Circus Maximus
- Players
- 2-10
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 8 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 120 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.6 / 5
- Year
- 1979
About the game
Circus Maximus recreates the grandeur and brutality of ancient Rome's arena in a game that's really two games in one: chariot racing and gladiatorial combat. In the racing game, up to ten players select horses, drivers, and chariots with unique traits, then race around the track three times, free to whip rivals, ram with scythed wheels, and run down crashed opponents. Gladiator mode has players maneuvering, striking, and waiting for the fatal opening in an opponent's guard. A campaign mode with betting and team management adds long-term stakes for dedicated groups. It's a classic, violent, and unapologetically chaotic wargame of Roman spectacle.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's team sees Circus Maximus as a beloved classic of aggressive, high-player-count gaming -- the sheer chaos of ten racers scheming to wreck each other is a spectacle in itself. Combining two distinct games (racing and gladiatorial combat) in one box gives it real variety. The campaign layer with betting rewards long-term investment in a group. It's a product of its era, so expect a hefty rulebook and old-school production, but the theme delivers in spades.
What we like
- Two distinct games (chariot racing and gladiatorial combat) in one box.
- Supports a huge player count of up to ten.
- Aggressive, direct player interaction creates memorable chaos.
- Campaign mode with betting adds long-term investment.
Keep in mind
- Player elimination can leave people out for long stretches.
- Dated production and dense rulebook by modern standards.
- Long playtime, especially with a full complement of players.
Who it's for
Best for large groups of history and wargame fans aged 12+ who enjoy chaotic, aggressive gameplay; supports up to ten players.
