Gladius
Xbox- Publisher: LucasArts
- Release Date: Oct 28, 2003
- Also On: PlayStation 2
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Game InformerWith more depth than all of Minnesota's lakes combined, Glaius offers a level of immersion that no other strategy game can offer. Complex as the game is, the basic premise is deceptively simple. [Oct 2003, p.137]
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Many people still aren't sure what to expect from the game, and neither was I when I picked it up, after debating between it and Gladiator. When I got home, however, I was very pleasantly surprised.
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With its epic storylines, hundreds of combat scenarios, and open-ended structure, Gladius is one of the deepest games of the year. If you play strategy/RPGs because you're an anime fan, Gladius will bore you; if you play them because they're fun, Gladius will obsess you.
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One of the best strategy RPGs I’ve had the opportunity to play.
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It’s easily one of the deepest games I’ve played in a long time.
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Gladius is by far unmatched in terms of character control in the strategy/RPG genre. The only thing I would have wished for is more ability customization for characters in between class types.
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Blends strategy and action in a gladiatorial arena to stimulate both your mind and your thirst for violence.
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If you’re looking for a game with a ton of depth, replayability and a solid storyline, look no further. Gladius is stockpiled with a ton of features that will appease everyone from the beginning adventurer to the hardcore strategist.
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Has a ton of game play to offer, although it does get a little slow, dull and repetitive at times.
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Official Xbox MagazineRepetitive battle music and minor camera issues aside, if you can stand the slow, turn-based nature of Gladius, you'll love it. [Dec 2003, p.154]
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Plays a lot like a series of great chess matches with tons of new variables to learn.
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The level of depth to be found here is astounding - from the very onset of the game you'll find yourself knee-deep in menus, combat, and strange locations.
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Unless you seriously have a thing for turn-based combat and having to really work for your progress, the game isn't for you. But if you do, Gladius is one of the better examples of the genre on the system.
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There's nothing quite like it. Some aspects of the game could have used some more polish, but these shouldn't deter anyone looking for a deep, involved, great-looking, and memorable RPG from getting Gladius.
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It's not visually striking and the storyline doesn't play a prominent enough role to really get your attention, but if you're willing to invest the hour or so it takes to really get into the game, you'll be surprised at just how much fun Gladius can be.
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While the storytelling and gameplay are a bit on the slow and awkwardly paced side, Gladius can be a pretty deep and engaging tactical RPG.
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Ultimately though, Gladius is an ambitious game that attempts to breathe new life into the genre. It's not entirely successful, but it is the best gladiator game I've played.
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A great-looking, incredibly deep and satisfying combat role playing game. It's complicated and has a steep "getting started" curve, but the investment of patience pays off.
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While the game is quicker-paced and more interactive than most in the genre, it is ultimately a fine representative of a genre that's heavy on lengthy battles and a lot of invested time.
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Gamestyle quite enjoyed taking a detour from the norm with Gladius, which stands commendably behind "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic" - in genre-matching terms on the Xbox.
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While Gladius isn't going to convert haters of RPGs or turn-based strategy, it's got the same hard-to-define addictive hook as its older peers, "FFT" and "Tactics Ogre."
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Many action-oriented gamers arena’t going to like this game at all, but you strategy buffs will be pleased that Gladius is such a strong contender, because you really don’t have any other options. There are no other games like it.
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Play MagazineThere's an aura of nobility, barbarism and mysticism at work here that places you in the world and makes you care about the characters, and that's what it's all about. [Nov 2003, p.72]
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Electronic Gaming MonthlyTremendously deep warrior-customization options and rich strategy elements make Gladius absolutely worthwhile and fun, but prepare to invest serious time. [Dec 2003, p.185]
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Xbox Nation MagazineIt's ugly, this gladiator's life. But at least it's got a good personality. [Dec/Jan 2004, p.86]
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games(TM)A brave game that deserves recognition. Gladius rises above its initial shortcomings and delivers a lengthy and enjoyable experience. [Dec 2003, p.112]
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An ambitious game that attempts to breathe new life into the genre. It's not entirely successful, but it is the best gladiator game I've played.
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GameNowExpect Gladius to suck time in the manner of a Hoover sucking dirt - the turn-based battles are slow and poorly paced, often making a gladiator's life a wearisome one. [Dec 2003, p.66]
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The statistic-heavy approach combined with an everyday storyline and some plain presentation, though, will ensure that relatively few gamers will ever see this as anything other than an amusing timewaster.
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TotalGames.netNow we're finally over our initial shock, it turns out that Gladius is everything we expected, an interesting title that unfortunately misses its target more times than it hits...
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The actual gameplay of Gladius is innovative, but the execution is just as slow as the story telling. Combat is dished out through turn-based clashes; when an arena is filled with at least a half-dozen pugilists, the action tends to be very, very sluggish as you wait patiently for your next turn.
Awards & Rankings
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54
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31
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#31 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2003
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26
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#26 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2003
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User score distribution:
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Positive: 22 out of 27
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Mixed: 3 out of 27
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Negative: 2 out of 27
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Sep 24, 2021
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May 18, 2011
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JoonasL.Jun 4, 2006I wish this game had been marketed. You know, at all. I only discovered it a few days back and it's sweet.