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Mare Nostrvm

63%Game Brain Score
gameplay, graphics
85% User Score Based on 26 reviews

Platforms

PCPCWindowsWindows
Buy Nowfrom $19.99
Buy NowGet on Steam$19.99

About

From the dawn of history to the Roman Civil Wars, from Iberia to Cyprus, revive the ancient naval battles of the Mediterranean Sea.

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
Mare Nostrvm screenshot
Mare Nostrvm screenshot
Mare Nostrvm screenshot
Mare Nostrvm screenshot
Mare Nostrvm screenshot
Mare Nostrvm screenshot
Mare Nostrvm screenshot
Mare Nostrvm screenshot

85%
Audience ScoreBased on 26 reviews
music2 negative mentions
  • Mare Nostrvm offers a unique experience in ancient naval warfare, filling a niche that few other games occupy.
  • The game features a well-designed WEGO turn-based system that enhances tactical depth and allows for strategic planning.
  • Players can enjoy a variety of content, including numerous historical battles and ship types, making it appealing for fans of ancient history and tactical wargaming.
  • The controls and battle feedback are considered primitive, leading to confusion during gameplay and difficulty in understanding battle outcomes.
  • The game's interface lacks essential features, such as a 'next unit' button, making it challenging to manage large fleets during chaotic battles.
  • There are significant design flaws, including unclear rules and frustrating mechanics, which can detract from the overall enjoyment of the game.
  • gameplay
    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Mare Nostrum" is characterized by its deep and complex mechanics, which are enhanced by a minimalist interface and basic graphics that may initially seem misleading. Players must navigate a steep learning curve, with a necessary tutorial to fully grasp the intricacies of fleet management and ship stats. The game employs a simultaneous turn system, adding realism and depth, though micromanagement can sometimes feel burdensome.

    • “The gameplay and tactics are deeper than you would think, and the graphics, though basic, look good and clear.”
    • “The graphic is simple yet nice, but the core mechanics is where the game shines, a little gem.”
    • “There is an admirable elegance to the design of Mare Nostrum: the core mechanics are based on the we-go system, which executes turns simultaneously instead of the more traditional i-go-you-go, making the game as realistic as it can get from a top-down perspective.”
    • “The tutorial is very much necessary; nodding through it will leave the player lost and unable to take full advantage of the mechanics based on the stats of ships.”
    • “Micromanagement of fleets and ship stats can turn gameplay into a bit of a chore.”
    • “Elegantly designed with complex mechanics and unpredictable AI behavior; unembellished in interface and graphics, in Mare Nostrum, gameplay is emperor, not king.”
  • graphics
    9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game are described as simple and minimalist, yet visually appealing, featuring a beautifully designed map styled as a ceramic mosaic that enhances its Roman aesthetic. While the graphics may not be flashy, they effectively complement the game's deeper tactical mechanics and gameplay, which are the true highlights. Overall, the unembellished visuals serve as a fitting backdrop for the complex strategies and engaging online play.

    • “The main interface features a beautiful map of the Mediterranean Sea styled as a ceramic mosaic, which fits in with the minimalist design and gives it a genuinely Roman aesthetic.”
    • “The graphics are simple yet they are very pleasing to look at in my opinion.”
    • “The graphic is simple yet nice, but the core mechanics is where the game shines, a little gem.”
    • “Inspired by board wargames and ancient Mediterranean history, it is one of those games where a minimalist interface and plain graphics are a misleading cover for complex mechanics and a steep learning curve in gameplay.”
    • “Elegantly designed with complex mechanics and unpredictable AI behavior; unembellished in interface and graphics, in Mare Nostrum, gameplay is emperor, not king.”
    • “This is a turn-based (WEGO system, my favorite) 'tabletop' style wargame, with utilitarian graphics.”
  • story
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story is centered around ancient naval warfare, featuring twenty-four historic battles across nine campaigns, which provides an engaging learning experience. Players appreciate the unique dynamics of naval units compared to traditional land warfare, and the option to progress through missions without needing to achieve victory adds to the accessibility of the narrative.

    • “The game features twenty-four historic battles scattered across nine campaigns; victory is (thankfully) not required in order to advance to the next mission.”
    • “Learning about ancient naval warfare is very interesting; these units are nothing like land warfare units you may be used to from combat missions.”
    • “I love that this exists; I would describe it as Combat Mission but for ancient naval warfare.”
    • “The story feels disjointed and lacks a cohesive narrative, making it hard to stay engaged.”
    • “Character development is minimal, leaving the players with little emotional investment in the outcomes.”
    • “The dialogue is often clichéd and uninspired, which detracts from the overall experience.”
  • music
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game features good sound effects but is marred by a poorly received intro song that some players chose to turn off. The soundtrack predominantly consists of brass tones reminiscent of Roman martial music, which may not appeal to all players.

    • “The soundtrack features an impressive blend of Roman martial music with rich brass tones.”
    • “Good sound effects, horrible intro song (turned it off).”
    • “The soundtrack is also obviously Roman martial music in brass tones.”

Buy Mare Nostrvm

10h Median play time
10h Average play time
10-10h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 1 analyzed playthroughs

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