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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
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