Gladius - PS2

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Also for: Xbox, GameCube
Viewed: 3D Third-person, floating camera Genre:
Adventure
Strategy: Combat
Media: CD Arcade origin:No
Developer: LucasArts Soft. Co.: LucasArts
Publishers: Activision (GB)
Released: 28 Nov 2003 (GB)
Ratings: PEGI 12+
Accessories: Memory Card
Features: Vibration Function Compatible, Analogue Control Compatible: analogue sticks only

Summary

It's clear from the picture on the box that Gladius isn't a tribute to ancient air fresheners. More like Maximus Destructus or whatever he was called…

Gladius features a lot of sword-swinging from main characters Ursula and Valens. Ursula, from the land of Nordagh, is the daughter of a barbarian king. Valens is the son of one of Imperia's finest gladiators of all time. A raging conflict between their two lands gave rise to a fearful dark god, which nearly destroyed all of mankind. With the help of Valkyrie, the dark god was defeated, and a truce was called between the two lands. But now, wouldn't you just know it, the threat is back, and Ursula and Valens must save the world from another disastrous war.

Choosing to play as either character at the outset, the enormous scope of Gladius provides a whopping 36 hours-plus of gameplay in each of the two storylines. Add it up: play as Ursula, then assume the role of Valens, and you have over three days-worth of gameplay! Players move from region-to-region on a 3D world map and battles occur in 20 different arenas. In addition, players can choose to participate in random encounters and side quests as they travel through the world.

Within battles, players apply earned skills and weapons to control the power and ferocity of attacks that are measured by an arcade style swing meter. A successful fight earns the player new skills, highly coveted awards, fame and fortune that can be bartered for additional gladiator teammates, better weapons or advanced training. Every success or failure advances the story and brings the player closer to his or her destiny.

Players can recruit teammates from more than 50 classes, including the powerful Imperial Legionary class, highly-skilled Roman warriors; the witches of the Galdr class, with their magical songs and spells; and the crafty javelin throwing Peltast class. In all, the game offers thousands of skills and more than 950 unique weapons, helmets, shields, and other accessories with which to equip warriors.

Gladius features Story as well as Co-Operative game modes. Upon completion of their chosen path, the tournaments allow players to build their team of gladiators and continue their exploration of the four territories.