The creative and development challenge set before the team is simply staggering. Create a genre leading 'Tycoon' game that allows the player to create and develop the ancient city of ROME. Utilising a world leading, state of the art 3D engine, stunningly beautiful vistas of ancient Roman architecture are realised. The engine provides unrestricted freedom of movement, allowing the player to sweep over their creation; viewing Rome from a lofty vantage point, alongside the God's or down on street level, amongst the hustle and bustle of a population, some 100,000 strong. Aside from the logistical challenges set for the player to overcome (the development of the city & providing for the needs of the population), the player must also contend with challenges on higher level. Manipulate political machinations within the Roman senate, complete with intrigue and deceit; to further the players own goals. Win favour of the 'Mob' by hosting high speed chariot races in the awe inspiring Circus Maximus and watch gladiators die with honour in the overwhelming Coliseum. Heart of Empire: Rome will recreate the splendour of the Roman Empire and the enormity of the city of Rome as we have never seen it before, save in million dollar blockbuster movies like Sparticus, Ben Hur and most recently Ridley Scott's Gladiator.

"The Heart Of Empire project is Deep Silver's most ambitious title to date," said Craig McNicol, Managing Director of Deep Silver's parent Koch Media,"We are very excited to be working with such a well respected developer as DEEP RED, and I'm confident that the combined talents of both companies will make Rome: Heart of Empire, both a commercial and critical success."

"The collaboration between Deep Red and Deep Silver is a very exciting move; working with a publisher that is highly focused on the sector in which we specialize is of paramount importance to us. Deep Silver have proved beyond doubt that their fresh faced approach to publishing works extremely effectively," said Clive Robert, Managing Director of Deep Red Games Limited, "With Deep Silver's commitment to aggressive publishing activity and our innovative technology and game design, we have no doubt that 'Heart of Empire: Rome' will be a supreme game and sales success"

"I think he knows what Rome is. Rome is the mob. Conjure magic for them and they'll be distracted. Take away their freedom and still they'll roar. The beating heart of Rome is not the marble of the senate; it's the sand of the coliseum. He'll bring them death - and they will love him for it." GRACCHUS - FROM THE MOVIE GLADIATOR (2000)

Developed by DEEP RED and published by Deep Silver, Heart Of Empire: Rome is exclusively distributed by Koch Media.

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