Hoplomachus Remastered Board Game Review

Stats:
No. of players: 1-4
Amount of time to play: 60-120 min
Age requirements: 10+
Set-up time: 5-10 min

In Hoplomachus Remastered, you control one of seven unique factions, each has a distinct playstyle, and compete in gladiatorial skirmishes. This updated version is playable solo, with two players cooperatively, 1-vs-1 or 2-vs-2.

Hoplomachus Remastered Rules Description:

Previously I reviewed Hoplomachus: Victorum, it uses the same basic rules as Hoplomachus Remastered. Hoplomachus Remastered is a skirmish game with several modes (including solo) and is an episodic game. Hoplomachus: Victorum is a solo campaign board game with an overarching story and character and team development. You can read my review of the Victorum edition here.

Hoplomachus Remastered uses the same great looking plastic unit chips with the same stats and information on them. There are seven factions in the game each has one hero and ten units for you to command.

For the most part your turn flows the same no matter which game mode you play. The first step is to check control of the stone hexes, but only applies on the Pozzuoli side of the map. The bonuses for these spaces are determined by the game mode.

Next, the Deployment step allows you to place available units onto your deployment hexes. If you have no units in play you must deploy at least one unit. Units enter play dazed and cannot do anything but use innate abilities upon entering the arena. When placing a unit put health chips under it equal to its health stat.

In the Tactic step, you may place a tactic on any or your non-elite units or an adjacent enemy non-elite unit. Tactics will give your units a bonus and enemy units a penalty.

The Movement step is exactly what it sounds like, you may move any of your units based ontheir movement stat. You must complete one unit’s move completely before moving another unit and cannot move through blocked hexes.

Abilities are triggered next and you may utilize them in any order you like.

During the Engage step you attack with a unit’s melee or range attack or use a Special skill. Pick a target and roll the dice that match those showing on the unit’s chip or described in its Special skill. Count the number of hits rolled and remove that many health chips from the targeted unit. If a uit runs out of health chips it is removed from the arena.

Solo and cooperative modes have a Rival Turn during which enemy units follow a similar flow.

There are five game modes, Onslaught, Ascension, Skirmish, Pandemonium, and Alliance. Onslaught is a cooperative mode for one or two players. You face off against wave after wave of immortals and their allied units. Ascension mode is also cooperative and for one or two players. In it you take on a godlike titan who interacts uniquely with the arena and brings along some allied units. Skirmish mode is a two player head-to-head match. Pandemonium mode is a frantic four play free for all. Alliance is a four player two-vs-vs team match.

Quick Review of Hoplomachus Remastered:

Hoplomachus Remastered gives you a lot of different ways to play it with different player counts. Its flexibility is impressive. All five modes are fun but the head-to-head skirmish mode shines. This is a tactical board game that can be played and enjoyed by a variety of ages. Its appeal is not limited to gamers either.

The components for this game are fantastic. Chip Theory Games are known for their high quality games and this one is no different. The plastic chips, arena maps and cards are top-notch and look great too. The rules are well organized and the player aid is helpful so keep it close by. Here is a video overview of the rules that can jumpstart learning.

There is a ton of replay value in this box. Not only will you want to try all the different game modes, but there are seven factions with unique playstyles to try out. And three different neutral heroes to mix things up.

Hoplomachus Remastered is very accessible. It is easy to teach and learn and fun for all ages. This helps it get to the table more often and allows you to partake of all the variety mentioned above. Some games have variety but are hard to get new players up to speed. That is not the case here.

This tactical skirmish game rewards smart positioning and engagement. Drawing your available units to deploy from a bag adds some randomness, but making the most of your ready units is important. Timely use of your tactics can turn a game in your favor. Also being a dice game means being lucky can help too.

Some people might be wondering which to get, Hoplomachus Remastered or Hoplomachus Victorum. The answer depends on if you want a solo game or a game you can play solo and with others. If you play mostly solo games get Hoplomachus Victorum. If you have a consistent friend or group of friends to play with then Hoplomachus Remastered might make more sense.

Score and synopsis: (Click here for an explanation of these review categories.)
Strategy 4 out of 6
Luck 5 out of 6
Player Interaction 6 of 6 (for applicable modes)
Replay Value 5 out of 6
Complexity 4 out of 6
Fun 5 out of 6
Overall 5 out of 6