Rome: Pathway to Power
Description official description
Rome: Pathway to Power is set - as the name implies - in Ancient Rome. You start life as a poor slave in Herculaneum, which, along with Pompeii, was destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. Eventually you travel to Rome and climb the social ladder, becoming a Captain in the army, a Senator and eventually Emperor of Rome. Four of the game's six levels are adventure style romps, while in the other two levels you control an army in an attempt to conquer an enemy of Rome. The game contains many characteristic details to be seen around the levels; from naked people running around the Baths, to buying slaves to fight in the Gladiatorial games. There are instances in which you have the freedom to choose how to deal with various problems.
Groups +
Screenshots
Promos
Credits (DOS version)
32 People (29 developers, 3 thanks) · View all
| Game Design | |
| Original PC Programming | |
| Graphics | |
| Music | |
| Sound Effects | |
| Additional Graphics | |
| Published in the U.K. by |
|
| Original Documentation | |
| US Documentation Update | |
| US Design and Layout | |
| Translation Updates | |
| Package Design |
|
| Package Illustration | |
| US Producer | |
| US Product Managers | |
| Lead Tester | |
| Additional QA | |
| [ full credits ] | |
Reviews
Critics
Average score: 73% (based on 19 ratings)
Players
Average score: 3.8 out of 5 (based on 13 ratings with 1 reviews)
A very good game, but still had it's flaws.....
The Good
I liked a lot of different aspects about the game. One in particular, the cute little characters running around the screen!!! I also liked the structure of the levels, they were true to Roman times. The great thing about Rome was the graphics!!! Great graphics for 1992!!! I am sort of more an Adventure type, but this blew me away!!!
The Bad
First thing I didn't like was the isometric view. At times, you couldn't see where you were walking, but that's probably what the map was for. I didn't like the sound, which was basically a MIDI file in the background. And absolutely no wav files!!! For example, when you are in Rome on the second level, you buy a Gladiator to fight in the games. When the swords clashed, all it was was a MIDI sound. Despite these flaws, Rome was still a good game!
The Bottom Line
Buy it!!! You won't be disappointed!!! Even if you do not like adventure games, maybe you are more of the RPG person, this game has a bit of everything!!! Sure, the game has it's flaws, but they are really small, give it a go!!!
DOS · by James1 (240) · 2001
Trivia
Historical accuracy
Mt. Vesuvius erupted in AD 79, placing the game's year over a decade late.
Names
The "Roman" names of in-game characters all sound jocular, mocking their functions (e.g. Militarius Conflictus, the Centurion; Vox Populus, the Herold - or a certain woman called... Erotica).
Sexual content
Male gladiators can be bought and sent into fighting games to win money. What are the possibilities with a female slave? Hector takes her into an empty alley to have... sexual intercourse with her (hinted at only in dialogue text).
Information also contributed by Rola
Analytics
Upgrade to MobyPro to view research rankings and price history! (when applicable)
Related Games
Released 2019 on Linux, Windows, Macintosh...
Released 2004 on N-Gage
Released 2020 on Windows
Released 2005 on N-Gage
Released 2014 on ZX Spectrum
Released 2007 on Windows
Released 1991 on DOS, Amiga, Atari ST
Released 2014 on Windows
Released 1990 on DOS, 1991 on Genesis, Amiga...
Identifiers +
Contribute
Are you familiar with this game? Help document and preserve this entry in video game history! If your contribution is approved, you will earn points and be credited as a contributor.
Contributors to this Entry
Game added by Richard Wilson.
Amiga added by Johnny "ThunderPeel2001" Walker.
Additional contributors: Fafnir, Havoc Crow, Magnifesto.
Game added August 24, 2000. Last modified July 25, 2024.