It was my number 1 game in 2023 and number 2 on my CTG big box games. It is actually played 4 x 12 weeks (4 acts) not 3 x 12 weeks. It is a great game I really like it. If you combine Hoplomachus Remastered with Hoplomachus Victorum, it will be even more epic. It is battle after battle, but I do not find it grindy at all. It is the battle in the arena, the decision you make matters, but it is not luck free but with the dice there comes emotions (what I kind of miss in Cloudspire, which I like too but CS is more a puzzle). You are constantly involved, you have to decide a lot (which route, which event, when to spectate, who will go first in the arena and so on and on).

This is a very special game.

You're right, quality production cost. Getting the deluxe components more than doubles the costs. I will have to see a play though video to see if this is a game I willing to spend that much.

You didn’t mention where Cloudspire ranks in your CTG games.

Not a fan of this one. Too grindy and repetitive for me. Much prefer Cloudspire and Too Many Bones for solo.