Read this is you want the skinny on Imperium Romanum from an experienced and addicted Strat. Gamer. The Lows and Highs.
There are several methods in which you can engage the game. Through historical campaigns, meeting the edicts by the Senate and reaping the rewards, goal-oriented tasks or Sandbox Mode. Out of what is available, the sandbox mode is the only thing this game has going for it and even then it has quite a few serious blunders.
The campaign mode is very dull and lackluster, next to no excitement or variation of any serious level. It's either defend this, build that or attack them. There is another reviewer of this underdog of a game here on Gamespot which states qualms with the resource management within the game. To this end I have no single complaints. In fact, this is an issue of player competency more than any problem within the game.
However, that very review pointed out a glaring issue that bugs the absolute crap out of me. Within the game, you must maintain a delicate balance of your citizens needs through both resources, luxury items, trade and their environments. This is fine and swell and works out pretty good, pretty good I said. For one specific instances that is a major bone to be picked. If citizens become too poor, you do in fact get a notification of this in the guise of a warning that they may resort to theft or rioting, etc. You can go to their home, and even donate money to that family! So you can stave these riots or fires off. As the other reviewer mentioned, it matters not. . .
You could build the city of cities and the fires at a certain point in the scope of your cities size are simply impossible to stay on top of. The best and only long-term solution is overwhelming your cities with a specific building which employs Praetors to put out fires, catch criminals, etc.
Imperium Romanum also has a major issue with roads and object placement. It's almost sad how bugged this seems to be. One has to wonder what the developers were not thinking when they played this at it's release stage. Quite a sad item.
For 20$; if you like building nice and pretty cities-worth it. At the current price, no way.
A half-thumb up.