Overall - 3.2			4 - Balance
Playability - 3			3 - Map Design
Creativity - 3			3 - Story/Instructions

Empire Area: Valentia
Rank: Aedile
Goals to Win:  None

Battle at Valentia is a protracted siege between you and the Carthaginians. Looking for an opportunity to build a grand city while fighting off waves of genuinely difficult opponents? Look no further. Although it's clear the author has no use for such pedestrian concerns as prosperity and culture, he does have a great sense for the size and timing of invasions. This scenario will keep you on your toes militarily, yet still provide you with ample resources and opportunities to build a terrific city.

So why didn't this assignment get a higher rating? Because after 20 or so years, beating back even fierce opponents on the same flat terrain gets boring -- at least, that was this reviewer's response. This is the kind of solid, meat-and-potatoes level designing that can really benefit from a shot of creativity -- an inventively constructed set of mountain passes -- a twisting coastline -- a dense community of local natives to jerrymander your city around -- and let's not forget those requests from Caesar, Jeff! Sure, they're a pain, but they keep the game varied.

But I will say this: Of all the scenarios I've downloaded that promised me I'd be in for a real fight, this was the first to deliver the goods. In and of itself, that makes Battle at Valentia a recommended download in my book.