Circus Minimus (2000)

About this game

This game borrows its theme and rule basis from the Avalon Hill game, Circus Maximus. This newer version has considerably fewer rules and variability to navigate, but this simplification isn't a bad thing. Players are charged with racing around the ancient Roman Coliseum in a desperate bid for the finish line. Players use a small allotment of gold coins at the beginning of the game to select combinations of weapons, chariots, or drivers. Once the race starts, players use whips to urge their teams, or savage the other players or other players' teams. A system also features driver fatigue, control checks and bodily damage.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 2 to 7.
• Rules load. At 2.1/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 12 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.