Anno 117: Pax Romana

The story of Anno 117: Pax Romana receives mixed praise, with several critics highlighting its engaging narrative structure and thematic ambition. IGN notes that the campaign offers a "satisfying conclusion" through a choice involving character Ben-Baalion, while VideoGamer appreciates the dual protagonists—Marcus Naukratius and Marcia Tertia—who navigate political intrigue and ethical dilemmas. Gamekult acknowledges the story’s simplicity but praises its long-term goals and structure, and GamingTrend highlights the blend of historical narratives with fictional elements, emphasizing player choices that influence outcomes. Critics like IGN France and This Is Game commend the game’s branching paths and cultural integration mechanics, suggesting the narrative provides a framework for exploration even if it leans on familiar tropes. These positives often center on the campaign’s attempt to balance storytelling with gameplay, offering players a sense of agency within Rome’s political landscape. However, the majority of reviews criticize the story for being underdeveloped, abrupt, and lacking emotional depth. Invader describes the campaign as a "lengthy tutorial" with a narrative that fails to engage, while WellPlayed calls it "underdeveloped and abrupt," noting unfulfilled promises of decision-driven complexity. GameWatcher and GRYOnline.pl criticize the rushed ending, unresolved plot threads, and jarring transition to sandbox mode, with the latter calling the narrative "disconnected" and "overly simplistic." Eurogamer Germany and IGN Italia also point to issues like modern dialogue clashing with historical settings and weak character development, respectively. Many reviewers, including GamesRadar+ and Vgames, note that the story feels minimal or formulaic, with repetitive missions and a focus on task-based progression rather than cohesive storytelling. The campaign’s brevity—often under 10 hours—further undermines its impact, leaving players wanting more depth. Overall, while Anno 117: Pax Romana’s story is praised for its ambition and branching choices, the consensus leans toward it being a weak point compared to the game’s mechanics. Critics like IGN and Gamekult acknowledge its structural strengths, but most agree that the narrative feels underdeveloped, rushed, or disconnected from the game’s broader themes. The dual protagonists and political intrigue offer some engagement, yet issues like abrupt endings, repetitive quests, and lack of emotional resonance dominate critiques. Despite occasional praise for its historical context and player agency, the story is frequently seen as a secondary element, serving more as a tutorial than a compelling narrative experience. This mixed reception reflects a game that aims high but struggles to deliver a cohesive or memorable story.

The gameplay of Anno 117: Pax Romana is widely praised for its accessibility, depth, and refined mechanics. Critics like IGN Portugal highlight its intuitive design, noting that systems start simple (e.g., logging and sawmills) but evolve into complex production chains, appealing to both newcomers and veterans. GamingBolt and Gamekult commend the improved city-building mechanics, including diagonal roads, supply chain management, and small-scale industry, which add strategic layers without overwhelming players. The game’s focus on resource management, trade routes, and infrastructure development is lauded for its logical complexity, with MMORPG.com praising new features like angled roads and modular ship design. COGconnected and Games.cz emphasize the sandbox mode’s flexibility, allowing creative freedom after mastering core systems, while IGN Spain calls the gameplay “addictive” with a rewarding learning curve. These elements collectively create a satisfying simulation that balances depth with approachability. However, several critics point to notable flaws. GameWatcher and GIGA criticize clunky combat mechanics, particularly naval and land warfare, which feel unbalanced and frustrating compared to the game’s strong economic systems. IGN France and Vgames note that military mechanics lack depth, with some systems (like diplomacy and religion) feeling underdeveloped or simplistic. Gamekult and GamesOver.gr mention pacing issues in the campaign, where unclear objectives and abrupt conclusions detract from immersion. Additionally, COGconnected and VideoGamer highlight UI frustrations, such as cumbersome navigation and an overwhelming interface that requires time to master. While Softpedia and Jeuxvideo.com critique forced warfare elements and repetitive tasks, these issues are often seen as minor drawbacks rather than deal-breakers. Overall, the majority of critics view Anno 117: Pax Romana as a strong entry in the series, with its gameplay praised for innovation, depth, and accessibility. IGN Portugal, GamingBolt, and Gamekult all highlight its refined mechanics and engaging systems, while even those pointing out flaws acknowledge the game’s strengths. The blend of familiar Anno formulas with new features like diagonal construction and dual-region gameplay (Latium/Albion) is seen as a positive evolution, despite some underdeveloped aspects. While technical issues and pacing problems exist, they are generally overshadowed by the game’s rewarding simulation and strategic complexity. As IGN Spain notes, the core mechanics are “engaging and rewarding,” reinforcing the consensus that Anno 117 succeeds as a deep, immersive city-building experience.

The majority of reviewers praised Anno 117: Pax Romana for its visually striking design, highlighting its detailed environments, historical authenticity, and immersive world-building. Critics consistently noted the game’s ability to bring ancient Rome and Celtic regions to life with vibrant color palettes, intricate architecture, and dynamic simulations. For instance, IGN Portugal lauded the “captivating” visuals of cities and landscapes, while Eurogamer Germany emphasized the “aesthetic beauty of settlements” and attention to historical accuracy in building designs. The game’s environments, such as the sun-scorched Latium and verdant Albion, were described as “visually distinct” (TheGamer) and “stunning” (CGMagazine), with dynamic weather, day-night cycles, and lifelike animations enhancing immersion. Additionally, the technical advancements like ray tracing, realistic water effects, and detailed textures (Vandal, PlayUA) were celebrated, with some calling it the franchise’s best visuals yet (COGconnected). The art direction was frequently noted for its elegance and coherence, creating a cohesive Roman world that feels both authentic and visually engaging (Everyeye.it). Despite these strengths, several critics pointed out notable flaws that detracted from the overall experience. Issues included repetitive textures and AI-generated assets, such as “blurred shapes, blank faces, and incomplete limbs” (Checkpoint Gaming), which undermined the visual quality. PlayStation Universe criticized the PS5’s graphics for falling short of current-gen expectations, citing slow-loading textures and pixelation. Others highlighted technical shortcomings like chaotic UI design (CD-Action), performance drops in larger settlements (IGN Italia), and underwhelming combat visuals (DualShockers). Character models and cutscenes also faced scrutiny, with IGN noting “outdated” lip sync and GIGA pointing to “flickering lights” and “black-eyed NPCs.” While these issues were not universal, they reflected a recurring theme of technical imperfections that, while minor, occasionally disrupted the otherwise polished presentation. The lack of zoom functionality (Jeuxvideo.com) and UI clutter (GamingTrend) further underscored some design compromises. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most acknowledging Anno 117: Pax Romana as a visual triumph despite its technical hiccups. While a handful of reviews pointed to specific flaws—such as AI-generated asset issues (Checkpoint Gaming) or optimization problems (IGN Italia)—the majority emphasized the game’s breathtaking environments, historical detail, and immersive design. Critics like IGN, Eurogamer Germany, and CGMagazine highlighted the game’s ability to create a “living, breathing world” through its meticulous attention to architectural nuance and atmospheric effects. Even when noting drawbacks, many framed them as minor blemishes on an otherwise impressive visual foundation. The combination of improved technical execution, vibrant aesthetics, and historical authenticity solidified Anno 117 as a standout entry in the franchise, with its visuals serving as a key pillar of its appeal.

The sound design and music of Anno 117: Pax Romana received generally positive feedback from multiple reviewers, with many praising its immersive and atmospheric qualities. Critics like COGconnected highlighted the orchestral score as one of the year’s best, emphasizing its strong environmental audio design that enhances immersion and world-building. Similarly, GRYOnline.pl noted that the soundtrack and ambient sounds were well-matched to the game’s setting, creating a cohesive experience, while Malditos Nerds praised the orchestral score for its ability to elevate the immersive atmosphere of managing a Roman empire. Gamesurf and GameGrin also commended the dynamic soundtrack and tailored soundscapes that adapt to gameplay phases, contributing to realism without overwhelming players. The calming and atmospheric nature of the music was frequently highlighted, with IGN France and Jeuxvideo.com noting how the subtle, effective soundtrack complemented ambient sounds like waves and patrolling troops, reinforcing the game’s historical setting. However, several critics pointed out shortcomings in the audio design, particularly its lack of grandeur and originality. CD-Action criticized the music as "decent but lacking grandeur," comparing it unfavorably to other games like Arcanum and noting a general absence of dramatic elements befitting Rome. Games.cz described the music as "understated and background-focused," while Vgames called it "unremarkable and forgettable," arguing that it failed to deliver iconic compositions. Softpedia added that the soundtrack was "pleasant but lacks variety," with repetitive voice acting reducing immersion during narrative events. Additionally, IGN Turkey noted inconsistencies in voice acting, citing flat delivery and uneven accents as drawbacks. These critiques suggest that while the audio effectively supports the game’s atmosphere, it falls short of exceptional or memorable achievements. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward a balanced but mixed reception. While the majority praised the sound design for its immersive qualities, atmospheric depth, and historical authenticity—particularly in how it complements the city-building mechanics—the music was often seen as competent rather than groundbreaking. COGconnected and GRYOnline.pl stood out for their enthusiastic endorsements of the orchestral score, while CD-Action and Vgames represented the more critical perspectives. The divide likely stems from differing expectations: some reviewers appreciated the subtle, ambient approach that aligns with the game’s relaxed pace, while others felt it lacked the dramatic flair or originality expected from a historical title. Despite these contrasts, the audio design is broadly recognized as a strong, if not exceptional, component of Anno 117: Pax Romana.

The voice acting in Anno 117: Pax Romana receives a mix of commendations, particularly for its immersive qualities and narrative engagement. Critics like Oyungezer explicitly praise the voice acting as a standout element, while GameGrin and Game8 highlight its ability to draw players into the story, noting that the voice cast adds depth to both characters and plot. GAMES.CH appreciates how fully voiced dialogue enhances narrative depth, and Gamersky points to the introduction of full Chinese voice acting as a significant improvement for immersion. Additionally, Impulsegamer notes that distinct character personalities—such as those of siblings Marcus and Marcia—contribute to a more engaging campaign, suggesting that the vocal performances help drive emotional stakes despite limited technical elaboration. However, several critics critique the voice acting for its uneven quality and technical shortcomings. Games.cz criticizes the over-the-top British accents assigned to Roman characters, calling it jarring and inconsistent with the game’s historical setting, though they acknowledge it aligns with the game’s Albion-inspired worldbuilding. IGN Turkey describes the English dialogue as “dull” and “out of place,” while Softpedia labels the voice acting as “mediocre,” citing repetitive citizen dialogues that undermine narrative impact. WellPlayed further highlights poor editing, abrupt cuts, and inconsistent lip syncing, which disrupt the flow of interactions. Gamekult also notes varying quality in French performances, and COGconnected observes that while present, the voice acting fails to stand out as a defining feature. Overall, the reception of Anno 117: Pax Romana’s voice acting is mixed, reflecting both its potential to enhance immersion and its technical flaws. While some critics, such as Oyungezer, GameGrin, and Game8, celebrate its contributions to storytelling and character depth, others emphasize inconsistencies in performance, accents, and production quality. The game’s voice work appears to be a polarizing aspect, with praise for its ambition and narrative integration offset by frustrations over execution. Despite these divides, the majority of reviews acknowledge that the voice acting, while not flawless, plays a role in shaping the game’s atmosphere and engagement.

The technical performance of Anno 117: Pax Romana varies across platforms, with notable strengths on PC and Xbox Series X, while the PS5 version faces unique challenges. On PC, many reviewers highlight solid optimization, scalable graphics settings, and stable frame rates, particularly when leveraging technologies like DLSS or FSR (e.g., Everyeye.it, GameBlast post-launch, Vgames, Player 2). The game runs smoothly on mid-range hardware with improvements post-launch (Impulsegamer) and maintains stability for complex simulations (GamingTrend). On Xbox Series X, critics like Gamer.no and Generación Xbox praise seamless performance, consistent 60 FPS, and minimal loading times, suggesting strong console optimization. The PS5 version, while generally stable, faces issues like AI-generated asset glitches (Checkpoint Gaming) and UI quirks (PlayStation Universe), though some reviewers note smooth gameplay with mouse/keyboard support (GameGrin). However, technical challenges persist across platforms. On PC, frame drops, microstutters, and optimization issues on mid-range hardware are recurring concerns (GameBlast, Games.cz, WellPlayed), alongside UI flaws like cluttered menus (GamesRadar+) and bugs such as stuck units or broken contracts (Games.cz). The game’s “soft-locks” from overbuilding (DualShockers) and unstable diplomacy systems (GRYOnline.pl) further complicate the experience. On PS5, AI-related visual glitches (Checkpoint Gaming) and long load times (GameGrin) detract from immersion, while console-specific control issues—like awkward radial menus (TheSixthAxis, GameSpew)—hinder usability. The Xbox version, though praised for smooth performance, lacks explicit technical discussion in some reviews (Jeuxvideo.com), leaving room for uncertainty about its broader stability. Overall, critics agree that Anno 117: Pax Romana is technically ambitious but imperfect. PC receives mixed feedback, with post-launch patches addressing many issues (Impulsegamer, GameBlast) but lingering optimization concerns. Xbox Series X emerges as the most polished platform, while PS5’s technical quirks—particularly AI glitches and control navigation—stand out. Despite these flaws, the game’s scalability, robust settings, and stable core mechanics (e.g., GIGA, PlayUA) suggest Ubisoft has delivered a technically sound foundation, albeit one requiring further refinement. The consensus leans toward cautious optimism: while PC and Xbox offer smoother experiences, the PS5 version highlights the challenges of balancing ambition with technical polish in large-scale simulations.

The majority of reviewers highlight strong replay value in Anno 117: Pax Romana through its diverse mechanics and flexibility. Multiple modes—such as the sandbox, endless mode, and campaign—offer players varied experiences, with features like managing two provinces simultaneously (Jeuxvideo.com), branching storylines (This Is Game), and customizable scenarios (Everyeye.it). The game’s strategic depth, including city-building complexity, research trees, and cultural strategies (e.g., Romanization vs. local preservation), encourages experimentation (GIGA, GamesRadar+). Multiplayer options, both cooperative and competitive, further enhance longevity (Gamesurf, Gamers Heroes), while systems like the Hall of Fame and DLC plans (IGN Adria) suggest potential for extended engagement. Critics like IGN and GameStar emphasize the game’s ability to reward repeated playthroughs through optimization and varied objectives, with some noting that its depth could sustain players for hundreds of hours (GameStar). However, several critics point to limitations that may hinder long-term appeal. Repetitive mechanics, such as the campaign’s lack of narrative depth or abrupt ending (WellPlayed, GamesRadar+), and the slow pace of gameplay (Jeuxvideo.com) are frequently cited as drawbacks. Some reviewers argue that the game’s reliance on familiar Anno formulas without significant innovation (GRYOnline.pl) could alienate fans seeking fresh experiences. Additionally, flaws like poor grand strategy mechanics (Vgames) or a lack of substantial content compared to predecessors (TheGamer) may deter players from revisiting the title. While multiplayer and sandbox modes mitigate these issues for some, others question whether the core systems alone can sustain interest over time (DualShockers, Vgames). Overall, critics largely agree that Anno 117: Pax Romana offers robust replay value through its systems-driven gameplay, multiple playstyles, and post-launch content plans. While concerns about repetition and narrative shortcomings exist, the consensus leans toward optimism, with many praising its flexibility and depth (IGN, GamesRadar+, GameStar). The game’s appeal seems to hinge on player preferences: those who prioritize strategy and customization will find it highly replayable, while others may struggle with its pacing or lack of innovation. As noted by PlayUA and Region Free, the sandbox mode’s endless experimentation opportunities and modifiability further solidify its potential for long-term engagement, despite some reservations about its core design.