What makes an ancients wargame a GOOD Ancients wargame?

[Shahbahraz]

Most current rule sets will have the second and third lines running from the morale effect of seeing the first line broken.

I have used Punic Wars period legions in two lines, but we don't know how it actually worked - and even whether there were effectively three lines or a staggered array, or even whether the lines closed up to present a solid front versus some opponents or retained gaps vs others.

It also seems to me the obsession with Romans is detrimental to ancients rules in any case. I suspect a hangover from older British rulesets written by pukka chaps, whose education was training for exceptionalism and empire, with Roman virtues lauded and Roman heroes venerated. It's still a thing with the view of the 'Western Art of War' or the clash of civilisations.

Me, I would like to know how 3rd & 4th Century Roman armies consistently lost to the Sasanians. The Roman annals are noticeably terse, and it is very hard to replicate with current rule-sets. 

[FierceKitty]

Well, I've got 33 ancient armies, and only five of them are Roman, including early Byzantines. I don't feel I've favoured them unduly. 

[Leftblank]

Tnx for all the comments, food for thought when reviewing rulesets.
The specific question is indeed: what makes an ancient game and ancient game?
I own an early imperial Roman army, and I'm of course wondering about the quincunx/ triple line and how/if it can can be simulated.
I'm playtesting Age of Hannibal now, it has a 2nd line support rule, that sounds good but might be nonsense for the scale they simulate.

[Tarnegol]

...but shouldn't be Hollywood...

I'm at least content with, and somewhat a fan of 'Hollywood Biblical'. That said, I hope to be honest about the influences of Hollywood (and fantasy, 'though Warhammer's a bit of a stretch) in my modelling and painting...

[mc_deli]

People
Humour
Playability
Speed
Accessibility

It’s lead on table. Historical realism is not remotely on the map for me. My first loves were Republican Romans and the Companion wedge. Having been through some rules’ attempts to replicate these tactics, I am not interested or motivated.

Far more important to me is minimising rule diving and low barrier to entry for nearly new players. A well balanced, well tested game where the plsyers are not developing on the fly is also important for me.