Gladius

 Xbox
Gladius Image
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 23 Ratings

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  • Summary: The darkness of the Great War has passed, and the lands of Gladius are peaceful once more. Now combat takes place only in the gladiator arenas, where schools from around the world compete for the title of Imperial Champions. Follow the grand saga of two young heroes, Ursula and Valens, asThe darkness of the Great War has passed, and the lands of Gladius are peaceful once more. Now combat takes place only in the gladiator arenas, where schools from around the world compete for the title of Imperial Champions. Follow the grand saga of two young heroes, Ursula and Valens, as they recruit and train a team of warriors and compete in the gladiator games. Battle with deadly weapons and powerful magic as you learn vital combat tactics and enhance your own characters. … Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Game Informer
    93
    With more depth than all of Minnesota's lakes combined, Glaius offers a level of immersion that no other strategy game can offer. Complex as the game is, the basic premise is deceptively simple. [Oct 2003, p.137]
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  2. Deeko
    90
    One of the best strategy RPGs I’ve had the opportunity to play.
  3. Worth Playing
    88
    Blends strategy and action in a gladiatorial arena to stimulate both your mind and your thirst for violence.
  4. Into Liquid Sky
    83
    While the game is quicker-paced and more interactive than most in the genre, it is ultimately a fine representative of a genre that's heavy on lengthy battles and a lot of invested time.
  5. GameZone
    83
    While the storytelling and gameplay are a bit on the slow and awkwardly paced side, Gladius can be a pretty deep and engaging tactical RPG.
  6. Game Revolution
    75
    Many action-oriented gamers arena’t going to like this game at all, but you strategy buffs will be pleased that Gladius is such a strong contender, because you really don’t have any other options. There are no other games like it.
  7. 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.

See all 31 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. LoganD.
    Apr 29, 2005
    10
    Just plain fun.
  2. Mr.Lawrence
    Nov 1, 2003
    10
    Yeah! Finally a decent, no, a Superb game from Lucasarts... The game creates an unbelievably addictive atmosphere..
  4. CubbyBoy
    Mar 10, 2004
    10
    Awsome, unbleiveable. I love it.
  5. KelR.
    Nov 5, 2003
    9
    I've gone through some ups and downs with this game. At first I loved it then I hated it but over all I really like it. The reasons I I've gone through some ups and downs with this game. At first I loved it then I hated it but over all I really like it. The reasons I don't love it is 1st of all why can't they make a game that is historically accurate for once? No, they always must add magic, monsters, and super powerful women and the same typical crap. GET IT IN YOUR HEADS, you are not being original with that stuff. Next is the fact that while you progess through the game so does the rest of the world (in the game) you'd think that would be nice but it isn't, why? Because you get you butt kicked on one of the lower levels go somewhere else get more powerful and think to yourself, now I'll be able to kick their butts, but guess what? You're wrong because for some reason they have been leveling up and are on the same level as you are and most likely can still kick your butt! Yet, in the end the reason this game is better than most is because of the Co-op multiplayer ability. FINALLY, someone in the game world heard the cries for this option and that is why this game is hella fun.… Expand
  6. DougB.
    Mar 21, 2004
    9
    Perfect except the slow play, they should give the opprion to skip some the the NPC characters actions when they aren't in combat.
  7. 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.
  8. NeilD.
    Sep 16, 2003
    0
    Dire control system, irritating soundtrack and lack of any inspiring details.

See all 18 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

54
#54 Best Xbox Game of 2003
31
#31 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2003
24
#24 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2003