In addition to your basic attacks and combos, you’ll eventually earn three
special powers. These powers are charged by killing enemies and can then be
released by pressing Y. Each lasts for only a limited time, after which you’ll
need to recharge your meter again. The power of Hercules makes you stronger and
invulnerable, the power of Pluto calls on spirits to aid you, and the power of
Jupiter fires lightning bolts at nearby enemies.
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| Yep, it's a bloody game alright. |
Further expanding your arsenal of attacks is the Fight Gauge. This gauge is
boosted by scoring hits by switching back and forth among multiple opponents,
and bestows special attacks when certain levels are reached. For example, you
may earn the temporary ability to break shields.
All of these features make the combat look interesting and varied, but when you
get down to it you’re really just button-mashing your way through the game. One
combo is as good as another when slaying enemies, and there’s not much in the
way of strategy to your attacks other than in selecting which enemy to
concentrate on next. While most of the variety in the battles comes from the
visual standpoint, they are fun to watch and play. Luckily the repetition is not
always completely obvious.
In addition to fighting enemies along your path, the game also has various
challenges that are thrown your way from time to time. These challenges require
you to defeat a minimum number of enemies in a set time limit, smash as many
objects as possible, or defeat a particular foe. Completing a challenge will
earn you a reward such as a new attack on your Fight Gauge or a new spell power.
A lot of quality work went into Gladiator’s story, visuals, and atmosphere and
the result is a game that looks better and is more atmospheric than most.
Surprisingly few games draw on Roman mythology for inspiration, and this alone
gives the game an intriguing novelty factor. The gameplay is only a small step
above button-mashing, but never really feels too repetitive. If you’re an action
gaming fan give the game a look – it’s a fun diversion that’s a bit of a breath
of fresh air for the genre.
In The End, This Game Hath Been Rated:
76%. An enjoyable hack and slash
romp through Roman mythology.
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