Summing Up Four-Player Empire

I HAVE now played three games of Philip Sabin's Empire.

In the first, which was a solo trial game, Macedon had difficulties against the Persians, while in the west Carthage never really troubled Rome.

The Macedonians did eventually eliminate the Persians, but the Romans destroyed Carthage and then successfully turned their attentions to the east.

In the second game, which was also played solo, and which I posted on this blog, the Macedonians swept through the Persian holdings, repeating their historic success in capturing (west) INDIA.

Rome's expansion was seriously delayed by Carthage, and, in desperation, the Romans left off conquering AFRICA in order to attack the Macedonians.

The latter were hampered by a series of revolts, which included the establishment of a Parthian state, the net result being a Carthaginian win.

Andy, the winner of our four-player game, 'modestly' put his triumph down to his military training.

Some of us were inclined to give a generous share of the credit to the dice, which is perhaps a little uncharitable, but there is no doubt Richard's Romans were badly hit in the late turns by revolts in their hinterland, rather as the Macedonians had been in my second solo game.

Be that as it may, what is particularly satisfying about my experience with Empire is that I have played it three times, each time was exciting, and each time saw a different people win.

I am not sure one can ask for much more than that.