Caesar (video game)

Infobox VG| title = Caesar


developer = Impressions Games
publisher = Sierra Entertainment
designer = David Lester
engine =
released = 1992
genre = City-building game
modes = Single player
ratings = ESRB: Kids to Adults
ELSPA: +6
platforms = Amiga, Atari ST, DOS
media =
requirements =
input =

"Caesar" is a city-building computer game where the player undertakes the role of a Roman governor, building ancient Roman cities.

Released in 1992 on the Amiga, ported the next year to Atari ST, PC and Macintosh, the game was effectively a clone of "SimCity", developed by Maxis and released in 1989, but with a Roman setting. In addition to similar graphics and user interfaces, it also came with issues of micromanagement, including complicated city-planning requirements such as building the right number of schools, theaters, libraries, bathhouses, etc. within suitable distances of residential areas.

Differences from SimCity

Notable differences of "Caesar" from "Sim City" included:

* Addition of a military aspect to the game.
* Simulation with detailed historical city themes and structures.

In "Caesar" the player was required to organise and fund armed campaigns against barbarians, and budget accordingly. The battles themselves were not featured in the original game, but the player needed to accommodate travelling troops, billeting, provisions etc., as well as maintaining a road network to transport legions more effectively. "SimCity" eventually offered historical city graphics to overlay its game engine but the underlying user interface and growth simulation remained unchanged.

Sequels

"Caesar" was developed and designed by Impressions Games and distributed by Sierra Entertainment. At the same time as "Caesar", Impressions developed another Roman-themed game, "Cohort 2", a game which allowed the player to direct Ancient Roman battles in a style akin to a crude precursor of the "Command & Conquer" series. Impressions included a feature in "Cohort 2" which allowed players of "Caesar" to load their saved files and play out the battles from "Caesar" in "Cohort 2". Later, Impressions released an updated version of "Caesar" which automatically launched a version of "Cohort 2" whenever the player engaged in battle. This version was released under the title "Caesar Deluxe" in 1994.

Impressions released additional sequels "Caesar II" in 1995 and "Caesar III" in 1998. A third sequel, "Caesar IV", was announced August 2005 by Tilted Mill Entertainment and was subsequently released on September 26, 2006.

External links

* [http://www.caesariv.com/us/game_caesar_chronicles.html Discussion of evolution of "Caesar" games by lead designer Chris Beatrice]
* [http://www.mobygames.com/game/caesar MobyGames - "Caesar"]