REVIEW: Nova Roma - a playful and ruthless role as the mayor of Rome

The latest city-building game in early access, “Nova Roma,” developed by Lion Shield and published by Hooded Horse, was released on March 26, 2026.

The game invites players to step into the shoes of a Roman mayor, tasked with leading a group of citizens in founding a new civilization. At its core, the game blends classic city-building mechanics with a unique focus on managing water and appeasing the gods.

Water as a bloodstream

The biggest innovation in the video game “Nova Roma” lies in its sophisticated water simulation. Players can build aqueducts, cisterns, dams, and reservoirs, reshaping the land to control floods, irrigate fields, and sustain the growth of the city.

Reviewing the dam’s effects before investing resources adds a strategic layer reminiscent of “From Dust.” The joy of watching rivers divert, land enrich, and fountains come to life makes water not just a resource, but the very bloodstream of the city.

Gods as citizens

Water, however, is not the only force to contend with. The gods of Rome demand temples, sacrifices, and achievements. Their whims can bring technological improvements or unleash disaster if ignored. Vulcan showers meteors when coal runs out, Jupiter summons storms when grain is scarce, and Ceres curses the fields when she feels insulted.

Managing these divine outbursts feels more like a parent trying to tame unruly children than like worship. The inevitable tantrums, conflicting priorities, and constant need for balance are what make this game truly demanding.

Known basics

Beyond the divine drama and hydraulic marvels, “Nova Roma” offers the familiar pleasures of the genre: expanding housing for migrants, exploiting resources, building shops and wells, and defending against invading fleets from ancient Rome. The HUD is clean, if occasionally unclear, while terrain irregularities make it difficult to place aqueducts. The fire simulation is particularly ruthless, spreading quickly and punishing any lapse in preparation.

Strengths and weaknesses

Strengths:

- Innovative water simulation with strategic depth

- The dynamic relationship between the gods and city planning

- Clean presentation and responsive pace

Weaknesses:

- Unclear resource visuals and complicated construction

- Potential frustration due to frequent divine disasters

- Strict fire mechanics that may discourage casual players

Conclusion

“Nova Roma” manages to refresh the city-building formula with its dual focus on water and gods. The game is both playful and ruthless, offering moments of exhilaration as you direct the flow of rivers to your will, but also moments of despair when divine wrath destroys careful planning. For players looking for a blend of classic grandeur and modern simulation, this is a promising early access title that already stands out in a crowded genre.

As old Rome falls, a new Rome is born. Whether it will flourish or sink depends on the wisdom, or hubris, of its mayor - you.

7

Rating for the game Nova Roma

The text was prepared by the GL team in cooperation with "Vijesti". For even more gaming content, visit www.gamerslife.me