Rome: Caesar's Will

Rome: Caesar’s Will is a lesser-known educational adventure released in 2000 by Montparnasse Multimedia. The French company is commonly associated with pure educational titles. Set in ancient Rome, the game attempts to mix historical intrigue with classic investigation mechanics in the style of older adventure games.

The player takes the role of a young Roman patrician named Marcus, tasked with uncovering the truth behind the suspicious death of Julius Caesar. The gameplay focuses heavily on exploration, dialogue, and collecting clues scattered around a faithful (if somewhat stylized) reconstruction of ancient Roman landmarks. Players interact with senators, servants, and citizens, piecing together a conspiracy while learning about Roman customs, politics, and society.

Rome: Caesar’s Will tries to balance entertainment with education. In many ways, it echoes games like Versailles 1685 or Egypt 1156 B.C., where historical accuracy is blended into a fictional storyline. The interface is relatively simple, and while the visuals are dated by modern standards, they do a decent job of evoking the atmosphere of the Roman Republic.

The voice acting and writing, however, are hit or miss. Some characters are well-defined, while others feel flat or overly expository. Puzzles are mostly inventory-based, with a few logic challenges that can feel out of place. There is no combat or action component—this is a pure detective-style adventure.

What makes the game interesting, despite its flaws, is its ambition. Few games have taken a grounded, investigative approach to Roman history. While it never achieved mainstream success and remains obscure today, Rome: Caesar’s Will offers a unique setting rarely explored in this genre.

It’s a title best appreciated by players with a taste for slower-paced, history-rich narratives. For fans of educational adventures or those curious about games set in ancient Rome, it’s a game to try at least once.