Trajan
- Designer Stefan Feld
- Publisher Ammonit Spiele , Asterion Press , Broadway Toys LTD , DiceTree Games , Evrikus
- Illustration Jo Hartwig
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
You manage political, commercial and military influence in ancient Rome. The central mechanic is a mancala/rondel-style action selection where you pick up pieces from one section and distribute them; the landing spot determines your action. Actions include building, trading, taking forum tiles, military moves and influencing the Senate. Multiple scoring routes reward regional control and laws passed in the Senate.
Who Is This Game For?
Trajan is aimed at experienced hobby gamers (age 12+) and supports 2–4 players. With a listed duration of about 120 minutes it is an extended game for groups comfortable with tactical planning and interlocking systems. Some prior experience with rondel/Mancala-style or worker-placement mechanics is useful.
How It Works
The core is a Mancala/Rondel-like system combined with Hand Management, Open Drafting and Set Collection. Each player distributes markers from one of six bowls and activates the action tied to the final bowl. Trajan tiles next to bowls can grant additional effects when colors match. Forum and Senate actions interact with supply/demand and influence, while military actions affect area control and scoring.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Stefan Feld, Trajan stands out for merging mancala-style action selection with multiple strategic tracks. It received several 2011 nominations/finalist placements (e.g., Jocul Anului în România Advanced 2011) and pairs area movement with deep tactical choices. The Roman theme frames distinct action paths compared to pure engine-builders.
Awards
2012
- 2012 Deutscher Spiele Preis Best Family/Adult Game 2nd Place — Nominated
- 2011 Jocul Anului în România Advanced — Finalist
- 2011 Jocul Anului în România — Finalist
- 2011 Jogo do Ano — Nominated
- 2011 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Distinctive Mancala/Rondel action-selection
- Multiple scoring avenues (Senate, military, forum)
- Design by Stefan Feld — strategic depth
- Language-neutral components
Contra
- Long playtime (around 120 minutes)
- Complexity and multiple options can overwhelm new players
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in ancient Rome, the game models Roman institutions such as the Senate and Forum and addresses trade and military expansion as core themes.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Learn the six action areas and how the mancala distribution triggers actions; focus on understanding interactions rather than specific move chains.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No. Trajan is for 2–4 players.
How long does a game really take?
The stated duration is about 120 minutes, roughly 30 minutes per player according to the description.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with medium-weight hobby games and mechanics like Mancala/Rondel or worker-placement is helpful.
How does this compare to similar games?
Trajan blends Mancala/Rondel selection with Set Collection and Open Drafting rather than focusing solely on engine-building.
Is this suitable for families?
With a minimum age of 12 and notable complexity, it's better suited to families with older or experienced players.
What mechanic makes it special?
The Mancala/Rondel-style distribution mechanism is the game's standout mechanic, paired with Hand Management and Set Collection.
Fazit
Trajan is recommended for hobbyists who enjoy multi-path strategic planning and mancala-like systems. It is less suited for casual groups or newcomers due to duration and layered mechanics.
