Hoplomachus: Victorum

Video 0NtWXCqdJZ4 Board Games UnLocked Analysis at 33:52 sentiment: positive

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Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Most variety in Scions and characters
Engaging dice manipulation mechanics
Good balance of difficulty
Replaces the need to play the full Hoplomachus: Victorum campaign for a similar feel

Cons

Primus abilities can be very mean
The full campaign of the original game is very time-consuming

Thematic elements

Comparison games

Hoplomachus: Victorum

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

boss fight — Culminates in a boss fight against a chosen Scion.
Dice management — Dice can be strengthened, weakened, retrieved, or dismissed, impacting player strategy.
Modular encounter deck — A large deck of encounter cards is arranged in a pyramid structure.
Variable player powers — A large selection of Scions (enemies) and playable characters.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I hate the storage I hate it I hate it so much
This one absolutely replaces hop mokus Victor because I didn't like it but I like this one the most out of these three which is surprising
so 20 strong is so surprising to me of of a game

References (from this video)

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Video ugcTdk7iuOY Board Games UnLocked Playthrough at 0:09 sentiment: mixed

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Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

Engaging combat system with tactical depth.
Rewarding character progression and improvement over time.
Narrative elements are integrated through Scion epilogues.
Variety of events and mechanics keep gameplay dynamic.

Cons

Some mechanics ('Pluto's Domain') are perceived as frustrating and punishing.
Boss encounters (like the Hydra) can be very challenging and potentially lengthy.
Difficulty scaling can be steep, requiring adjustments.

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Area Movement — Units move across a map or board, with hexes and specific movement rules described.
Blessings/Banes — Blessings provide benefits to the player, while Banes act as negative modifiers or challenges.
Combat — The core of the gameplay involves tactical combat with units, dice rolls, and strategic positioning.
Dice Rolling — Dice rolls are used extensively for attacks, defense, and other actions within the game.
Event system — The game features various events like 'Sports', 'Bloodshed', and 'Scion Events' that introduce specific challenges and objectives.
Health management — Players need to manage unit health, with mechanics for healing, bolstering health, and taking damage.
Hero Prowess — Completing certain objectives or events grants Hero Prowess, enhancing hero abilities.
Set Collection/Synergy — The host discusses needing specific unit classes or factions for certain events ('Golden Children').
unit deployment — Players deploy various units, each with different stats and abilities, to participate in combat.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I know up until this point I'm sure people are like you didn't do tactics right you didn't do this right it's like yeah I get it I get it maybe I shouldn't be here maybe I'd be a little worse off maybe a few Banes would be a few more Banes would be in here but I think overall the the uh the mistakes I made weren't that gamebreaking
Pluto's domain is like h no actually we're just going to make that hard for the sake of being hard
Boom that is three and the Hydra has been defeated all of its heads and not it's it's like really trying to ramp up and it's slowly coming towards me they're not growing back as much and then just reel back and right between the eyes
The Hydra fell an arrow in every head wordlessly the parthan signaled and at his command a dozen men rushed to hack off the necks and cariz the wounds just to be safe

References (from this video)

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Video sFaXtN-erfo Board Games UnLocked Review at 0:16 sentiment: positive

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Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Strategic combat with interesting unit abilities.
Engaging campaign narrative with high stakes.
Tactical arena combat with unique mechanics like the moving chariot.
Character progression and dice upgrading offer meaningful choices.

Cons

Some mechanics, like the monoliths in the arena, can be complex or frustrating.
The game can be punishingly difficult.
The host notes the challenge of keeping track of unit health at a glance.

Thematic elements

Warrior champions must defeat Pluto's Scions to prevent a global cataclysm
AD 79, near Mount Vesuvius

Comparison games

Elder Scrolls
Burn Cycle
Too Many Bones
Cloud Spire
20 Strong

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

arena combat — A significant portion of the gameplay involves combat within a specific arena, featuring a moving chariot and blocking monoliths.
Campaign — The game features a 4-week campaign where the player progresses through acts.
Character progression — Players can upgrade their character's abilities, dice, and health.
Combat — The game involves tactical combat between units with various abilities like First Strike, Retaliate, and Fury Aura.
Dice Rolling — Dice are used for attacks and other actions, with the ability to upgrade dice (e.g., from yellow to blue).
Movement — Units have movement values that dictate how far they can travel on the board.
Resource Management — Players manage tactics, health, leadership, and dice.
special abilities — Units and characters have unique abilities such as First Strike, Quick Draw, Dodge, Taunt, and Hamstring.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

My movement is two so unfortunately no matter where I go unless I just don't even if I don't move he'll be able to to come after me so might as well might as well hope for the best.
Oh my God he he definitely just obliterates him.
This is amazing.
I think I can do it.

References (from this video)

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Video keByv-8lb-s Board Games UnLocked Review at 0:16 sentiment: mixed

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Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

The 'Condemned' mode offers a nice change of pace.
The solo mode is quick to set up.
The game's streamlined keywords make it easy to learn.
Perfect Strike mechanic can lead to very satisfying turns.
The solo mode's AI can be gamed to overcome challenges.

Cons

Dice rolls can be frustrating and make the game swingy.
The AI can be a bit too predictable ('dumb') in solo mode.
The alert/not alert mechanic could be more engaging if the champion was always active.
The solo mode has an alternative win condition (killing all enemies) that can overshadow the primary objective.
The game can feel less strategically deep in solo mode compared to its potential.

Thematic elements

Comparison games

Onama
Checkers
God of War 3 (Poseidon)
Mythic Battles Pantheon
Mythic Battles Ragnarok
Summoner Wars

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Absorb — A mechanic that potentially mitigates incoming damage.
Alert/Not Alert — A state that affects how AI units target.
Combat lock — A mechanic that prevents units from moving.
Crowd favor — Gained through dealing damage, it allows units to level up, gain health, and unlock new abilities.
Dice Rolling — Core to the game's action resolution and combat.
Dodge — Allows a unit to avoid some or all incoming attacks.
Hurl — Allows a unit to pick up and throw another unit to a different hex.
Long Shot — Allows units to attack from a distance.
Perfect Strike — A mechanic that allows for double damage if all dice hit, described as 'disgusting' and 'busted'.
Regen — Allows a unit to recover health over time.
retaliate — Deals damage back to an attacker when the unit is attacked.
tactical — Allows a unit to move and perform another action in the same turn.
Taunt — Forces enemies to attack the unit with taunt.
unit deployment — Units are deployed onto the board based on specific rules and turn order.
Whirlwind — A special ability that can affect multiple units.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This is busted this is a promo character.
Perfect strike is disgusting.
I don't really like the alert not alert thing because it it it would ramp up the stakes a little bit more if the champion was like already available and already trying hunting you down.
The fact that it's always interesting like this where I understand why there's two modes like technically the goal says I need to get my wret to the other side but the fact that nothing keeps their units from dying means that a potentially easier option is to just kill them all.

References (from this video)

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Video 5LU7PJ8iU0M Board Games UnLocked Review at 0:16 sentiment: mixed

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Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

The game is described as having interesting mechanics and a challenging encounter with the Monkey King.
The ability to adapt tactics and make audibles adds strategic depth.
The crowd favor system provides rewarding benefits.
The potential for units to gain agile and increased movement from shards is exciting.

Cons

The Monkey King's mechanics make him difficult to defeat directly.
Adding health to shards and the Monkey King can be frustrating.
Some rules interactions and interpretations caused confusion during play.
The fatigue mechanic significantly hinders unit effectiveness.

Thematic elements

coliseum

Comparison games

Hoplomachus Victorum
Blacksmith Vulcan

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Agile — A mechanic that allows a unit to roll damage equal to their attack and deal damage equal to hits. Shard holders gain agile and plus one movement for each shard they have.
Charge — A movement mechanic where the Monkey King moves a certain number of hexes towards the closest active shard.
Crowd's Favor — A track-based system where players gain favor by dealing damage, unlocking benefits.
Deployment zones — The coliseum map has outer ring, inner ring, and center deployments, each affecting unit abilities and damage intake.
Dodge — Allows a unit to modify dice rolls when attacked.
Fatigue — A status effect that makes a unit unable to act until the end of their next turn.
First strike — Allows a unit to attack first in combat.
Footholds — A type of unit or marker that can be placed on any hex and blocks that spot or deployment hex.
Long Shot — A ranged attack ability.
Reposition — An ability that allows a unit to immediately move a number of hexes up to its movement.
Roaming — A movement ability that allows a unit to move a certain number of hexes.
Sentinels — Units with stats of three health, four range, cannot move, and have first strike. They act as an extra ally.
Shards — The Monkey King is protected by shards that must be active or equipped before he can be defeated. Damaging shards flips them to active, and defeating them equips them to the unit.
Solo/Cooperative Mode — Ascension mode is described as solo or cooperative, allowing players to either play alone or with others.
Supply Chips/Support Chips — Benefits gained from the Crowd's Favor track, including placing footholds, sentinels, adding HP, or activating heroes.
tactics — Special abilities or modifiers that can be applied to units, such as altering attack power or bolstering health.
Taunt — Forces an adjacent opponent to attack the unit with taunt.
Titan Encounter — The game features fighting against a powerful 'titan' called the Monkey King, who has unique defeat conditions.
Unit Abilities — Units have various abilities such as taunt, reposition, first strike, roaming, whirlwind, tactical dodge, and fury aura.
Wallop — An attack action where the Monkey King attacks adjacent targets.
Whirlwind — An attack that hits adjacent opponents.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

He ignores all damage dealt by attacks. He can only be defeated while at least three shards are active or equipped.
All HP removed from shards is added to the Monkey King.
I can't believe I forgot.
My camel kicks his staff out from underneath him and while he's falling I impale him, slam him into the ground, and the Monkey King is dead.
I'm s- stupid.

References (from this video)

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Video -fdlz7B2ASw Board Games UnLocked Review at 0:16 sentiment: mixed

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Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

Strategic depth and puzzle-like gameplay
High component quality and clean setup
Varied replayability with many options
Excellent for solo play with informed choices
Appealing theme of gladiatorial combat
Unique hero prowess decks add variety
Tactile and engaging gameplay experience

Cons

Campaign length can be fatiguing if binged
Boss/Scion fights can be swingy and anticlimactic
Some arena effects (like Vesuvian) feel arbitrarily difficult or pointless
Map size could be larger for more movement options
Thematic disconnect with heroes fighting each other when facing a common threat

Thematic elements

Gladiatorial combat
Ancient Greece/Rome

Comparison games

Elder Scrolls
Too Many Bones
Cloudspire
20 Strong
Oathsworn
Aeon Trespass
Kingdom Death
Fate Forge
Primal

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Campaign — The game features a multi-act campaign structure that can be played over several sessions.
Dice Rolling — Dice are used for combat and other actions, but the outcome is influenced by strategy and unit abilities.
Hand Management — Players manage a deck of prowess cards for their heroes, which grant unique abilities and actions.
Modular Board — The game uses different maps or arenas that can affect gameplay and strategy.
Set Collection — Players build their squad by selecting units and heroes, aiming for synergistic combinations.
Variable player powers — Each hero has a unique prowess deck that defines their playstyle and abilities.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

And I was one of the few that was like, 'Um all their other games are better.'
This is a top 10 game for me.
No, it is not. It is consistently 2 hours per act.
I hate this map.
It's like, 'Oh, you have deflect. Okay, how do I get around deflect?'
This is my least favorite Chip Theory game.
The journey was fun.
It's not about the destination, it's the journey.
This game would be utter trash if it was all random.

References (from this video)

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Video isvZ_mWIZfQ Board Games UnLocked Review at 0:17 sentiment: mixed

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Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

Streamlined compared to the original.
Ascension mode is fun for solo/co-op play.
Thematic immersion can be good with role-playing.
The Flood Coliseum mode feels like all elements are used.
The new art is original.

Cons

Heavy reliance on dice can be frustrating.
The defender meta can make games drag and feel uncreative.
Fiddly component design, especially the ships where visibility is poor.
Some rules are not clearly explained, leading to edge cases.
The solo modes are not as strong as in other games from the same publisher.
The Nmakia mode's defender meta is a significant issue.
Units can be stationary or predictable in some modes.

Thematic elements

Gladiator combat
Ancient Greece/Rome

Comparison games

Summoner Wars
Undaunted
Mythic Battles Pantheon
Arena Rex
Victoriium
Too Many Bones

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Area Control — Positioning units on specific map locations (like platforms or ships) can grant bonuses or be crucial for objectives.
asymmetric factions — Different factions have unique units and abilities.
catch-up mechanism — In the original rules for Crowd Favor, opponents gained health when damage was taken or events occurred, acting as a catch-up mechanism.
Dice Rolling — Core mechanic for combat and other actions, with different colored dice having different effects.
Set Collection — Collecting shards in Ascension mode is required to defeat the boss.
unit deployment — Players select and deploy units from a bag, with the order of deployment being strategic.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

It still heavily relies on dice to go a person's way.
You need to have theater of the mind kind of stuff that will help a lot because if you don't do that, if you don't try and judge it up with some creativity or some role playing, if you're just sitting there going, you're going to get pissed off.
The fiddliness is this though. I that is I don't know why you can't see anything.
Everything in this game is centered around the specificity specificity specificity spec specification of what is an attack and what is not.
This is definitely as as updated as this is from their deal after playing cuz you never played the original stuff. It was very tedious, very um but knowing where it came from. I mean it's their this is their oldest game, you know. Okay. So they have refreshed it, but you can still see little elements of it being it feels dated.
It's dice at at the end of the day.
There's no world where this is ever an eight or a nine.

References (from this video)

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Video keByv-8lb-s Board Games UnLocked Review at 1:03:48

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Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This is busted this is a promo character.
Perfect strike is disgusting.
I don't really like the alert not alert thing because it it it would ramp up the stakes a little bit more if the champion was like already available and already trying hunting you down.
The fact that it's always interesting like this where I understand why there's two modes like technically the goal says I need to get my wret to the other side but the fact that nothing keeps their units from dying means that a potentially easier option is to just kill them all.

References (from this video)

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Video KV5gbdWB_po Hungry Gamer Discussion at 27:30 sentiment: positive

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Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

strong solo campaigns
high production values
great replayability

Cons

heavy rules & setup
expensive

Thematic elements

heroic campaigns with modular maps
campaign-driven tactical combat in a fantasy/sci-fi world through remasterable factions
story-driven campaign progression

Comparison games

Isis Vanguard
Oathsworn

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

campaign-based scenarios — sequences of battles with persistent upgrades
faction remastering — swap between Hoplomacus and Victorum factions

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

this was truly scientific
the reasoning that people were giving for why they picked what they picked was just crazy
Beatrice the board game dog eating blueberries basically yeah
it's a satire capitalism
a euro game about monks and little tiny puppies
the donkey cart

References (from this video)

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Video IouR8_9ZDsY Watch It Played Top 10 List at 2:40 sentiment: positive

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Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Excellent components
Feels so good to play
Brilliant journey
Rewarding adventure

Cons

Luck of the dice

Thematic elements

Appease Pluto, god of the underworld, to prevent world destruction

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Campaign play — Focuses on Heroes and campaign play.
Combat System — Uses the combat system from Hoplomacus games with new twists.
Dice Rolling — There is luck of the dice.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This fantastic game is becoming my go-to for game nights easy to understand fun to play in cool art
The push your luck card play that is meant to stimulate maintaining balance while performing tricks is so well done I can literally almost feel every time I bail
This is an all-time favorite There are so many maps to play it always stays Fresh Plus the game is always tense and competitive
It's a solo only fully resettable non-linear campaign game which you step into the role of the legendary hero of the Shah Dynasty build the canals ahead of the impending flood while also Defending Your growing Village against neighboring Barbarian tribes
Another excellent gang from Sean Phillips and Garfield games a perfect solo experience you are walking a tightrope between managing resources and townsfolk to try and hold back the flood and The Barbarians even when you lose the game and you will often you still make progress in the story

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Video zW0GhYBQUJY Quackalope Analysis at 8:08 sentiment: positive

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Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Ambitious
Immersive story
Interesting puzzle

Cons

Large table presence
Large size for travel

Thematic elements

Gladiatorial Combat
Story-driven

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Campaign — The host wants to play through the full arc, the full story.
Solo only — This is the solo only version of Hoplomachus: Victorum.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

so solo gaming is something that I want to start looking at and focusing on
The way that I'm going to approach this is what I'm going to refer to is sort of a review Vlog
I'm committing to playing and covering these 10 games so you can keep an eye here on the Channel and you can see my thoughts and see as I develop my repertoire for solo gaming
I like games that are unapologetically Solo it's one of the things that brings me into the solo side of the hobby space and I'm even more compelled by them when they're less mechanics driven and More Story driven
This is the stuff we're going to be working on but I would love to hear from you if this solo review Vlog series takes off and people enjoy it here on the channel and I'm enjoying making it then I'll have to have another wave of solo games coming into the studio in about 2 months

References (from this video)

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Video ub38X82ReHs Tim Chuon Top 10 List at 10:05 sentiment: positive

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Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

straightforward, action-forward play
cool event/battle system and chip-based combat flavor

Cons

complex systems require good teaching

Thematic elements

boss combat; recruitment of defeated enemies; action-oriented
mythic world with gods and warriors
episodic-like battles with evolving events

Comparison games

Oorn

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Boss Battler — engage primal god battles with unique event cards and stats
boss_battling — engage primal god battles with unique event cards and stats
Resource Management — recruit defeated foes to strengthen your army
resource_management_and_recruitment — recruit defeated foes to strengthen your army

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

objectively the greatest game of all time

References (from this video)

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Video qhGDMbC-08U Meet Me At The Table Top List at 18:07 sentiment: positive

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Overall sentiment (raw)

Positive

Pros

Puzzly and tactical combat
Strategic weekly decisions
Unique arenas add variety

Cons

Original campaign length was very long (48 sessions)

Thematic elements

Gladiator fighting a scion of Pluto
Campaign

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Arena Abilities — Fights occur in unique arenas with special abilities and items.
Campaign — An epic campaign originally lasting 48 sessions, with expansions adding modules like Mercury Boots that shorten the acts.
Combat — Features puzzly and tactical combat.
Weekly Decisions — Each week players choose between three encounter types: Bloodshed (risk hero death for upgrades), Sport events (non-lethal battles to recruit units), and Opportunities (draw cards for unique units, prowess, or tactic tokens).

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I find that when I play games solo, I really enjoy having a reason to come back to them over and over again. And those campaigns are one of the best ways to get me to come back and play a game.
Almost every single concern I had with the original Sleeping Gods was fixed in Distant Skies.
As of this recording, I've yet to find a game that provides a better sandbox adventure.
I just love how this game makes you feel clever as you find ways to defeat multiple threats in one turn.
Although the game may look cute, the puzzles in the scenarios are no joke.
Each scenario takes less than 20 minutes, so it's easy to get to the table as a solo player.
Arkham Horror, the card game, is by far the best narrative driven campaign on this list.
So many scenarios, I chuckle to myself on how clever a mechanic they used or a thematic tying that worked so well.
With the revised boxes coming out now, it is easier than ever to pick this one up and give it a try.
All of a sudden, Awaken Realms designed Dragon Eclipse, and now my dreams have come true.
I cannot get enough of the puzzly and tactical combat, which is the backbone of this game.
When you have the embers of a forsaken star expansion for Zia Legends of a drift system, this game becomes an epitome of a campaign sandbox game.
The joy of leveling up your ship, running away from the scoundrel and racing the merchant for fame never gets old in a universe that's always changing in an unexpected ways.
With the theme Lord of the Rings, the first thing that comes to mind is working together to defeat a common goal. That is exactly what Lord of the Rings the card game is about.
I will never tire with finding synergies between different heroes or different cards and continuously appreciating the scenario design and how it challenges the players.

References (from this video)

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Video tzN7N9WJpuk Gaming Rules! Discussion at 33:07 sentiment: mixed

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Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

The game itself was enjoyed.

Cons

The playthrough was not enjoyable due to a migraine.

Thematic elements

gladiatorial combat
Ancient Rome
campaign

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Campaign play — The host planned to play an entire solo campaign in one day.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Endeavor Deep Sea is very, very high to the top of the list.
I am 90% sure they would say yes.
My current three favorite games that don't have any kind of space or science fantasy whatever uh element to them is through the ages feast roadin and Maraca.
So, yeah, it's very much a multiplayer solitaire game, but it's very good.
I believe it's a much improve a much better version of Hrien's Wall and I love the way that the combat works against the actual the the puzzle of trying to defend yourself against the different forces that are attacking you. I really like it. So yeah, Anarchy gets a big thumbs up for me.
Flam Rouge, fantastic game. Definitely Flam Rouge.
I personally don't feel it's right for me to do them at the end of the year because most of the games I will have only played once and some of them I won't have even played.
I personally prefer Flam Rouge to heat.
Anything that wins Spiel Dejars will go on to sell way more copies, especially in the family category if it gets that Spiel Dejars award on it, which they have to pay for. They have to pay to have that award put on there, which is how Spiel Dejares makes its money. But it will sell many, many copies of the game.

References (from this video)

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Video AXMTYwf-6ds Board Games UnLocked Top List at 1:36:59 sentiment: positive

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Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed to positive

Pros

New art is much cleaner
Condensed components
Expansions are good
Solid 1v1 play

Cons

Relies heavily on dice rolls ('roll to resolve')
Original art was rough

Thematic elements

gladiatorial combat

Comparison games

Victorum
Rise of Rome

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Dice combat — Combat resolution relies heavily on dice rolls.
expansion integration — Expansions add new mechanics like naval battles and crocodiles.
Set Collection — Collecting items and upgrades.
Skirmish — Focuses on tactical combat between individual units.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Sky Team is absolutely phenomenal.
This game is just awesome.
the gameplay itself is is super fun.
this was a super big surprise for me because I mean I never played Whistle Stop.
Second edition because it's just improved in literally every way.
This one is just absolutely fantastic.
This one is the simplest of the three games.
this one does a really cool system of like you actually lose.
It just they knew they knew the assignment with their writing.
this was I mean I know you like S. Corey if it wasn't so long. I think we both kind of settle on this one in current state being the best of the three.
it's a 7.3. I could have sworn this was at like a four at one point, which is fair cuz I think uh Portal Games kind of shat the bed on the game.
the actual gameplay of this one is one of the best uh cooperative survival games out there.
Awesome thing of like a good example is oh hey you actually when you're exploring you come across a shack that has some preserved food
this one remastered, they they condensed it down
The expansions for it um, Well, because now it's all cross compatible.
it literally is role to resolve. like you can be as strategic and tactile as you want. If dice if you roll blanks, you roll blanks and [censored] off.
This one's absolutely fantastic.
It's actually a digestible campaign game. Like you can finish it and feel satisfied
My only hiccup with this is its expansion. while as good as an expansion is a continuation of the main campaign story except you don't play with the characters that you were playing with.
The Cloud Spire one, I think you'll like though.
This game is literally luck the game
the Tangle Woods ones, I'm like, do I hate this game?

References (from this video)

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Video NS4ZhMHMvZI Board Games UnLocked Top List at 1:58:11 sentiment: positive

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Overall sentiment (raw)

Positive, especially after the expansion

Pros

Pandora's Ruin expansion significantly improved the experience by shortening campaign acts.
Campaign mode is now more swallowable and less of a commitment.
High replayability due to expansions and the ability to swap game modes.
High-quality components (chips, neoprene, plastic).

Cons

Original campaign was too long (4 hours per act).
The included storage solution (grandstand thing) doesn't fit everything.

Thematic elements

Ancient Greek combat/gladiatorial arenas

Comparison games

Hoplamachus Remastered

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Campaign play — The Pandora's Ruin expansion introduced a campaign mode with a reduced act length and starting level ups for heroes.
Dice Rolling — Mentioned as a core activity that could take four hours per act in the original setup, making it brutal.
Solo Play — This game is specifically noted as being a solo-only experience.
Worker Placement — Implied through the mention of similar rondelle mechanics in other Chip Theory games.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

this one is, Hoplam is solo.
the Pandora's Ruin uh brought in several different little things like more scions and stuff like that. But the biggest thing was the Mercury Boots campaign mode, that new campaign mode, because it switch it switched from where instead of each act lasting 12 weeks, it made each act last six weeks.
this is my my second uh chip theory game in this segment, but you get that same deal. Chips, neoprene, plastic.
But now each act probably takes about two or so with the Mercury deal. And that was like one of the smartest things. They listened to their their their, fans or whatever and they added that and it was the perfect addition cuz it made it a nice swallowable uh deal at that point.
that expansion saved this game because if I had to go through it again with uh, you know, four hours per act, I it's it's miserable, dude.
four hours of die rolling.
I just try not to think about how much I spent.
It's so much fun, dude.
The amount of content definitely helps with how many heroes and villains there are.
And the plug-and-play nature of just being like, here's who we're going to throw in.
The system of you know this timeline element of like playing cards after other players to trigger different effects is such a cool thing.
It's just that plugandplay nature makes this one just so much fun to play.
I've had a blast with it.
the games still super fun.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video wZbveF9ZBOw Board Games UnLocked Top List at 22:11 sentiment: positive

video_pk 82401 · mention_pk 207023

Click to watch at 22:11 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Positive (for the 20 Strong version)

Pros

Shorter playtime compared to the original game.
Captures the feeling of the original game in a more accessible format.
High variation with many heroes and bosses to choose from.
Streamlined rules compared to the original.

Cons

The original game was too long and its dice combat was too luck-based.

Thematic elements

Gladiatorial Combat / Blood Sports
Ancient Rome / Gladiator Arena

Comparison games

Too Many Bones
Cloudspire

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Card Drafting — Players pick heroes and then their 'primate' side, and fight nine scions.
Dice Rolling — Involves strengthening and weakening dice, and a pool of dice to train.
Push Your Luck — The 20 Strong version is a push-your-luck element.
Set Collection — Defeating primuses allows players to fight the adversary or final boss.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Hofflamus Vtorum. This one gets a lot of credit because at the time I played this, I did not like Hoffamachus Vtorum as a game.
All that being said, the 20 strong version I did enjoy because I already knew that the system was a push your luck element and this kind of it's also not 8 hours long.
So, if you like the idea of Hoplamakus Victorium, but don't have a couple hundred bucks to shell out um or you don't have the time, let's say you do own it, but you don't have the time to actually sit down and commit to a, you know, eight hour campaign. Well, then play this.
Cloudspire came around and I was like, oh no, this system is good when you take it back to its roots and you don't add a bunch of [ __ ] that makes it way too long and way too random and you streamline it.
my favorite one of 20 Strong is the original Solar Sentinels
This I feel like is obviously it's it's just the OG. And I think it does it best. It it fits this 20 strong system the best.
And in and of itself just makes this one my favorite to play.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 6CaXVxy_QBc Meet Me At The Table Top 20 List at 19:21 sentiment: positive

video_pk 81436 · mention_pk 202198

Click to watch at 19:21 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

If you're not in the mood to lose, don't even try and pick this one up.
This is a no-brainer for any solo player looking for a deduction style game or logic style game.
The core system of the game remains the same but the variety of different decks you can buy for the game is what makes this game tick.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video lmw_YehoAh8 The Dice Tower Discussion at 8:45 sentiment: neutral

video_pk 80953 · mention_pk 198840

Click to watch at 8:45 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

neutral

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

Hoplomachus
Too Many Bones

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I know it has its own little like um uh you know sub cult of people who enjoy it.
I don't particularly like it because I think it has a very strong rich get richer.
If you start winning an Outpost you were going to continue winning because if your engine gets going faster than mine there's not much I can do about it.
But yeah this one does not This one is one I wanted to like a lot more than I did.
it's a good back and forth two-player game.
I like the theme of it a lot. Seems like most music games I play aren't very good.
I I find this one amusing.
It almost feels like you could play it randomly and have the same amount of fun, but it's a nice way to pass some time.
It's a great little filler.
I don't think a lot of people have played this one.
It was replaced by Nobody is Perfect, too, because they didn't get it right the first time.
This is what a lot of people were talking about.
It was one of those games that I saw a little bit of buzz and I was like, "Ooh, I'll have to play that sometime." and then never heard anything else about it.
I think that's just a really solid two-player game from Catalia.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 0g7QLMMCyjY The Discriminating Gamer Top List at 5:54 sentiment: positive

video_pk 80638 · mention_pk 196882

Click to watch at 5:54 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Huge
One of the bigger solitary games
Really love Hoplomachus as a system
A lot of fun
Great game
Great solitary game

Cons

Gave the game away and already regrets it

Thematic elements

Gladiators
Gladiatorial arenas on different continents

Comparison games

Hoplomachus

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

map movement — Players move on a small map of continents and then to specific arena maps.
Poker Chip Combat — Players use poker chips to battle enemies.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

My number 10 from Renegade Game Studios is Unstoppable. This is a science fiction solitaire game.
This is 20 Strong. 20 Strong is not just a simple game. It's a game system because essentially, you have different decks, and you the way these decks play are very, very different.
Great artwork here. I love the artwork, but it's just a very tense game. I'll be honest, this is one I have never won.
Final Girl is a great solitaire game based on kind of B movie horror films.
Hoplomachus Victorum is huge. This is This is one of the bigger solitary games I played.
Mr. President is probably the biggest solitary game I've ever played.
This is The Pursuit of John Wilkes Booth.
I, Napoleon is essentially a Napoleon Bonaparte simulator.
And this is Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. [...] it is freaking awesome.
It's a horror game. It is chilling. And it is just so good.
Plague of Dracula is a great game where you take on the roles of the characters from the book Dracula.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video uzB3w9ktbh4 The Dice Tower Review at 10:18 sentiment: neutral

video_pk 79951 · mention_pk 313199

Click to watch at 10:18 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

Neutral

Pros

Put Chip Theory Games on the map with their poker chips.

Cons

It's just kind of fine for me.

Thematic elements

Comparison games

Too Many Bones

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Poker chips as life — You had these units here and they would have a stack of poker chips underneath them as their life.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

So, we're going to jump right into these here. I'm going to take a look at them and tell you what I think about them.
This game is now 20 years old.
It's not nearly as good as made by the people who made War of the Ring.
This is my favorite because all the pieces move like rooks sort of and you're trying to take over other people's pieces and each one has a special power and I like the theming of it.
Layers expansions bring it up to a nine. Layers is amazing.
I think the base game is fine, but when you I mean it's it's very it's enjoyable, but when you add the expansion it's fantastic.
Nothing here I think is amazing.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video zizlRXH8Zhc Playthrough at 0:10 sentiment: positive

video_pk 70962 · mention_pk 168122

Click to watch at 0:10 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Highly anticipated
Re-implementation of Hoplomachus Origins with improvements
Improved map-based campaign structure instead of linear trials
Evolving team composition and narrative storytelling
New original artwork and cleaned-up graphic design
New metal alloy dice
Cleared up ambiguities and rule questions from Origins
Variable challenges with different battle types
Upgrades for hero and team throughout the campaign
Rewards for bloodshed events like hero upgrades

Cons

Bloodshed events are lethal if units are defeated
Hero health is carried over, making them weaker if damaged

Thematic elements

Gladiatorial combat and conquest
Ancient Greece, mythical locations like Atlantis and Eldorado
Campaign-driven with evolving team and story

Comparison games

Hoplomachus Origins

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Area Control — The game involves moving to and engaging in battles within different regions on a map.
Campaign play — A series of linked battles forming a narrative campaign with evolving hero stats and team composition.
Card Drafting — Players draft prowess cards for their hero.
Dice Rolling — Combat and other actions are resolved by rolling custom dice.
Event resolution — Moving to a location triggers an event, which can be a battle, sporting event, or opportunity quest.
map movement — Players travel across a map, choosing which region/arena to face next.
Team building — Players start with a base team that is modified and grows throughout the campaign.
Turn-based combat — Battles are resolved in turns, with movement and attacking phases.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

The game has been highly anticipated.
This is kind of a re-implementation of Hoplomachus Origins.
The way that things have changed in Hoplomacus Victorum is instead of having this series of trials, you have a map and on this map you'll draft travel from point to point.
The same kind of concept but the series of battles is not linear it's a little bit more free form and kind of constructed in this campaign method.
Unlike Origins where you got to freely choose your team before each battle in Victorium you have a starting team that evolves from battle to battle.
The graphic design has been really cleaned up and we have new dice.
All those ambiguities and rule questions that came from original Hoplomacus have now been cleared up.
On the easiest mode which is called Chosen and Chosen we get three hero prowess cards instead of one.
These battles are now kind of tied together in a wonderfully thematic way.
The mats are double-sided, they were single-sided in Origins.
Our adventure is going to consist of four acts.
The heroes that we're not which can be known as Primus are going to be challenging us to battle at the end of each of these other acts.
Bloodshed events are always a little bit dodgy because they're lethal if any of our units were defeated they'd be gone they'd be gone from our troop.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video J-IPkleHoRs Watch It Played Rules Teach at 0:00

video_pk 68126 · mention_pk 164484

Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

none

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

the Skirmish mode of the game is played in turns starting with the first player
you may choose to either have a unit attack or instead use what is known as its special skill
the game comes with all kinds of chips stored in these included containers
this newly remastered Edition returns you to the arena with updated rules and components

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video v8qZkvN1JJw Top List at 1:14:03 sentiment: positive

video_pk 66676 · mention_pk 162464

Click to watch at 1:14:03 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Enjoyed the original Hoplamachus, and this solo-only version is a great experience.
An expansion significantly reduced the game's playtime (from ~12 hours to ~6).
Features Chip Theory quality components.
Brings in the mythological theme, fighting arenas, and challenges.
Great solo game.

Cons

Originally the game was extremely long.
Expansion components don't fit the original storage solution (grandstands for chips).

Thematic elements

Arena combat, mythology
Mythological world
Campaign-driven

Comparison games

Hoplamachus
Too Many Bones

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

action selection — Players select actions for characters staying at the campfire and those going into battle.
arena combat — Players take on challenges and arenas.
Campaign — The game features a campaign structure, progressing through acts.
Character progression — Players level up characters.
Dice Rolling — Players roll dice based on their characters.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

It turns into one big puzzle because there's just a line of enemies that you have to defeat.
So much stuff.
And Vantage is just a masterpiece. It's so [ __ ] cool.
Just the scenario ingenuity of these games is so cool because of different stuff just popping up and happening.
Um this one [clears throat] is a a super and and this is the reason this is the sole reason why this game beat out Elder Scrolls when we were doing that comparison.
It's just a masterful achievement.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video QIN3WSb5mOc Neon Gorilla Discussion at 0:57 sentiment: positive

video_pk 59511 · mention_pk 152076

Click to watch at 0:57 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Adds varied content through arenas, Tyrant/Scion encounters, and Dark Days events
Arena mechanics introduce variety and new tactical considerations
Rivals and event decks increase replayability and spice
Quick-play / reduced act length shortens time to table
Print-and-play rules and trackers lower barriers to trying the mode

Cons

Increases complexity and potential length if players don’t adopt quick-play rules
Expansion price ($50) and shipping considerations may deter some
Not all content may be essential for every group; perceived optionality
Remastered content limitations may affect compatibility for some players (not blocking base play)

Thematic elements

Power progression, risk-reward, and brutal encounters in a gladiatorial setting
Arena-based fantasy/sci-fi combat against tyrants in a modular campaign world

Comparison games

Too Many Bones

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Arena cards — New arena-specific modifiers and goals with dual-sided cards
Dark Days event deck — Adds tyrant/scion-related events to standard encounters for added spice and difficulty
Mercury boots / quick play variant — Halves act length to speed up campaigns and reduce overall playtime
Navigation stat — Map movement is accelerated as navigation skills improve
Opportunities and blessings — New economy to boost hero stats and recruit units; blessings are spent permanently
Primus encounters and rivals deck — Rival-focused encounters with fresh variability and challenges
Rule print-and-play resources — Printable rules and tracking sheets to facilitate quick setup and play
Tyrant encounters and Scion encounters — New encounter types that affect progression and difficulty across the campaign

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Chip Theory has built up for me a ton of trust I absolutely love their games and I can't help myself
I'm definitely going to get it
Chip Theory is freaking awesome
I do now have an understanding of what I will be buying and I like it
print out the rules right this second
free shipping
I love the arena mechanics

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video Ko23MOMpZl0 The Board Game Garden Discussion at 42:27 sentiment: positive

video_pk 37951 · mention_pk 234914

Click to watch at 42:27 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

distinct playstyle among solo-friendly games

Cons

availability and complexity may deter casual players

Thematic elements

victory conditions and tactical control
gladiator arena / arena-brawler with strategic overlay
mythic arena combat

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

area control / engine build — control zones and optimize actions to score victory points

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

huge shout out to all my patrons
the patreon link down below
this video is sponsored by wsbg
it's so comforting to me

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 74EjieULwx0 Gaming Rules! Discussion at 33:02 sentiment: positive

video_pk 13353 · mention_pk 84923

Click to watch at 33:02 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Solid first game for a publisher; good core ideas
Solid solo/duo play potential

Cons

Learning curve and rule clarity can be improved

Thematic elements

Heroic combat and gladiators in mythic settings
Ancient Roman-inspired gladiatorial arena
Single-session or short-form campaign with arena challenges

Comparison games

Too Many Bones
Cloudspire

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

arena combat — Skirmish battles with multiple options and modifiers

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

"Loving it, absolutely loving it"
"I think Jaws of the Lion is a better all-round put together package"
"it's one of the most complicated games out there; the learning curve is huge"
"I rate the game I think like a 9.5 out of 10"
"we played Star Wars Imperial Assault all day"

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video OIvWtOM2lQI Beyond Solitaire Review at 0:12 sentiment: positive

video_pk 11126 · mention_pk 146023

Click to watch at 0:12 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Great solo puzzle with deep strategic choices
Significant variety in arenas, events, and opponents
Effective progression with upgrades and new units
Rich flavor and thematic consistency with Haplomachus lineage
Spectate/recover mechanic adds tension and risk management

Cons

Rule complexity and learning curve can be intimidating
On-tabletop simulator, setup and shuffling can be fiddly
Some rule interactions (e.g., tactics, bane) may be unclear without reference
Campaign length for a full act is substantial

Thematic elements

Power, conquest, and survival through combat and upgrades
Gladiatorial arenas across a mythic world; Pluto's refugees and local gladiator communities
Four-act campaign with escalating primus battles and random arena configurations

Comparison games

Hoplomachus Origins
Lost Cities
Rise of Rome

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Act/week/time tracking — Acts comprised of 12 weeks; time management to reach next confrontation; travel and events consume time.
Arena and beast mechanics — Beasts on beast cages; different arenas have unique rules; local vs non-local units affected by beasts.
Bane tokens and scion influence — Bane chips added based on scion influence track; certain events impose permanent penalties.
Character and leaderboard stats — Health, movement, range, and special abilities for champions and units.
Combat: Dice — Different dice (green, yellow, black, red) with varying hit chances and outcomes determine damage and hits.
Dice-based combat — Different dice (green, yellow, black, red) with varying hit chances and outcomes determine damage and hits.
Harbors and long-distance travel — Harbors allow teleportation to other harbors at the cost of a week.
Leaders/Leadership and troops — Leadership points or shields enabling deployment of more units.
Opportunities, tactics, and recruitment — Opportunity cards provide quests and rewards; tactics are finite-use bonuses; can recruit enemy lineup units.
Spectate vs participate at events — Option to spectate an event to heal or recruit, with consequences; or participate and potentially risk HP.
Time Track — Acts comprised of 12 weeks; time management to reach next confrontation; travel and events consume time.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

this is my second favorite game after mage night
this new version is so so so good
it's been a rough year for me and this is bringing me joy at a time when i really really needed it
the variety in the gameplay is going to be great
i personally am extremely excited about this
there's a lot of variety in the sporting events
i'm actually going to call this video however i hope it gives you just a sense of flavor of play

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video wfD-Bb3PlyA The Discriminating Gamer Review at 9:36 sentiment: positive

video_pk 8537 · mention_pk 81557

Click to watch at 9:36 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Thematic and flavorful setting with gladiator lore
Solid solitaire experience with a different flavor within 20 Strong
Engaging mix of tactics and risk management

Cons

Steeper learning curve than Solar Sentinels
Some balance quirks compared to other decks in the system

Thematic elements

Historical fantasy with gladiators and combat arenas
Ancient world / gladiatorial arena
mythic-historical blend

Comparison games

Too Many Bones
Tangle Woods Red

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Card activation with arena effects — Cards trigger ongoing effects and arena-type challenges as play progresses.
Dice allocation — Allocate dice to gladiator actions in a tactical arena-style setup.
Path and arena progression — Navigate a sequence of gladiatorial matches with escalating difficulty.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This game is actually pretty big. And what I mean by that is there are a lot of choices in this game.
I think Tangle Woods Red has the most meat to it.
On the Cody scale, I'm going to give it an eight out of 10.
This is a fantastic, fantastic game system, and each of the games are a lot of fun.
I would love to see a version of this like in World War II.
Tangle Woods Red and indeed all of 20 Strong. This is a fantastic, fantastic game system.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video Ti_1M2AD0l4 Box of Delights Playthrough at 0:15 sentiment: positive

video_pk 6632 · mention_pk 145593

Click to watch at 0:15 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Engaging solitaire format with a strong thematic link to arena combat
Innovative titan-pit/die mechanic and AI-driven boss behavior
Crowd-favor mechanic adds strategic pacing and reward structure
Versatile setup with modular choices and upgrade options

Cons

Setup and rules can be dense and time-consuming for new players
Some components and expansions feel optional or PvP-oriented rather than strictly solo
The complexity may be intimidating without a dedicated reference

Thematic elements

Gladiatorial combat against titans with shard-based power and crowd-favor mechanics
Ancient Rome arena with Colosseum center, Titan hex, pits
Procedural AI-driven boss battle with round-based turns

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Crowd favor — Gaining crowd favor provides benefits such as unlocking footholds and upgrading capabilities; health damage to chips or boxes also increases crowd favor.
Deployment from titan hex — Units can deploy from the titan hex and from the central pit, providing dynamic entry points and strategic options.
Elevation/elevator deployment — Gladiators can emerge from pits via an elevator to enter the center arena, enabling tactical repositioning.
Equipment boxes — Equipment boxes require health chips to be broken open; they grant equipment upgrades that enhance gladiator strength.
Gladiator bag drafting — At setup, a pool of gladiators is drafted into a bag and drawn to form starting units, with some expansion elements adding variety.
Pillars and health chips — Pillars with health chips act as destructible threats; they are targetable like enemies and influence control of the arena.
Shard mechanics — Shards grant blue dice to basic attacks; Oceanus cannot be damaged until at least one shard is possessed, and Oceanus cannot be killed until all four shards are collected.
Titan AI and ramping — Titan Oceanus moves around the pit area, summons units from the pit, and has location-based rules that affect when and how it can be attacked.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

This is the Rise of Rome expansion. It's a standalone.
The arena here is the Colosseum in the center is the Titan hex.
We're playing solitaire.
We cannot damage Oceanus until we have at least one shard.
We can't destroy him that's remove his very last health chip.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video rYHF41MGuyY Our Family Plays Games Discussion at 35:48 sentiment: positive

video_pk 4311 · mention_pk 124337

Click to watch at 35:48 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Upcoming game
Premium promotional items
Damascus steel sword with custom branding

Cons

none

Thematic elements

gladiator
roman
combat

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

No quotes stored for this video.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

A Pile of Mid Games: Lairs, Blue Max and More!

Hoplomachus: Remastered - How To Play