Rage of the Gladiator

 Wii
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Nintendo Life
    90
    Rage of the Gladiator is the kind of WiiWare game we'd like to see more often, with excellent control, great design and bags of fun. All three control schemes are perfectly usable and whilst we're sure there are many traditionalists who will stick to the digital controls, we highly rate the MotionPlus implementation which features one-time calibration (no pointer clicking required between matches) and a pretty good workout besides.
  2. Zentendo
    90
    Rage of the Gladiator is challenging in a good way with 21 fights to get through.
  3. Gamers' Temple
    89
    If you've got a Wii and think you are up to the challenge, Rage of the Gladiator should be at the top of your list.
  5. Cheat Code Central
    88
    This game is a steal; we were shocked to see such a great price point on a title that really does give Punch-Out!! a run for its money. The difficulty is truly unforgiving, so it's not for everyone, but by this point, Punch-Out!! fans know what they're in for. So, download away.
  6. GamingTrend
    88
    It's another great WiiWare game that will give you about 5-7 hours of playtime, and as long as you're a fan of Punch-Out or even like it in passing, you'll enjoy Rage of the Gladiator.
  7. IGN
    85
    The production values on display here are impressive, especially for a WiiWare game. Multiple control schemes offer something for both fans of old school and motion controls, the game looks great, and lots of voice acting brings these bosses to life.
  8. Hardcore Gamer
    85
    At 1000 points, Rage of the Gladiator brings just enough content and old-fashioned fun to warrant adding it to your WiiWare library.
  9. ZTGD
    85
    Punch-Out!! with a fantasy spin, Rage of the Gladiator packs an admirable punch into its 40MB package. Bright colors and diverse tactics keep each fight exciting and challenging.
  10. Everyeye.it
    85
    Rage of the Gladiator is not a simple cut & paste from the great Punch Out: it adds some exciting elements to the rhythm-based gameplay and a more complex control scheme.
  11. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    84
    A good value Punch-Out! clone. [June 2010, p.95]
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  12. Pelit (Finland)
    83
    A modernised Punch Out in a fantasy setting. It's simple, yet quite challenging. [June 2010]
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  13. Gaming Target
    82
    There's almost as much game in the $10 Rage of the Gladiator as there is in the $50 Punch-Out!! Students of Doc Louis would do well to plunk down 1000 Wii Points to take the fight to ancient Rome.
  14. Multiplayer.it
    82
    A pleasant and funny game with old gameplay mechanic is always welcome in a console lineup, especially when we talk about Wii-Ware and a low price title like Rage of Gladiator, recommend to all the old Punch Out fans and many others.
  15. GameFocus
    81
    Kudos to the development team at Ghostfire Games. Rage of the Gladiator was a pleasant surprise.
  16. GameZone
    80
    With an emphasis on feel-good playability, it’s hard to go wrong with Rage of the Gladiator. Any old school boxing gamer will feel right at home.
  17. Gamer Limit
    80
    If you liked Punch-Out!!, Rage of the Gladiator will be your favorite WiiWare purchase... ever. If you've never tried Punch-Out!!, this is a solid, low-cost alternative with personality, and a great way to test your reaction time.
  18. Vandal
    80
    In a certain way it may seem a title oriented to teens, specially for its aesthetics, but it will surprise those who approach it.
  19. Nintendo Gamer
    80
    Compact, deep and great fun to get stuck into. [June 2010, p.77]
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  20. Games Master UK
    80
    Anything that lets us take a hammer to a ninja's bonce gets a thumbs up from us. [July 2010, p.95]
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  21. 3DJuegos
    78
    Rage of the Gladiator is a game based in epic boss-battles similar to Punch-Out but low cost and with more personality in the characters. It's funny because we need to find the weakness of each enemy. It's unique because we need to get new abilities and powers between combats. And it is a must-have because is a Punch-Out with mythological and legendary bosses.
  22. GamerNode
    75
    The ability of a clearly low-commitment, fairly low-budget game made primarily for a younger audience, to keep you invested in the gameplay for so long is troubling, but also a pure expression of the original joy of gaming.
  23. NintendoWorldReport
    70
    Rage of the Gladiator tries to be a Punch-Out!!-esque game, but it doesn't quite live up to the promise. Still, it's an entertaining game with solid production values that manages to wind its way down the road of quality despite some superfluous controls, rigid skill trees, and extra-long battles.
  24. Metro GameCentral
    70
    It might not escape from the shadow of Punch-Out!! but this WiiWare download still puts up a good fight.
  25. Game Informer
    68
    If you’re a huge Punch-Out fan and slightly curious about Rage of the Gladiator, I’d still recommend the WiiWare download. While it doesn’t dethrone the champ, it’s got the potential to be a contender if Ghostfire Games makes some changes next time around.