator feels like a quality product. Basically no bugs, at least none that spoil the experience in any degree. If you like the ancient era, and like "Paradox-style games", then you should give this a try.
  65. ElMariachi1st
    Apr 29, 2019
    9
    First of all It's a Paradox game. Every Paradox game was poor with mechanism and aspects at the start.
    But the game is awesome. It is great mix of Crusader, Europa and Victoria. The game is going to be real good with DLC that are going to come for sure.

    I must recommend it for everyone who loves Paradox Grand strategy games.
  66. Scharamantis
    Apr 28, 2019
    7
    New franchise is always harder to start (Stellaris for example). But this one is less forgiving, because it have much more in common with EU4 and CK2. So someone would expect that it will move the game more forward and You have plenty of things ready on launch.

    It is partial case here. Some parts are new nice mechanic, for example trade. (Although I wouldn't mind adding even more    New franchise is always harder to start (Stellaris for example). But this one is less forgiving, because it have much more in common with EU4 and CK2. So someone would expect that it will move the game more forward and You have plenty of things ready on launch.

    It is partial case here. Some parts are new nice mechanic, for example trade. (Although I wouldn't mind adding even more resources). Some parts are very tempting but still fall behind (character involvement). Multiplayer was working fine and even better then in previous titles. They have nice ageing mechanic, but I just don't feel the importance of having that guy or that guy. The families and traits are so far wasted potential (for me). The building is kinda a joke for now, not much options. Units types are just very limited. UI is not very charming. Not very challenging AI. No ledger. Ship combat and types are also very basic. A lot of micromanagement (I was unable to play effectively even on speed 1), it was running all too quick for my taste (leaving EU4 on speed 3 for toilet visit is no more).

    HOWEVER.
    The upcoming 1.1 patch looks pretty promising, and it is pity that it did not delivered on day 1. For sure the game will develop and extend further. The current game is fun and there is good potential. Although it looks much easier to play then previous titles.

    Conclusion. If You have nothing else to play, BUY. If You like EU4, CK2 it might be good game for You too (but it is different and seems to be easier). I consider the state of the game as Early Access, not full release. As You probably know the DLC strategy for the Paradox games, there will be plenty of them and they will change the current game drastically. But You will need to pay extra. (Therefore I recommend to wait for first DLC/Major Patch and some discount event). The first Major Patch and DLC should be free for players, otherwise it will move Paradox to the column of companies with tricky practices.

    Still winning 51:49 votes on my side and Recommending this at the end. But You need to be aware of the cons it currently have.    … Expand
  67. Falcat66
    May 2, 2019
    5
    Je trouve que ce jeu a de très bonne base MAIS ce ne sont que des bases.
    Un studio comme Paradox a l'expérience et les fonds nécessaires pour sortir un jeu plus complet plus détailler et surtout qui ne ressemble pas à une base pour rajouter 15 patchs à 10€ pièces.
    - La traduction française n'est clairement pas bien faites - les technologies, les "aspirations nationales", les    Je trouve que ce jeu a de très bonne base MAIS ce ne sont que des bases.
    Un studio comme Paradox a l'expérience et les fonds nécessaires pour sortir un jeu plus complet plus détailler et surtout qui ne ressemble pas à une base pour rajouter 15 patchs à 10€ pièces.
    - La traduction française n'est clairement pas bien faites
    - les technologies, les "aspirations nationales", les technologies, les types de gouvernement, les religions sont trop similaires entre groupes culturel différents (germain, celte, grecs, ibère, calédoniens ect....)
    - l'interface est très complexe voir bcp trop complexe ce qui peut gâcher réellement l'expérience de jeu et qui empêche une gestion fines de ces provinces et villes.
    Malgré tout avec un peu d'effort ce jeu pourrait être un des meilleurs du studio, mais la politique de paradox vendre un squelette de jeu et vendre des dizaines de DLC est une honte. Le jeu a peine sorti ont a déjà deux DLC pour un total de 25€.

    En bref c'est une bonne alpha, un EU4 a sa sorti (sans les DLC) avec une mini touche CK2 (trop faible selon moi) mais il y a encore du boulot pour avoir et j'espère que Paradox réfléchira a deux fois avec le prix des DLC.

    Mon conseil: Attendez pour acheter cet opus et économiser si vous êtes fan il y aura beaucoup de DLC pour remplir le jeu....    … Expand
  68. OneZeroLT
    May 11, 2019
    5
    Imperator: Rome has very good potentials and after some updates it could get to be a better game, but at the moment it looks very unfinished. It is very boring and doesn't have much to do in it yet. Wouldn't recommend playing it right now, just wait until it gets better.
  69. wolfaust
    Jul 14, 2021
    9
    If you are a fan of Paradox Interactive's grand strategy games, you'll probably always feel the same thing: Paradox Interactive comes up with a new grand strategy game and makes a start at a truly predictable level, not on odds.

    As with every grand strategy game from Paradox, the game version 1.0 is always painful. I think this is in a way a demo or test process. At least I think    If you are a fan of Paradox Interactive's grand strategy games, you'll probably always feel the same thing: Paradox Interactive comes up with a new grand strategy game and makes a start at a truly predictable level, not on odds.

    As with every grand strategy game from Paradox, the game version 1.0 is always painful. I think this is in a way a demo or test process. At least I think they've left most of the QA to the players. Because, even if you've been familiar with such a game genre for years, you can't imagine that it will make a 100% absolute breakthrough. It is really hard to make only one of the hundreds of stages in the game suitable for each player. If we think that this is craftsmanship, it may sometimes not be possible to keep everyone's expectations at a high level.

    So, as a player who has been playing Paradox Interactive's grand strategy games for years, I can say that Imperator: Rome will be much better in the coming months. This will be possible with the feedback given by the players to the developers. Because this development process allows players to adapt to this game in an easier way.

    A year passed since the day I first published a review for Imperator: Rome. Since the first day, I started to play this game, I had to give time to the game because there are some negative things and mechanics that need to be improved. Still, I never stopped playing it entirely, now I can say that there are lots of successful improvements Paradox Interactive (PI) did in every update.

    With the original release, no one can deny that there is not any lack of feature, there was a lot, but also, at least we have a game to play that we waited so long. On the other hand, any Paradox Interactive grand strategy player knows why they need to wait. We get used to playing these games and see how they grow in time; I mean the improvements, DLCs, free updates, etc., shows us something; we can’t run from it! I wish that PI released the whole game futures with the original release, I will be happy to wait a couple of years, too.

    Now, with there are three different major updates (Pompey, Cicero and Livy) in the game since the original release, each of these updates has good features in it.

    In the original release, there aren’t dual rules in Rome and Carthage, and that felt empty in the political features. With the Pompey Update, they finally added this feature; still, I think they should have added this with the original release. They have an excuse for this, though, it wasn’t ready they said. Then why did you release a game that isn’t ready? Of course, this isn’t the only feature in the Pompey Update.

    Then, we had deeper province management with Cicero Update. Also, this update makes politics more challenging.

    Lastly, we had Livy Update. In this update, they focused on Missions. Yes. They didn’t add it in the original release.

    Now, we are waiting for the new update which fills the game with more features in a realistic way. In this situation, 1.3.2 (Livy), the game is playable more than the original release. I believe that further updates will make the game unique. As every grand strategy games developed by Paradox Interactive, Imperator: Rome, too, have deep character management, diverse population with their own culture and religion; so you can manage them, too. The military needs more attention because you must choose a tactic for your armies and navies, but beware that your enemies developing their tactics. Trade and provincial development are matter because investing in some buildings that you think is helping to improve your province and cities, do it. Make your province and then kingdom, even empire strong with every section. You can even state deities for your faction; this means the gods know what you are doing and they are eager to help you with your tasks.

    With the Marius Update, everything is a compact and military improvement of the factions and for the whole game is a really sharp edge of the gladius!

    In conclusion, you must consider your faction, your empire, your characters, armies, navies, and everything from all points of view.

    I still, recommend you play the game and feel the atmosphere of antiquity.    … Expand
  70. Orange-A
    Dec 19, 2020
    5
    Paradox fails to deliver better quality releases as they become increasingly mainstream, it should not take several DLCs for the game to become good. Although Imperator is in a better state in 2020 than it was in 2019, this is the bare minimum.
  71. kitru
    May 23, 2021
    6
    Мне хватило 4 дня чтобы выучить эвенты и понять основные механики? Круто это или нет - судите сами. На определенном этапе становится скучно, потому что играешь ты 445 до н.э. - 20 н.э. и добиться захвата всей германии + скандинавии у меня заняло 100 лет, а впереди ведь еще 400 лет игры ( 4/5 геймплея если угодно ), ивенты повторяются и превращаются в рутину, менеджмент семей, вовремяМне хватило 4 дня чтобы выучить эвенты и понять основные механики? Круто это или нет - судите сами. На определенном этапе становится скучно, потому что играешь ты 445 до н.э. - 20 н.э. и добиться захвата всей германии + скандинавии у меня заняло 100 лет, а впереди ведь еще 400 лет игры ( 4/5 геймплея если угодно ), ивенты повторяются и превращаются в рутину, менеджмент семей, вовремя подкупить подсосов, союзники вообще в этой игре с середины игры не нужны, на меня лично никогда никто не нападал, только грозились (может потому что я постоянно держал для такого случая союзника ), в общем недельку позависать интересно, потом ме. Не лучшая стратегия от парадоксов. На память: https://i.imgur.com/PNqwHW0.jpg… Expand
  72. KevLooney
    May 12, 2021
    7
    The game in inaccessible. What else is there to say? One doesn't intuit gameplay decisions.
  73. Crowmeat
    Apr 22, 2021
    9
    This game has come a long, LONG way since its release. With the most recent patch, 2.0 at the time of writing, I'd even argue it's one of Paradox' most well-realized titles. Large patches have seen improvements to culture, religion, civic management, tech progression and most recently, warfare. While there are still improvements to be done - notably in trade and diplomacy - what weThis game has come a long, LONG way since its release. With the most recent patch, 2.0 at the time of writing, I'd even argue it's one of Paradox' most well-realized titles. Large patches have seen improvements to culture, religion, civic management, tech progression and most recently, warfare. While there are still improvements to be done - notably in trade and diplomacy - what we currently have is one of the best civilization builders in the Paradox lineup.… Expand
  74. Demainn
    Apr 22, 2021
    10
    Imperator Rome is still not perfect, and many of its features have a long way to go, but now it's a good game that's fun and exciting to play. While the game is still far from reaching its full potential, I now believe it has a really good chance of success. Imperator Rome shows what is possible when developers listen to their community. Whatever you say about the Paradox DLC policy, I'mImperator Rome is still not perfect, and many of its features have a long way to go, but now it's a good game that's fun and exciting to play. While the game is still far from reaching its full potential, I now believe it has a really good chance of success. Imperator Rome shows what is possible when developers listen to their community. Whatever you say about the Paradox DLC policy, I'm not aware of many other companies that have reworked the game so much since release.
    I really liked the reworking of the war with the new mechanics of the legions and the militia. I like that the number of cohorts depends on the population of the absorbed culture.
    The weakest side for me is the interaction with the characters.
    I'm definitely looking forward to future updates.    … Expand
  75. Xuande
    Oct 6, 2021
    9
    Imperator Game is now (2021) an excellent "grand strategy game", with incredible depth and replayability. The various patches have greatly improved the game and gameplay, and it is now a completely different game than in 2019. There is still a lack of in-game documentation (which is quite an issu given the complexity of the game mechanisms), a lot of micromanagement, and many nations,Imperator Game is now (2021) an excellent "grand strategy game", with incredible depth and replayability. The various patches have greatly improved the game and gameplay, and it is now a completely different game than in 2019. There is still a lack of in-game documentation (which is quite an issu given the complexity of the game mechanisms), a lot of micromanagement, and many nations, especially the "barbarians", lack local flavour, but overall, once you get over these drawbacks, it is indeed a wondrous game you can play for centuries ... By comparizon I do find the much prized Crusader Kings III boring. I stop playing it and reverted to Imperator.

    I therefore recommend this game to all those who love grand strategy, history and complex games.

    Please note that as of 2021, it seems that Paradox has given up maintaining this game. So don't expect it to evolve anymore.    … Expand
  76. erfunfazli
    Aug 14, 2023
    4
    A copy paste from Paradox interactive bad games.
    There is nothing but some annoying details.

Awards & Rankings

52
#52 Most Discussed PC Game of 2019
38
#38 Most Shared PC Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. Softpedia
    Feb 16, 2021
    90
    Imperator: Rome is an example of how hard it can be to reconcile gameplay and history. On launch, the game failed to deliver the mix that players expected from Paradox. The Marius update, especially with the tweaks to warfare, is closer to the historical record while also offering gamers plenty of agency. Heirs of Alexander is a good paid expansion, even considered apart from the free update. The Diadochi wars are fascinating and complex. I played quite a bit as the Antigonids and I still have options to explore. The other successor kingdoms have the same amount of content. For anyone who exhausts the stories of the Diadochi, there's more to discover and more places to conquer when playing as Rome, Carthage, and the rest, making Imperator a joy to return to.
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  2. Riot Pixels
    Jul 9, 2019
    55
    Imperator attacks confused players with tons of buttons and information, but in reality it’s one of the most vapid and boring strategy games ever created by Paradox Interactive. The world map is very pretty, though.
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  3. PLAY! Zine
    Jul 8, 2019
    55
    Imperator: Rome is another showmanship of Paradox’s greed that is manifested through their DLC politics. In its core, it is a good game with some intuitive ideas that are resolved through a very interesting time period, but it falls short in almost all fields where its mechanics are clearly left unfinished for some DLCs to fulfil them.
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