Legion Arena

'Legion Arena' is an interesting game based on the individual battles of the ascent of Rome. It is a surprise package which I picked up at Bugis Junction for $9.95! I had not expected much but I ended up finishing the Roman campaign and enjoying it tremendously.

The game simulates individual battles in real time with a large emphasis on morale. The units modelled appears reasonably accurate in my opinion. The suspect heavy and light cavalry, the steadfast infantry units, the skirmishers and missile units and more. The command and control aspects. The variety of orders.

Units gain experience from battle to battle and have the choice to purchase better equipment. Of course, units don't live for centuries which is what the course of the campaign will entail. However, one can argue that that experience models the unit histories, unit oral traditions and the evolution of tactics. Likewise, the equipment purchase can presumably model the improvement in equipment.

The battles modelled includes that of Rome as a city state under kings, Rome as a republic and finally Rome as an empire. Following the ascent of Octavian, the campaign ends. There are battles against the Etruscans, Samnites, Volsci, Carthaginians, Alpine Gauls, Macedonians, and more. There will also be battles in the Roman civil war and the slave revolt. Great stuff!

I have not played the Celtic campaign as I am not particularly interested.

'Legion Arena' is a fast-playing and light game. If you enjoy learning and reading history, this game may be for you. Highly recommended.