HAMILCAR, set during the first conflict between Rome and Carthage, known as the First Punic War, is a companion game to HANNIBAL, sharing components and using similar mechanics. It introduces a naval system and naval battles. Both players compete for control of the world’s primary sea, in a conflict which will be described as the first war between an elephant and a whale - the struggle of a land-based empire versus the world’s naval power. Rome's goal was to break out through the island chain of Sicily, Corsica and Sardinia - Carthage's defensive line to contain Rome on the Italian peninsula.