Hoplomachus: The Lost Cities (2012) Board Game

Hoplomachus: The Lost Cities is a board game released in 2012 by designer Josh J. Carlson and published by Chip Theory Games. It falls under the categories of Ancient, Fighting, and Sports games, with a focus on solo and cooperative gameplay. The game is set in a world inspired by ancient Roman gladiatorial combat, where players take on the role of gladiators battling in the arenas of the lost cities.

Game Components of Hoplomachus: The Lost Cities

Game Board: A hex-grid arena representing the gladiatorial arena.

Units/Chips: Unique units with different abilities and tactics.

Crowd Favor System: Mechanisms for level progression and gaining favor.

Player Boards: For managing units and tracking progress.

Dice: For resolving combat and other actions.

How To Setup Hoplomachus: The Lost Cities

To set up the game, players start by selecting their ancient city or civilization, each with its own unique abilities and starting units. The game board is arranged to represent the gladiatorial arena, and each player places their units on designated starting positions. The crowd favor system is initialized, and players prepare for the battle ahead by strategically positioning their units and planning their tactics.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hex and Chip System: Players use hex-grid movements and manage units (chips) to navigate the arena.

Combat and Tactics: Engage in tactical combat using unique unit abilities.

Level Progression: Advance through a crowd favor system, gaining benefits and upgrades.

Team Play and Solo Mode: Supports both cooperative team play and strong solo modes.

Objective: The goal is to overwhelm opponents and gain the favor of the crowd, ultimately emerging victorious.

Player Experience

Playing Hoplomachus: The Lost Cities is an immersive experience that combines strategic planning with dynamic combat. Players must balance unit management, tactics, and crowd favor to succeed. The game offers a high level of replayability due to the variety of units and the different strategies that can be employed.

Pros

Deep Tactical Depth: Offers complex and engaging combat mechanics.

Strong Solo Mode: Provides a robust and challenging solo experience.

High Replayability: Different units and strategies ensure varied gameplay each time.

Interactive Crowd Favor System: Adds a unique layer of strategy and progression.

Cons

Complex Rules: Can be daunting for new players to learn.

Long Setup Time: Setting up the game can be time-consuming.

High Learning Curve: Requires significant time to master the game’s mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on Hoplomachus: The Lost Cities

Hoplomachus: The Lost Cities is ideal for fans of tactical and strategic board games, particularly those who enjoy games with deep mechanics and high replayability. It is suited for experienced players who are looking for a challenge and are willing to invest time in learning the game’s complex rules. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those looking for a quick, easy-to-learn game.

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