"Majorian, one of the last emperors before Romulus who was betrayed by his top general and conspiring senators."
Mark sighed and leaned back in his chair as he watched multiple enemy tribes declare war upon his Roman Empire in an RTS game. At the same time the Senate, dissatisfied and disloyal, conspired against and assassinated his Emperor.
"Kind of accurate," he mumbled to himself as the enemies of the empire descended and closed in on Rome. Enemy armies were stacked and easily destroyed his settlements with little more than stationary guards. The few armies he controlled along the border couldn't handle the numerous forces, nor the three-to-one armies stacked against them.
Game Over!
"Fuuuuck..."
His four-hour playthrough ended in defeat.
Instead of rushing army tech, he had tried a playthrough focused on the economy and aimed for an Economic Victory. The problem was the bloodthirsty and greedy Senate. The methods to keep them happy were through conquest and victories, not trade. This forced him to expand when his military tech wasn't there, which led to high losses and ultimately this defeat.
But I don't want to give up and go for another Military Victory, he sighed while thinking, rocking in his gaming chair.
That's too easy. Especially after I figured out the exhaustion mechanics and began treating the Roman army formation like an actual Roman army instead of lining them up in a straight line.
Across his desk were different books that delved into the history, art, and psychology of Rome. From the early time of classical idealism to Hellenistic art to late abstract influences.
His eyes wandered to a Roman city builder game and his squeaking chair stopped.
Maybe some city-building? I need a drink first.
Tshhhh!
The sharp hiss of carbonation was sometimes more satisfying than the drink itself.
Man, that's a good-tasting beer!
He burped and his mind wandered a bit.
Tomorrow's another day. Hopefully I only get three or four service calls. I'll be back before four if that's the case... Damn, I want to try again and win an economic run!
His eyes drifted to the clock.
10:57 PM
Work started at seven, and the drive was thirty minutes. Being tired behind the wheel while working an active job isn't a good idea so despite feeling reluctant and bitter, he decided to turn off his PC and wait until tomorrow.
The gravelly laughter of a tribe leader echoed in his mind as his head hit the pillow and his eyes began to close.
Man, I hate barbarians...