# Hoplomachus: The Lost Cities

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2012
- **BGG Rating**: 7.8
- **BGG Rank**: #3709
- **Players**: 1-3 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 60 min
- **Weight**: 2.52 / 5
- **Designers**: Adam Carlson, Josh J. Carlson
- **Artists**: Josh J. Carlson
- **Publishers**: Chip Theory Games
- **Categories**: Ancient, Fighting, Sports
- **Mechanics**: Deck, Bag, and Pool Building, Dice Rolling, Enclosure, Hand Management, Hexagon Grid, Solo / Solitaire Game

## Verdict
If you enjoy tactical combat with a historical theme and engaging mechanics, Hoplomachus is a sure bet! Prepare to plan every move in the arena.Engaging tactical combatCreative unit managementDynamic hex boardGreat for 1-3 playersRequires tactical adaptationDice luck can influenceInitial learning curveHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
Step into the arena and prove your might in Hoplomachus: The Lost Cities! This tactical, action-packed game puts you in command of an ancient, forgotten civilization vying for glory in Rome's gladiatorial games. The objective is clear and brutal: eliminate the opposing champion. Your gladiators and your own champion start inactive, waiting for the right moment—and the crowd's favor—to join the fray. Each turn is a strategic decision: will you draw and play gladiators from your hand, use tactic chips for support, defend your champion, seize areas that earn crowd favor, or launch a direct assault? You'll need to adapt to your opponent's every move. Eliminate enemy tacticians to limit their options, battle beasts to gain the crowd's support, and control deployment zones. The tactical possibilities are nearly endless! Hoplomachus blends intense combat, unit management (yes, you build your team!), progression through a crowd favor system, and even cooperative or solo play against the game itself. It's a strategic deep-dive with a touch of dice-based luck, all on a hexagonal board where every move is crucial. If you enjoy tactical combat games with depth and a vibrant historical theme, 'Hoplo' is for you!

## FAQ
### How many players can participate in a game of Hoplomachus?
Hoplomachus can be played by 1 to 3 players. It offers both competition among friends and a challenging solo mode.

### How long does a game typically last?
A game of Hoplomachus generally takes around 60 minutes to complete, making it ideal for a game session without overstaying its welcome.

### Is the game very complicated to learn?
The game's weight is considered medium (2.5/5), meaning it has strategic depth without being overly complex. There's very little text on the cards, making it easy to memorize.

### What is the main objective of the game?
The main objective is to eliminate your opponent's champion by controlling gladiators and tactics in the arena to gain an advantage and the crowd's favor.

### Does the game involve a lot of luck?
There is an element of luck with dice rolling, but hand management strategy, team building, and board positioning are crucial for victory.

### Is this a good game for those who enjoy historical themes and combat?
Absolutely! The theme of gladiators in Ancient Rome is well-represented, and the focus on tactical and strategic combat greatly appeals to fans of this type of setting.