$20 Game of the Week: Gladius (Xbox, PS2, Gamecube)

In ancient Rome, the Gladiators were basically what pro wrestlers and basketball players are today. People would shell out money to see them, and a big name or skilled combatant could draw insane crowds. Many video games have incorporated the high risk and brutal action of the ancient sport in some way, be it Oblivion’s arena storyline or the forgettable Xbox game Circus Maximus. However, Lucasarts’s Gladius really brings the ‘sport’ home. It’s turn based RPG strategy with a twist, and it’s one of Lucasarts’s best games not named Star Wars. Come to think of it, it’s one of their best games period.

You have your choice of two characters, each with their own storyline (although both will merge during the game). Other heroes will join you as well, and you will be able to recruit certain defeated characters to join your school. You travel around to different lands, competing in contests in each one as you build up a school of gladiators. You’ll outfit them with equipment and materials, and develop their skills. The battles are done in a rock-paper-scissors method, with soldiers organized into three main classes: heavy, medium, and light. Heavy beats medium, medium beats light, and light beats heavy. There are also terrain differences to consider as well. Your players are also outfitted with magic as well. Strikes are done via a ‘golf swing’ mechanic, where the position you stop the marker determines your amount of damage. You want to get it as close to the red spot as possible. The game also includes two-player modes, both drop-in co-op (during the story mode) and competitive battling.

Gladius is an awesome, yet sorely overlooked RPG from last generation. Although its ending hints at a sequel, there is little chance of getting one. There is always hope that Lucasarts will surprise us. For now, RPG fans will want to pick this game up if you haven’t done so already. Stay tuned later this week for Lost Classics and a semi-interactive Maximum Letdown, both of which also feature role playing games.