When in Rome...
'Si vis pacem, para bellum ' - 'If you seek peace, prepare for war'– Publius Renatus, 390 AD
If you've already read our preview last week of The History Channel: Great Battles of Rome, then head straight to page two to read the new content.
It's a bit of sweeping statement to say that History is boring. Of course it is, if it's not presented in the right way, but the History Channel has produced some exciting and interesting documentaries, and have more recently turned to the video games industry in order to spread the word to a new audience. The aptly named 'The History Channel: Great Battles of Rome', is a battle strategy simulation video game from Black Bean Games and the History channel. The latter has jumped on board to add its name to the title, like a stamp of approval, which suggests that the game will stick faithfully to the historical facts. They've also lent over 50 minutes of program footage from their TV shows, hoping to give the game an authentic Ancient World feel and immerse the player in some of the greatest battles of the era.
The influence of the History channel on Great Battles of Rome is clear to see from the outset. The program footage accurately portrays the era and does a good job at building the atmosphere and the tension before you go to battle, as well as giving you an insight into the historical facts surrounding these wars. At times, it does feel as though you're taking part in a history lesson, but the footage isn't intrusive (appearing approximately ever half a dozen battles) and this period of Ancient Rome is an interesting one ;as the game progressed I became more and more absorbed in the video footage, keen to learn more about this period in history.
