Gladius

 Xbox
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
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  1. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    72
    Tremendously 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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  2. Xbox Nation Magazine
    70
    It's ugly, this gladiator's life. But at least it's got a good personality. [Dec/Jan 2004, p.86]
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  3. games(TM)
    70
    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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  5. GameCritics
    70
    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.
  6. GameNow
    67
    Expect 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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  7. NTSC-uk
    60
    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.
  8. TotalGames.net
    60
    Now 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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  9. GamePro
    60
    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

54
#54 Best Xbox Game of 2003
31
#31 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2003
26
#26 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 27 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 27
  3. Negative: 2 out of 27
  1. frederik1478
    Sep 24, 2021
    4
    I tried because I like fire emblem and it's a bit too slow paced for me, The Story 1 characters nice but I cannot get into it don't like theI tried because I like fire emblem and it's a bit too slow paced for me, The Story 1 characters nice but I cannot get into it don't like the Combat system , if you are a fan of final fantasy tactics the maybe you'll enjoy it… Full Review »
  2. ThunderTiamat
    May 18, 2011
    9
    Gladius is no doubt the best strategy RPG for Xbox period. Not that it has any real competition - it is still a well produced, compelling,Gladius is no doubt the best strategy RPG for Xbox period. Not that it has any real competition - it is still a well produced, compelling, quite massive game that takes 60+ hours to complete. Its pacing is rather slow and it might try the patience of genre's newcomers, but those strategy RPG's aficionados will have a great feast here.
    The game features several fresh ideas to the genre, with action elements being perhaps the most prominent. Almost every attack, ability or spell cast requires player to interact with a specific action sequence, such as fierce button mashing for most bear's or berserker's attacks or pinpoint button press for precise archer's or javeliner's shots. While all of these may be performed by the AI, it is not very difficult to pull off most attacks and get frequent critical hits, so you might want to perform most of them yourself if you find the ingame challenge daunting. It also keeps you from being sleepy while playing the game for longer periods of time ;)
    In the graphics and sounds department Gladius is a solid Lucasarts product, featuring nice visuals, with detailed fighters' models. Most of the tunes are pleasant to listen to, and some are quite memorable. Battle sounds are decent.
    The story is perhaps a little predictable and unveils somewhat slowly. There are several plot twists and memorable events, and although it might not be the most engrossing, it pushes the action forward and serves its role. As for every strategy RPG, the core of the game is the squad composition, characters progression and equipment management - all these aspects work really well and play together nicely. There is quite some replay value here as well - there are two main story characters in game (specified as for the beginner and advanced player), each starting in a different setting. Their story converges at some point, but requires the player to play through different locations in a different sequence. However, due to limited squad capacity and skill points, it is impossible to check out every character class and all the skills with just a single playthrough. Limited number of side-quests might be a little disappointing, but the player is free to choose which battles he or she want to participate in and may skip some clashes altogether. Combat is engaging, sometimes challenging and generally requires thorough strategic thinking.
    Strongly recommended!    … Full Review »
  3. JoonasL.
    Jun 4, 2006
    8
    I wish this game had been marketed. You know, at all. I only discovered it a few days back and it's sweet.
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