Gladiators of Rome

"I want my 10 dollars back!"

This is the worst game that looked like fun I've come across in a while. As I skimmed the text on the back of the jewel case, I noticed it said this game is action-packed, or something of the sort, and I thought to myself, ''Wow, an action game with gladiators is something we really need!'' So I grabbed it and paid 10 dollars, thinking I was getting a good deal. I'll tell you this, I regret not picking up Serious Sam, which was sitting right next to it, for 10 dollars.

Gameplay : 1/10
This game has very dull gameplay. I also want to mention that this is NOT an action game. The only action you'll experience when playing this game is trying to not fall asleep, or trying not to start rolling on the floor screaming, ''My 10 dollars!! GONE!!!!!'' The gameplay includes you equipping some Gladiators that you originally bought as slaves with weapons, armor, etc. Half of this game is like a marketing Tycoon game with slaves. Once you get in the game, you're fighting what might be the most boring fight of your life. If I was one of the gladiators, I would say, ''Hey, buddy, just kill me now so I don't have to live another moment realizing I'm fighting in Gladiators of Rome.

Graphics : 2/10
All though they're not bad considered to some older games, you can't get away with stuff like this anymore. The models are poorly rendered, and they are not smooth - they are rather jagged looking. The animations are corny, and the arenas you fight in look awful.

Sound : 5/10
I'll admit to it, the sounds are KIND of decent... but if the sound in a game is the only good thing, Worms Armageddon would be looked down upon for it's mono sound, and the explosions that sound like soap bubbles popping. We're not here to talk about that, however, we're here to talk about this.

Learning curve: I don't even know.
I was playing this game for over an hour, and I still couldn't get it. There is no real instruction booklet, and there aren't any FAQ's on GameFAQs (like you'd want to write about this?), and there is no tutorial. All I learned about this game is that you need to spend your money more carefully.

Buy or rent: Neither.
Run away. Get as far away from this game as possible. Use a giant meter stick if possible, but make sure you are constantly within 3280 feet (1 kilometer) of this game. If this game is accidentally eaten, contact a poison control center immediately. Not recommended for children under the age of 3. Wait, not recommended at all.

Reviewer's Score: 1/10, Originally Posted: 10/27/03