Objective of the Game
Aqua Romana is a strategy and construction game set in ancient Rome, where players act as engineers tasked with building aqueducts. The goal is to construct the longest aqueducts to score the most points.
Game Components
- 1 Game board
- 4 Player boards
- Colored worker figures for each player
- Master builder figures
- Aqueduct tiles
- Point chips
- Rulebook
Game Setup
- Place the game board in the center of the table.
- Each player receives a player board and a set of worker figures in their color.
- Master builder figures are evenly distributed on the designated spaces around the game board.
- The aqueduct tiles are placed in the center.
Gameplay
The game is played over several rounds, each consisting of the following phases:
1. Planning Phase
Each player decides the direction in which their worker will move this round. A worker can move left, right, up, or down.
2. Construction Phase
- All players simultaneously reveal their decisions.
- Workers execute their actions according to the master builders' current positions, extending the aqueducts by placing new tiles.
- Workers can only move in the chosen direction unless blocked. If a worker is stuck or cannot extend the aqueduct, they cannot continue building in the next round.
3. Scoring Phase
When a worker can no longer build, the aqueduct they created is scored. The length of the aqueduct is counted, and the player receives points accordingly.
4. Movement of Master Builders
After each scoring phase, master builders move one space forward, altering the construction dynamics for the next round.
End of the Round
The round ends when all workers can no longer build, or all master builders are on their final spots.
End of the Game
The game concludes when all aqueducts have been scored. The player with the most points wins the game.
Tips and Strategies
- Strategic Placement: The location to place the next aqueduct tile is as crucial as the direction your worker moves. Keep future master builder positions in mind.
- Blocking: Try to block opponents' workers by strategically placing tiles to prevent them from extending their aqueducts easily.
- Balance: Find a balance between creating long aqueducts for maximum points and going for short segments to secure quick points.
Aqua Romana is a game full of tactical depth where planning and adaptability are key. Recognize the game's dynamics and use the movements of the master builders to your advantage.
