Deal | Steam: Ancient city builder launches with 96% positive reviews and introductory discount

Nova Roma was developed by US studio Lion Shield and launched in Early Access on March 26 in collaboration with publisher Hooded Horse. The city builder normally costs around $30 on Steam, but a 20% introductory discount lowers the price to $23.99 until April 9.

In Nova Roma, players set out with a small group of settlers to build a new Roman city far from the collapsing empire. The game builds on classic city-building and supply mechanics, but combines them with plenty of Roman flair, laws and a god system that directly influences the course of each playthrough. The title features a colorful, stylized look that creates atmosphere while remaining clear and accessible without overwhelming less powerful systems.

At the heart of the gameplay is the construction of a complex metropolis and the management of a steadily growing population. One of the biggest highlights is the water and terraforming system: with aqueducts, dams and changes to the terrain, players control the flow of water to support agriculture and urban growth while protecting their settlement from flooding. On top of that, there are citizens’ needs such as food, religion, education and entertainment, as well as an optional defense system against attacks.

Less than two weeks after release, Nova Roma has already collected more than 1,000 user reviews on Steam, 96% of them positive. Players particularly praise the engaging gameplay, the atmospheric look and the innovative water system. Criticism, on the other hand, is aimed at still-missing quality-of-life features and a sometimes cumbersome logistics system. According to the developers, the Early Access phase is expected to last about a year. On the Steam Deck, the game is classified as "Playable."

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