“Behold, I found Rome of clay, and leave her to you of marble.” – Augustus’ last words to the people of Rome.

On Friday, I asked for your help in re-naming my game Roma for publication and you delivered with loads of great feedback and suggestions!

I’ve been working with my publisher to review the responses and winnow the suggestions down to a manageable set. We’re still looking for the perfect name and I think we’ve got some good ones here.

Here’s a summary of the game’s setting and a quick overview:

The reign of Augustus, Founder of the Roman Empire and its first Emperor brought many changes to Rome. With Augustus came an era of relative peace called the Pax Romana, which lasted for more than two centuries. During his more than forty-year reign, Augustus reformed the Roman tax system, developed networks of roads with an official courier system, established a standing army and the Praetorian Guard, created official police and fire-fighting services for Rome and rebuilt much of the great city.

In the game, the players take on the roles of powerful Magistrates, wielding influence and power to direct the reconstruction efforts. The city is rebuilt neighborhood by neighborhood with rhombus-shaped tiles. Great civic buildings are constructed at the intersections of these neighborhood tiles, while aqueducts and fountains deliver water and beautify the city. Players must plan ahead when developing neighborhoods, to ensure their influence is greatest, for their power of influence increases with each civic building completed in their neighborhoods. Players earn points by constructing civic buildings and ensuring access to water and views of fountains. 

I’ve added a new poll with the list of names we like. We’d love to get your input on them. Please take a look and vote on your favorite. Comments are welcome and appreciated!