Spartacus A Game of Blood and Treachery

Product Information

The game is for 3-4 players. Each player is a Dominus of one of four rival houses. You will build your influence, buy slaves and guards and gladiators, and ultimately send them out to fight for you in the arena. The game is mad simple. Outside of the arena, players can also hatch schemes to undermine their rivals and acquire more wealth. Whilst some schemes require very little to pull off, others may even force players to convince an opponent to help them - either through bribes or promises. with all participants making wagers to hopefully gain a return. I’ve been known to bet against myself because I can see my contender in the arena has no chance against my opposition, so why not try to cash in on my loss.

This upcoming board game edition of Spartacus features a brand new art style that focuses on original illustrations rather than images from the television series. One of the houses previously featured in the original edition - House Solonius - has also been replaced by a new house hailing from North Africa, called House Chuma. This should be kept in mind with this game review because, even though it is a game and none of the players are actually doing the things described on the cards or in the rules, this may be unpalatable to a certain game audience. Indeed, if the thought of owning slaves in a game is something distasteful to readers, they should just stop reading this review. I love the arena phase. It is a fantastic part of this game and the phase I get most hyped up about, particularly if I know I have a strong gladiator to take in there, should I get the chance. Like every phase in the game where all players can engage pretty much all the time, the arena is no exception,A game of Spartacus plays over a series of rounds until the game victory condition is met. The victory condition is for one player (dominus—literally “master” in Latin) to have 12 influence points at the end of one of the game’s main phases: In Spartacus, you control a Domus – an Imperial Roman house - looking to increase its influence at the expense of its rivals. Through dastardly intrigue and through the victory of its gladiators in the arena. Set in the debauched and dangerous city of Capua during the height of the Roman empire, Spartacus has players becoming dominus over their own noble house - with the aim to win gold and glory by pitting their gladiators against those of rival houses. Featuring various characters and factions from the television show, Spartacus has players using their wits and nerve to win competitions and become the most influential house in Capua. I'm keen to hear your take on it. Has anyone tried it with less players? Does it help? Do let me know. Then there are the defeats. It comes down to dice and when those dice are against you it is oh so upsetting. I’ve seen legends taken down which should never have lost (on paper) to a weaker opponent, but that is the exciting part of the game in that nothing is guaranteed. Ego’s take a severe bashing in these moments. What is worst in this moment is when that Host turns their thumb down! Your gladiator that may well have built a bit of an arena reputation, has just lost, followed by the host’s execution. They are gone, out of the game and cannot return from this decision. It hurts. Moments like this instantly result in new views on your route forward in a game, alliances can be made if a host saves your gladiator, but my word, I’m all out to take the host down if they execute a gladiator of mine, particularly if I spent plenty of coin on them. It really is not ok, but that is the beauty of this game. The Spirit Of The Game

In Spartacus, you control a Domus – an Imperial Roman house – looking to increase its influence at the expense of its rivals. Through dastardly intrigue and through the victory of its gladiators in the arena. Whatever readers feel about board game themes of ancient times, it’s undeniable that often the conquest of people external to one’s own group often resulted in their enslavement. The Romans and other contemporaneous civilizations saw other cultures as inferior, and their enslavement was seen as a natural outcome of conflict. Couple this with the Roman fascination with violent gladiatorial games and you have a situation where women and men were used, often violently, for the pleasure and sport of others. The market phase is next. It combines player to player trading but also has three auctions for randomly drawn assets. These might be gladiators themselves, who will fight in the arena. Or equipment for your gladiators to fight with. Or slaves, who affect your domus’ assets. Simple blind-bidding keeps this a pacey and enjoyable competition, with a bit less bite but no less tension. Particularly when a really plum gladiator comes up for auction. Death Or Glory But let me say this. Whenever I do have some spare time, I want to play some board games with my lovely friends. And now I can play Spartacus: The Board Game. And it's bloody brilliant.

The biggest assault on players here is the playtime caused by the Influence count needed to win. For a shorter game, players can lower this, but that would skew how some of the game content is played. In reality, for the style of game that it is and for the amount of narrative the game presents, this reviewer would expect no more than 90 minutes including setup. When a four-player game hits 3 hours, it really needs to be providing more than it does. Final Thoughts: Every player can make bets on the outcome of the battles. You can even make a bet that someone's head will get sliced off. This means, yes, that you could send in a shitty gladiator just to see him get torn to shreds. How Roman is that? In Spartacus: A Game of Blood & Treachery, an exciting game of twisted schemes and bloody combats inspired by the hit STARZ Original series, each player takes on the role of Dominus, head of a rising house in the ancient Roman city of Capua. Each house is competing for Influence to gain the favor of Rome. Through a combination of political schemes and glorious battles on the arena sands your house will rise in fame and stature. As Dominus, you have a variety of resources at your disposal. Guards protect you from schemes launched by rivals. Slaves run your household and earn gold. Gladiators compete to bring glory to themselves and influence to their Dominus. BUT – don’t be an ass about it. Everyone plays games to have a good time. Ultimately, you’re playing to have fun with your friends – keep that in mind as you’re plotting to destroy their house.