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Funded! This project successfully raised its funding goal on July 9, 2012.

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Hoplomachus is a hex and chip board game set in a gladiatorial arena. Use unique units & tactics to overwhelm your opponents.

****RULEBOOK (PV1.2)****

Download the Hoplomachus Rulebook (Public Version 1.2)

And post about it here!! (our new forum page!)

****GAMEPLAY VIDEOS****

While quite informal at this point, both Adam and I felt it was worth posting a few gameplay videos. More will be following shortly. Please keep an eye out on our Hoplo Tutorials Page for more! 

****PACKAGING UPDATE****

Check out the packaging discussion - click the "Updates" tab at the top!

****PLEDGE UPDATE****

ATTENTION: If adding the BRAWLER or PELTAST addons to your current pledge, just add the $ amount - don't select BRAWLER or PELTAST - BE SURE your ORIGINAL pledge level is still selected. 

ALSO: NEW PLEDGE LEVEL ADDED: CTG PREMIUM PLAY TESTER!!! 

****GAME DETAILS****

Hoplomachus: The Lost Cities

Hoplomachus is a Gladiatorial Combat board game set during the Roman Empire. This game uses an incredible set of game mechanics that, when put together, make an extremely fun and unique turn-based strategy game. Chips are drawn out of a bag to be used directly on the game board. These units (chips) are controlled by you as you compete for control of the arena. The basics of this game can be learned quickly, but it will take much more than that to master it. Hoplomachus challenges you to plan, risk, and adapt each turn. We want players to pick their own Champion and develop their own play style that best suits them. 

Hoplomachus can be played solo, co-op, head-to-head, or even as an interesting 4 player game (3 players and 1 controlling beasts). Soon, we will be introducing our first expansion: a 4th city, which will allow for full 4-player games. We promise the 2 player game alone is worth it! Each game takes about 45-60 minutes.

The Roman Empire is flourishing. News of the famous arena games are reaching every corner of the globe. But this renown may be having some undesired effects, as it has attracted the attention of some unusual parties. Legendary cities from the far reaches of the earth, each thought to have been lost forever, are sending emissaries to Rome. These are not ordinary cities. Each represent an advanced civilization, with tactics and warrior types unknown to Rome or its surrounding lands. How these cities and cultures exist remains a mystery… one the Empire intends to uncover. To posture and study the threat level of these potential adversaries, the Roman Empire reacts quickly. Each of the emissaries have been sent home with a directive in hand, a challenge that will take place in the arena.  The directive reads: “Gather your elite, your best Champion and all of his gladiators, set your strategists to work and join us. Battle in the arena and prove to the world you are worth its notice.” 

Three cities have responded…

Choose a Lost City to represent, deploy gladiators, use tactics, control the arena, win the crowd, win the game. You control the gladiators and your champion in combat, you choose when to play your tactics, and you choose the way to victory. 

Each player has a few separate phases to play their turns out. In a single turn a player will...

Draw Chips

All gladiator and tactic chips are kept in a small bag to be drawn throughout the game. You will always have access to just 5 chips to serve as your options for each turn.

Deploy Gladiators, Play Tactics

Your gladiators are the core of the game. These are the units that do the fighting in the arena for you. Each type of gladiator has a different role in battle.  Some gladiators are good at taking hits, other are amazing offensive units, while some have the ability to attack from a distance. Some gladiators carry unique skills mastered only by that city. You can also play tactics. Tactics may be used on your own units OR on your opponent. If playing a tactic on an opponent, it must be within your unit's tactical range, In many cases, a well-played tactic can spell disaster for your opponent.

Move Gladiators

All of your gladiators will now have a chance to move into a good position. Depending on your play style, you may choose to rush a CF stone, tie up their open deployment areas, build up a defense, assault their inactive Champion, or move way back and take low risk, low accuracy pop shots from a distance, the options are endless. 

Attack

After your gladiators have moved into position, your attack phase begins. Who, what order, and how you attack can make a big difference. Once you have completed your attack phase, it is your opponent's turn.

The turn cycle will continue until a champion has fallen.

Coming soon!!  **Watch a the creators discuss a more in depth turn by turn gameplay and strategy behind this!** 

Coming soon!!  **Watch a Complete Game of Hoplomachus in about 3 minutes!**

1v1 (head-to-head)

Players will be able to challenge one another in a heads up game.  Two teams; One winner.  There are a few matchup combinations that can occur here as we have provided three playable Cities.  You could even each choose to face off the same City if you have two copies of the game!

1vB (Solo)

We also have an exciting option of solo play.  Beasts (B stands for Beast) will have their chance at besting you.  They have the advantage of strength, and you have the advantage of strategy.  We have incorporated a unique and exciting way of allowing 'the board' control these beasts, so that you can focus on winning for yourself.

2vB & 3vB (Co-op)

There is yet another way to play, Co-op versus the Beasts.  What better way to fight than with allies at your side?  The beasts are a bit tougher in this mode, and you have to work together seamlessly to best them.

4vB, 1v1v1v1, 2v2

Coming soon is an expansion that will enable the game to go up to 4-players!  There is much more new content to come out soon, including an all new 4th Lost City to represent.  Please feel free to visit our forums or website for more information on this.

BANDIT LEVEL ($10+)

At this level you receive our Kickstarter Flip Chip: This is a heads/tails chip is used to get the game underway. This chip will only be produced for KS backers (limited print) and each will carry the signatures of the game creators.
 

BRAWLER ADDON (add $20 to current pledge)

UPGRADE your pledge by adding $20 to your pledge level ($60 or higher) and receive this: Kickstarter Exclusive Arena Mat (this UPGRADE is the ONLY way to get this arena mat as it does not come with the original game and WONT be offered after our project is funded). 

This game mat offers new objectives and new arena challenges (current graphics and arena still undergoing some testing and therefore could change slightly before final product is sent to production). 

There is a new way to earn victory on this map and an added benefit/threat to all opponents. The task is to get a stripped down archer from your end of the battlefield to the other side. But before you can move him, you need to get the crowd involved. As you gain favor, your archer gains the ability to move...and more. Eventually, if protected, it becomes as strong an asset as your champion! Losing your archer does not lose the game but it's a lot like losing your queen in chess. It might be hard to recover. With center pillars blocking movement, you will need to rely on your city's specific abilities and tactics to work your way past the beasts and engage your opponent. Plenty of new challenges await you in the FaMel Ruins! 

YOU WILL ALSO RECEIVE ONE EXTRA FLIP CHIP.

Level 0 and 1

Level 2 and 3

Level 4

Beast cages

PELTAST ADDON (add $45 to current pledge)

UPGRADE your pledge by adding $45 to your pledge level ($60 or higher) and receive our Personalized (Kickstarter only) Holding Cell Side Mat: for all your fallen gladiators and other chips.  (this mat does not come with the original game and WONT be offered after our project is funded).

This mat is used for 2-player games (vs or co-op) and is placed next to the arena mat between both players. The mat helps keep track of what gladiators have been eliminated as well as spent tactics (important to know near the game's end), holds your health chips, and adds some eye candy to the overall look of the arena.  

Here is the best part about this mat...its personalized. Your name is written right on the dungeon cell wall as a game backer!  

HOPLO TRAINEE ($60+) 

***THE EARLY BIRD LEVELS WILL RECEIVE ALL STRETCH REWARDS REACHED JUST AS THE $75 LEVEL!!

HOPLO TRAINEE ($75+) 

This is the first level (besides the Early Bird levels) where you are able to get a full copy of Hoplomachus: The Lost Cites. This level also comes with the Kickstarter Flip Chip. 

HOPLO FIGHTER ($120+) 

This level comes with 1 copy of Hoplomachus: The Lost Cities, our Kickstarter Flip Chip, and the PELTAST ADDON - Personalized (Kickstarter only) Holding Cell Side Mat.

HOPLO ELITE ($180+) 

This level comes with 1 copy of Hoplomachus: The Lost Cities, our Kickstarter Flip Chip, the BRAWLER ADDON - Kickstarter Exclusive Arena Mat, the PELTAST ADDON (x2)!! - Personalized (Kickstarter only) Holding Cell Side Mats, and a KickStarter Exclusive Dye Sublimated "Tournament Day" Sport Shirt: full front and back printing with specific personalization options for YOU and signed by the creators.

STRATEGIST ($250+) 

STRATEGIST - ALL HOPLO FIGHTER rewards PLUS a copy of EVERY additional game Chip Theory Games produces through Kickstarter (currently play testing our next 3 games) INCLUDING our first Hoplo expansion featuring a 4th City and more 4-player modes! - when they are released. (expansion est date is Q1 of 2013) ***Shipping for subsequent games will be handled separately once each game is ready to ship. 

Games in development (sneak peak)

I was set to give you all a sneak peak of what is in development at Chip Theory Games but after further discussion, we feel we would like to take a bit more careful approach. Therefore, if you are interested in the STRATEGIST pledge level and would like more information, please e-mail me at josh@chiptheorygames.com for a few details on what's coming. As mentioned above, 3 more titles are at different stages, all waiting to see just how well Hoplomachus fares. We also have a sweet Hoplo expansion that is being fine tuned. Can't wait to say more...but Adam's holding my tongue for now. ;) Stho yuall juth hafth thu waith! 

WAR CHARIOT ($325+) 

Refer to actual pledge for description. 

BEASTMASTER ($550+) 

Refer to actual pledge for description. Photos of the BOSS BEASTS will be released shortly!

PRISON KEY KEEPER ($650+) 

Refer to actual pledge for description. Photos of the BOSS CRIMINALS will be released shortly! 

CTG PREMIUM PLAY TESTER ($655+)

Details at: www.hoplomachus.com/pages/kickstarter

CHAMPION ($1550+) 

Refer to actual pledge for description. 

KEYS TO THE CITY ($2550+) 

Refer to actual pledge for description. 

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We both want to thank you from our hearts for all of your support. Whether you bought our game, backed our project, or simply spread the word about our game, we appreciate it. 

We at Chip Theory Games are extremely humbled by the experience of creating this game, and being a part of KickStarter. We hope that Hoplomachus is the first of many games that we produce. A special thanks to our team of playtesters, the countless others that filled that role as well, and all of you who bounced ideas with us time and time again. We wouldn't be where we are right now without you!

Last, but not least, we promise to kick forward (www.kickingitforward.org) 5% of our funding right back into other awesome KS projects. We can't wait to see what new games and mechanics come from others within the Kickstarter community. 

Please check out our links below for more information!!!

www.hoplomachus.com

http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/124839/hoplomachus-the-lost-cities

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hoplomachus/212963478743398

Shipping Reminder!!!

All shipping for backers of this project is free within the United States. For other locations, see below:

  • US Shipping - No charge! (estimated rate is $11.50 though USPS)
  • Canada / Mexico add $25 (estimated rate is $36 though USPS) 
  • Non-North America add $40 (estimated rate is $51 through USPS)

FAQ

  • Will there be any additional single player modes? I'd like to have some additional options for solo play if possible! :))

    After the game is published, we will be rolling out a "single-player only package" which will have a number of different scenarios with varying levels of difficulty. It's going to be really cool. These will be purchaseable off our website and we may or may not roll out a KS project for them - depends on this one's success.

    Last updated: Sunday May 20, 1:57am EDT
  • What is the Holding Cell Mat? What does it do? Can we see it?

    We came up with the Holding Cell Side Mat for a few reasons:

    1) Especially with 2-4 players playing, the areas around the arena can get cluttered with health chips, fallen gladiators, used tactic chips, and maybe even other chips that aren't being played with at the time. This mat was created to help tidy this up a bit.

    2) There's an even more important function this mat provides which is directly related to the first. In a competitive game of Hoplomachus, running out of gladiators/tactics to play can be a very likely possibility. While we don't encourage "chip counting" ;), each players fallen or used chips must remain visible at all times. The Holding Cell Mat makes these chips easier to see at a glance. Having an idea of how many more units and tactics your opponent has a available to him or her can help you better formulate your "end game" strategy.

    These mats are of course made of the very same neoprene that the arena is made from, and are vividly printed to match. They slide up (well they actually don't slide at all - they grip!) next to the arena and make for a nice, aesthetic addition to your board game as well.

    I will be posting artwork of the Holding Cell Mat, the KS Arena Mat, and the Beast Dice Upgrades within the next 8-10 days so please continue to check back!

    Josh

    Last updated: Monday May 14, 3:10pm EDT
  • What is this Kickstarter Flip Chip?

    This unique chip will have the markings of KS, Hoplo, and the creators. We like to call this the most basic proof that you have proudly sponsored Chip Theory Games with their premier game. This chip obviously will not be available in the mainstream release. And at future conventions and demos we will be planning some free giveaways or special access to anyone who can flash us their Kickstarter promo chip. Feel free to use this chip as a 'flip to see who starts' token.

    Last updated: Saturday May 12, 12:15pm EDT
  • Who ARE you guys? What credentials do you have?

    We realize that we are a new company (like many others on Kickstarter), but we are out to prove we are different by the quality of our posts, videos, updates, and of course our game in EVERY respect. Many startup gaming companies seek to validate themselves by speaking of passion and a history of playing board games, we do too, but when you play Hoplomachus and see the dynamics of the game, and touch and feel the components, you will know we are to be taken seriously.

    Our desire is to raise the standard in quality board gaming for the next generation. You do this by providing the best in every area, not only a good idea and appealing game mechanics, but also components of a quality that reflects the effort put into such a game. If that means we take a sizable hit on profitability, then so be it. Gamers deserve to be holding something of value when they purchase an expensive game...not just a good idea wrapped in cardboard.

    Last updated: Saturday May 12, 12:22pm EDT
  • What pledge levels include the special Kickstarter Exclusive Arena Mat?

    First off, this mat is only being rolled out during our Kickstarter campaign. It will be different then our current arena to strategies will of course have to be modified as well. To make each donation level unique, we are only offering the KS Arena mat at the BRAWLER and HOPLO ELITE pledge levels. The "Holding Cell Side Mat" is a different reward altogether.

    For maximum play style and fun at the lowest price, we recommend getting the Hoplo Trainee along with the Brawler package!

    Last updated: Sunday May 13, 9:43pm EDT
  • What are the mats made of? Are they able to lay out flat easily, or will they curl at the sides?
    Our mat is made of neoprene much like a mouse pad is made of. It will be about half as thick as a typical mouse pad which will allow it to roll up or fold for storage. However, like a mouse pad, it won't curl up at the edges. We are investing a LOT in these mats. They are NOT your cheap type of roll up mat. You won't have edges curling even after its been sitting rolled for a long time.  Believe me, we have done plenty of tests. One test, I rolled our mat up as small as I could and stuck it in a drawer...2 weeks later i pulled it out and let it unroll itself - flat as can be. I was impressed. We will still give some recommended storage instructions for keeping your mat as nice as can be, but this thing is amazingly resilient. I will post some pics of a folded mat at some point so you can see what it looks like in storage. 

    Great question! 

    Last updated: Thursday May 24, 4:07pm EDT
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204
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Funding period
May 10, 2012 - Jul 9, 2012 (60 days)

  • Pledge $10 or more

    3 backers

    BANDIT - Kickstarter Flip Chip: This is a heads/tails game starter chip. Limited print & hand signed by the game creators - shipping included (restricted to US donations only). Also, a big thanks to you personally on our website.

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $20 or more

    4 backers

    BRAWLER ADDON - UPGRADE your pledge by adding $20 to your pledge level ($60 or higher) and receive the: Kickstarter Exclusive Arena Mat (this UPGRADE is the ONLY way to get this arena mat as it does not come with the original game and WONT be offered after our project is funded). This game mat offers new objectives and new arena challenges. YOU WILL ALSO RECEIVE 1 EXTRA FLIP CHIP. There is no extra shipping required for adding this mat.

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $45 or more

    1 backer

    PELTAST ADDON - UPGRADE your pledge by adding $45 to your pledge level ($60 or higher) and receive our: Kickstarter Exclusive Holding Cell Side Mat: for all your fallen gladiators and other chips (this UPGRADE is the ONLY way to get this arena mat as it does not come with the original game and WONT be offered after our project is funded). There is no extra shipping required for adding this mat.

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $60 or more

    35 backers All gone!

    ***EARLY BIRD*** - HOPLO TRAINEE - Welcome to the Arena! You will be receiving Hoplomachus: The Lost Cities. Also, you will get our Kickstarter Flip Chip. US shipping included [+$25 for Canada, +$40 international]

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $65 or more

    35 backers All gone!

    ***EARLY BIRD 2*** - HOPLO TRAINEE - Welcome to the Arena! You will be receiving Hoplomachus: The Lost Cities. Also, you will get our Kickstarter Flip Chip. US shipping included [+$25 for Canada, +$40 international]

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $70 or more

    35 backers All gone!

    ***EARLY BIRD 3*** - HOPLO TRAINEE - Welcome to the Arena! You will be receiving Hoplomachus: The Lost Cities. Also, you will get our Kickstarter Flip Chip. US shipping included [+$25 for Canada, +$40 international]

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $75 or more

    46 backers

    HOPLO TRAINEE - Welcome to the Arena! You will be receiving Hoplomachus: The Lost Cities. Also, you will get our Kickstarter Flip Chip. US shipping included [+$25 for Canada, +$40 international]

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $120 or more

    13 backers

    HOPLO FIGHTER - Personalized (Kickstarter only) Holding Cell Side Mat: for all your fallen gladiators and other chips, 1 copy of Hoplomachus, and our Kickstarter Flip Chip. [Same shipping details as TRAINEE level]

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $180 or more

    8 backers

    HOPLO ELITE - KickStarter Exclusive Dye Sublimated "Tournament Day" Sport Shirt, full front and back printing with specific personalization options for YOU and signed by the creators, 1 copy of Hoplomachus: The Lost Cities, BRAWLER ADDON (Kickstarter Exclusive Arena Mat), PELTAST ADDON (Kickstarter Exclusive Holding Cell Side Mat) x2, and our Kickstarter Flip Chip. [Same shipping details as TRAINEE level]

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $250 or more

    14 backers Limited (36 of 50 left)

    STRATEGIST - ALL Hoplo Fighter rewards PLUS a copy of EVERY additional game Chip Theory Games produces through Kickstarter (currently play testing our next 3 games) INCLUDING our first Hoplo expansion featuring a 4th City and more 4-player modes! - when they are released. (expansion est date is Q1 of 2013) ***Shipping for subsequent games will be handled separately once each game is ready to ship.

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $325 or more

    0 backers Limited (10 of 10 left)

    WAR CHARIOT - BRICK & MORTAR LEVEL - 5 copies of Hoplomachus: The Lost Cities ***Shipping at this level will be handled on a case by case basis to ensure we keep your costs to a minimum.

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $550 or more

    1 backer All gone!

    BEASTMASTER - A TRUE CHANCE TO BECOME A HERO. By pledging this level, you UNLOCK a special 35K stretch goal (for all other Hoplo pledgers) that contains 3 unique Kickstarter Exclusive "BOSS BEAST" Chips. For pledging at this level you will also receive all HOPLO ELITE level rewards AND your Hoplomachus game will be signed by the creators and labeled "The Beastmaster". You will also receive special recognition in our rulebook as "Your Name - the one who released the Beasts".

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $650 or more

    1 backer All gone!

    PRISON KEY KEEPER - GIVE THE CROWD WHAT THEY WANT - MORE CARNAGE. By pledging this level, you UNLOCK a special 45K stretch goal (for all fellow Hoplo pledgers) that contains 3 unique Kickstarter Exclusive "BOSS CRIMINAL" Chips to be used in place of the BOSS BEASTS for a new and exciting challenge! For pledging at this level you will also receive all HOPLO ELITE level rewards, our STRATEGIST level rewards (expansion and future KS games) AND your Hoplomachus game will be signed by the creators and labeled "The Prison Key Keeper". You will also receive special recognition in our rulebook as "Your Name - the crowd's favorite Prison Key Keeper".

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $655 or more

    0 backers Limited (6 of 6 left)

    CTG PREMIUM PLAY TESTER: We are opening up 6 slots for people interested in the future of Chip Theory Games. By pledging this level, you will receive all HOPLO REWARDS (HOPLO ELITE), our STRATEGIST level rewards (expansion and future KickStarter games) AND you will gain a Roster Spot on our CTG Premium Play Tester List (for all future CTG games!). Check out ALL the details on this level by going to: http://www.hoplomachus.com/pages/kickstarter

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $1,550 or more

    2 backers Limited (3 of 5 left)

    CHAMPION - ALL Strategist level rewards PLUS Kickstarter Exclusive Champion Chip - Personalized with your likeness and name (slightly modified to stay in character). ***ALSO, your copy of Hoplomachus will be one of the first 8 copies to come off the press and will be numbered as such and signed by the game creators.

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $2,550 or more

    0 backers Limited (3 of 3 left)

    KEYS TO THE CITY - ALL STRATEGIST Level rewards, the BRAWLER and PELTAST ADDONS and the CHAMPION Level reward PLUS you will help us design one of our next arena expansion maps - your ideas and input will be incorporated into the map along with credit to you printed right on the map - in character of course. ***ALSO, your copy of Hoplomachus will be one of the first 3 copies to come off the press, will be numbered as such and signed by the game creators.

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012