by Madison Ogashi

Created on: November 07, 2008   Last Updated: March 29, 2012

Cradle of Rome is a match 3 game. The way to play is to match 3 items that are the same, and then they disappear. As you play, you are building the ancient city of Rome. You build up points in food, building materials, and time bonus to earn a building that you 'buy'. You start with an empty piece of land on which Rome will be built.

The game starts out easy enough, but the further into the game you get; the harder it is to do in one play of the board. There will be chains covering the little things to match. It starts out with only one chain to break, then increases to 2 chains, which means you need to match it twice before you are free to move it. Also colored blocks that need to be broken too, once or twice.

The graphics are clear, and colorful. The buildings you buy are in detail as is the little men you earn to populate your city. The buildings you are playing for are at the bottom of the screen indicates 1 section of levels. You can see what buildings are available at the end of each board play. If the 'buy' button shows, you can buy that building. If you just hover the mouse over the others, you can see how many more points you need to be able to get that next building.

When you get passed each level section, you go up in rank during the game and there are fireworks. You can earn your way through to becoming a Merchant, Priest, Senator and so on. If you play a level and run out of 'lives' you start over at the beginning in the section of levels that you were working on. If you see the fireworks at the end of each section of levels, you keep what you've built all through the game to the next section of level.

Bonuses, or power-up's are at the bottom of the screen during play time. These will help you get through the game. They also show up on the board you are playing. Match the bonuses to increase their power, and to be used during play.

The timer of the game, is a big water pitcher to the right of the screen. The pitcher will go from full to empty as you play. If you have not cleared the board by the time the pitcher is emptied out, you lost a life and the board starts again, usually with a different bonus too.

The music of the game can be turned down or off from the options button. The eye under the game title, if you click on it, it will hide itself so you can see your while city in progress. You also have the option of full-screen or windowed screen.

Over all play of the game is great! I really don't listen to the music in games, as I personally find it a little distracting . Graphics are done good and cute. I would highly recommend this game as part of your Match 3 game collection. This game can be found at Reflexive.com, BigFish Games and at most other game websites.

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