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Combines the classic themes of chariot racing and gladiator fighting, bringing the raw excitement of survival racing to the majestic coliseum and arenas of the Roman Empire. [Encore]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 100
GamePro
A no-holds-barred chariot racer full of originality and pee-in-your-pants combat.
 90
Hot Games
Circus Maximus isn't the best game for the X-Box, nor is it the most fun - but it certainly is innovative, and you might find yourself playing for hours despite your objections.
80
Play Magazine
I can honestly attest that Circus Maximus does for racing what "Mortal Kombat" did for fighting – before it got pimped out like a cheap hooker. [Apr 2002, p.54]
80
Maxim Online
CM earns laurels for putting players in simultaneous control of a driver and a passenger who can use a whip or a sword to turn opponents into Caesar salad.
80
GamerWeb Xbox
Players who are able to overlook the games graphical problems will be well awarded with a deep and satisfying game.
76
GameSpy
A fun game, but it could've benefited from more polish and a little more imagination.
76
Team Xbox
While the game might not sport earth shattering graphics or a detailed storyline, the fun factor of this game will slowly grab you and you will become more addicted the more time you spend playing it.
75
GameZone
I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised by how fast this game played. I never expected a game about chariot racing to be so fast and exciting.
75
Electric Playground
You mostly-thumbs types will find single-handedly controlling the chariot (while ever watching the pace meter) a bit of a nightmare on the medium and hard levels, but it's all the more reason to bring a friend in for some co-operative race combat.
70
Playboy
Scores points for an original theme coupled with fresh play mechanics. It then promptly loses them to poor execution.
70
Media and Games Online Network
The incredible multi-player makes this great to play with friends, but the controls make the single player more of a chore than actual enjoyment.
70
Cincinnati Enquirer
The game is fun, but only after you master the steep learning curve. The game is tough to learn because all of its controls — buttons, triggers and thumbsticks — must be used for practically any race.
69
Gamezilla!
The game suffers from too many negatives (controls, graphics, audio) to make it really worth purchasing.
65
GameShark
You actually have to use EVERY button on the controller, pretty much all at the same time, or at least be able to access them quickly. The Xbox controller is large and the buttons are small, the game action moves fast. You do the math.
65
Official Xbox Magazine
The graphics tend to give it the look of a first-generation Dreamcast game, rather than a second-generation Xbox title – which may turn off those accustomed to the visual bells and whistles of, say, "Wreckless." [Apr 2002, p.84]
62
GameSpot
Actually competing in a deadly chariot race is an intriguing concept for a game, but Circus Maximus doesn't manage to make the experience all that exciting.
60
Game Informer
Although it looks nice, this game has a number of problems; the fact that chariots are really slow and tip over very easily is the most glaring. [Apr 2002, p.83]
60
All Game Guide
Taking into account all of the positive aspects of the game, namely the intricate but responsive control scheme, the competitive computer opponents, and the fun courses, the shortcomings can be chalked up to a developer's first attempt at offering something different.
60
G4 TV
The biggest problem is that despite the large number of tracks, the racing starts to feel the same after a while. The races are exercises in cutting off your opponents, grabbing the turbo power-ups at the right time, and learning to take curves properly.
60
Yahoo! Games
While the courses are fairly long, there are not enough racers to make it eventful or as interesting as it could have been, providing periods where things are just plain dull.
60
Adrenaline Vault
You'll find yourself confounded by overly tricky controls, repetitive tracks and a single-player mode that lacks any real meat.
50
Xbox Nation Magazine
The tracks are fun(ish), the graphics are good(ish), and the controls are responsive(ish), but the outrageous "only in a videogame" components are curiously missing. [Spring 2002, p.93]
50
Total Video Games
Whilst some of the levels have a good degree of detail unfortunately for most of them they lack inspiration and are actually quite dull.
50
Game Revolution
Unfortunately, they have opted for color over realism. This is not a good thing, as it gives the game a cartoony look and can make it difficult to tell the difference between a dirt road and, say, that mud embankment up ahead.
38
IGN
The graphics are average, the gameplay is bad, and frankly, the game isn't any fun.
30
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Trust me, the controls are sheer, unadulterated nonsense. [Apr 2002, p.141]
Ben T. gave it a 0: Hamish G. gave it a 7: |
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