Gaming Target - PlayStation 2: Gladius

Written by Matt Partington on November 27, 2002

First Impressions: I'll be darned, gladiators did cast magic spells!

I suppose it only took time before we started to see gladiator video games. After all, with the commercial and critical success of Ridley Scott's masterpiece Gladiator only being released two years ago, what gamer wouldn't want to be part of violent Ancient Western Civilization? The gladiator lifestyle has about every element that makes an ideally entertaining video gameЦturbulent killing, head chopping, crowd cheering, savage behavior, and of course blood spilling. But who would've guessed that it'd come in the unique form of Gladius.

When we think of LucasArts, Star Wars immediately comes in mind. Obviously, Gladius isn't related to Star Wars in any sort of way. It's definitely one of the more offbeat games we've seen come from this company in a long time. According to them, Gladius is a turn-based strategy action-RPG. A awry conflicting compilation of words, that really makes you scratch your head and say УWhat?Ф Nevertheless, LucasArts confirms that this is the simplest definition of the game. Just from that description, you should be able to conclude that Gladius is a battle-heavy game, the main appeal to the consumers. With such a pompous mold of words, we'll see if I can successfully describe the game with clear understanding...

Being turn-based, Gladius is primarily played most similar to an RPG. In fact, it's highly reminiscent of Squaresoft's Final Fantasy Tactics. So, you're in the arena right? Thousands of spectators cheering and jeering at you, just waiting for a final blow. You have a battle group of 16, of which you recruit and train throughout the experience (I'll elaborate on this later). To hit an opponent, you must first take several steps in their direction to get within target range. Each step counts as a move, but once you're in the zone, it's time to take some action. The first hit you make to an enemy might knock the shield out of their hands, making them more vulnerable to later attacks. The entire battle is played like this, but since you and your rival will be moving around within each move, strategy is needed to move each of your characters to the proper tactical spot otherwise you could be in for trouble.

Each hit will be measured by a meter. Once you're within target range, and if you decide to attack, you'll be prompted with this hit meter. Similar to certain golf games, the further your icon gets on the meter the harder you will hit your enemy. Simple enough, isn't it? You don't have to do this though. The game also allows you to let the computer perform hits for you, much like the Auto command on most RPGs.

As is, that's pretty boring wouldn't you say? Somehow, someway, for whatever reason, LucasArts added the ability to execute spells and magic. Yes, spells and magic. Maybe they didn't think it could be a full-fledged RPG without this addition, maybe they were on some fabulous drugs, but even though we can't tell how it will effect the game until played, it definitely seems to remove most of the preestablished realism the game had. Only through LucasArts' execution will we be able to tell if it really positively or negatively impacts the game.

Don't worry, Gladius isn't simply just going to throw you into a battle. That is unless you play Exhibition Mode, just one of three. Exhibition Mode is flat out combat where you compete in one of six locals, twelve environments, and twenty arenas placed in Ancient Rome. Gladius also has a multi-player mode for those gamers who like to battle it out with their buddies. But those looking for structure, Gladius does indeed have a Story Mode. In the beginning you select to play as either Valens or Ursula. Both somewhat born with the destiny of becoming powerful gladiators, Valen's father was once one of the greatest warriors in the world, and Ursula is the daughter of the potent, uncivil king of Nordagh.

The lands are on the verge of another disastrous war, comparable to the one that decimated the lands not so long ago. Valens and Ursula, on opposing sides, are seeking to prevent this conflict from taking place. Throughout your quest, which is said to be roughly 40 hours each, you will recruit new warriors to join your clan. There are 16 totally unique character classes in Gladius, from berserk soldiers to spell-casting fighters and everything in between. The fighting will take place in unique arenas set throughout Rome. If you successfully defeat your opponent, the Emperor will grant you certificates of which you can use to advance to the next location or level. One of the biggest parts of the game is obtaining new armor, helmets, shields, weapons, and other various accessories to help guide your warriors to victory. Being one of the most predominant things in the game, it's also one of elements that keep the game fresh. From those initial 16 characters, more than 100 new characters evolve from them and there's 400 plus objects to equip your soldiers with. Now that's what I call replay value. Think of yourself as a professional gladiator trainer.