Behind the Game

Dev Diary

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Notes from the design table — the decisions, dead-ends, and discoveries behind Consul of Rome.

16 December 2025

Of Rome: Creating Card Templates with Speed

Don’t forget to check out DictatorOfRome.com for a daily dose of Roman themed logic puzzles – new features are being rolled out frequently so make sure to check back regularly! Up to this point, I had only focussed on rules and game mechanics. These didn’t stray too far off the beaten track, but I liked […]

3 December 2025

Of Rome: Sense checking the rules

Don’t forget to check out DictatorOfRome.com for a daily dose of Roman themed logic puzzles – new features are being rolled out frequently so make sure to check back regularly! Now to figuring out whether the rules worked beyond just my gut instinct honed over years of not designing, but at least playing, games. Print […]

26 November 2025

Of Rome: Rules that make the game go

Don’t forget to check out DictatorOfRome.com for a daily dose of Roman themed logic puzzles – new features are being rolled out frequently so make sure to check back regularly! Research It had been some time since I had actually looked at the rules of any card game, so my first step was to look […]

19 November 2025

Of Rome: Designing initial cards

Don’t forget to check out DictatorOfRome.com for a daily dose of Roman themed logic puzzles – new features are being rolled out frequently so make sure to check back regularly! Determining deck size After the initial spark, I set about thinking about what a card list might look like – not necessarily from an artistic […]

12 November 2025

Of Rome: From Idea to Plan

While waiting for Consul of Rome, why not try out our daily logic puzzle campaign, Dictator of Rome at DictatorOfRome.com ! At this point I’ve been working on rules and cards for approximately eight months, so it would be fair to ask what outputs there are and how I got there (even though this is […]

15 October 2025

Of Rome: a second attempt at game design with a different approach

You can play my new logic puzzle game, Dictator of Rome, at dictatorofrome.com now! I tried, but slowed down (not gave up) making a monkey space themed card game, which you can read about here. Not to be deterred, I continued to play around with other ideas in my head. I quickly ruled out a […]

20 January 2025

A “Not-Pizza” Pizza Toastie

When you’re craving the flavors of pizza but don’t want to fuss with dough, this “Not-Pizza” Pizza Toastie comes to the rescue. Packed with cheesy goodness, rich grated tomatoes, and your favorite toppings (pepperoni, anyone?), it’s the perfect quick-fix meal that satisfies all those pizza cravings. Ingredients • 2 slices sourdough bread • 2 ripe […]

8 December 2024

Slow cooked beef short ribs

I used a recipe from RecipeTin eats as the base but worked with what I had at home. Result is amazing for a winter evening. Ingredients • 4 beef short ribs • 2 leeks, halved and sliced • 1 white onion, diced • 10 cherry tomatoes • 2 bay leaves • 2 tbsp butter • […]

30 September 2024

Fresh Pepper Salsa: A Zesty and Colorful Kick

This Fresh Pepper Salsa is a delicious, colorful mix of tomatoes, green and sweet red peppers, onions, and a touch of heat from chili, all brought together with a generous squeeze of lime juice. It’s the perfect accompaniment for more than just Mexican food. Slather it over tacos, quesadillas and burritos, but don’t limit yourself […]

25 September 2024

Sloppy Ravi: A Fusion of Curry and Comfort

Let’s be honest—sometimes dinner is all about using what you’ve got on hand, and that’s how this Sloppy Ravi came to life. Combining the heartiness of leftover mince mix from cottage pie, a dash of creamy korma sauce, and some fresh, tangy cucumber slices, this dish fuses elements of comfort food with the warm spices […]

22 September 2024

Hot Smoked Haddock with Swedish Rå Raka, Cucumber Carpaccio, and Lemon Crème Fraîche Sauce

This meal brings together elements from our summer holidays with inspiration from Johan’s Krog in Marstrand, Jose Pizarro’s new restaurant Lola and a local fish truck to create a smoky, zesty and relatively easy midweek dinner. The Rå Raka (think potato rösti) was on an amazing dish at Johan’s this summer along with löjrom, red […]

16 September 2024

Lime Chutney Breakfast Bagels: A Zesty Morning Treat

Start your day with a burst of flavor with these Lime Chutney Breakfast Bagels. Combining the tangy zest of Geeta’s lime chutney with the creamy richness of melted cheddar and perfectly fried eggs, all nestled in a fresh bagel, this breakfast is both indulgent and invigorating. Garnished with fresh chives, it’s a quick and delicious […]

9 September 2024

Fried Sandwich: Prosciutto, Fennel Salami, and Manchego

When you crave something indulgent and packed with flavor, this Gourmet Fried Sandwich hits the spot. Combining the rich flavors of prosciutto, fennel salami, and semi curado manchego cheese with fresh baby leaf lettuce and juicy tomatoes, all seasoned with salt, pepper, and a splash of sherry vinegar, this sandwich is a true treat for […]

2 September 2024

Guacamole, Rotisserie Chicken & Red Pepper on Sourdough

Elevate your lunch game with this Superior Avocado Toast, featuring leftover rotisserie chicken, vibrant red pepper, and creamy store-bought holy guacamole on sourdough bread. This quick and delicious recipe transforms simple ingredients into a brilliant meal that’s perfect for busy days when you need something speedy yet satisfying. Ingredients Method

26 August 2024

Tomatillo Nachos: Quick and Satisfying

Need something light-ish for dinner? Dive into a tray of these Ultimate Tomatillo Nachos, where every chip comes loaded with the perfect blend of melty cheddar, tangy tomatillo salsa, creamy guacamole, and a touch of crème fraîche. Drizzled with just the right amount of hot sauce, these nachos deliver a delightful kick that will keep […]

19 August 2024

Hearty Sausage Mezze Maniche with Sherry Vinegar and Mustard

Missing the potatoes for your bangers and mash? No worries! This Sausage Mezze Maniche pasta brings all the comfort of hearty sausages into a deliciously creamy pasta dish that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Combining traditional pork sausages with a rich and tangy sauce, this dish is sure to become a new favorite […]

12 August 2024

Not Your Average Deli Sandwich: Spicy Nduja & Prosciutto Sourdough Creation

If you’re looking for a sandwich that packs a punch and satisfies your deli cravings, look no further. This sandwich mixes Spicy Nduja and Prosciutto with the creamy textures of Havarti cheese and a tangy crème fraîche mustard sauce. It’s perfect for a not so average lunch or quick dinner. Ingredients (for 1 sandwich) Method

5 August 2024

Salsa Infused Stir-Fry with King Prawns and Ramen Noodles

Who says salsa is just for Mexican? Not me! This Salsa Infused Stir-Fry is a brilliant example of how versatile ingredients can cross culinary boundaries to create something spectacularly delicious. With a mix of fresh veggies, succulent king prawns, and hearty ramen noodles, all brought together with a tangy salsa, this dish is a testament […]

29 July 2024

Charred Tomato and Chili Salsa: A Smoky Delight from the Grill

There’s nothing quite like the smoky flavor of charred vegetables to transform a simple salsa into something extraordinary. This Charred Tomato and Chili Salsa captures the essence of grilled goodness, with a zesty twist from fresh lime and parsley. Perfect for dipping, spooning over tacos, or enhancing any dish that needs a kick, this salsa […]

23 July 2024

Tomatillo Chicken Enchiladas: A Zesty Weeknight Delight

Dinner dilemmas? Say no more. These Tomatillo Chicken Enchiladas are here to spice up your weeknight routine without any fuss. This dish is all about leveraging high-quality, flavorful ingredients to produce a meal that feels both comforting and gourmet with minimal effort. Using a jar of Gran Luchito Tomatillo Salsa (any salsa can do the […]