The Sack: Rome, 1527

Rome is burning, the Pope is hiding, and you're owed six months back pay. It seems like a good time to go shopping. 

I’ve finished a little solo game called The Sack: Rome, 1527, inspired by the infamous sack of Rome by the armies of Charles V. The Imperial army included thousands of German Landsknecht mercenaries, many of whom hadn't been paid in months. When the army descended upon Rome, discipline collapsed, and the soldiers turned to looting one of the wealthiest cities in the world. You’ll take the role of a squad of these opportunistic soldiers, wandering the streets in search of treasure while the city burns around you. Your objective is simple: collect 20 Loot and get out of Rome alive. What could possibly go wrong?

The game is deliberately rules-lite, but it has a fairly strict turn sequence. You’ll explore a randomly determined series of locations--churches, palaces, taverns, countinghouses, and the occasional burning tenement--and spend precious turns trying to get your hands on whatever hasn’t already been stolen. Meanwhile, Swiss Guards, angry citizens, fires, barricades, and other Landsknecht will complicate your plans. It’s a little exercise in solo gaming, resource management, and historical misbehavior. I hope it’s short, simple, and entertaining. You can find it on our Free Stuff page, or right here.