Gladiator: Sword of Vengeance

The visuals in this game are fantastic (not the best I've seen but none the less great). I love to see the rolling grass plains of the afterlife level and the great texture on the world around you, wherever you are in the game. The sound is very good, making the music seem like it was taken from the Gladiator movie. The battle sound effects aren't outstanding and renovating but they are still very good. I have purchased many a game from Acclaim Studios and I must say this has been the best game Acclaim has made. This is also one of my favorite games on the PS2, eventhough there really isn't much replay value. But don't let discourage you, Gladiator: Sword of Vengance is a fantastic, entertaining event you won't want to stop playing (until you have to).

Acclaim has done very well with taking mythilogical creatures and God's to make a great Gladiator game. I must say this is the best game that Acclaim has made(in my opinion)

Graphics:10/10 (the rolling plains of the afterlife level make this a b-e-a-utiful game)

Gameplay:9/10 (some of the controls are iffy)

Plot:10/10 (the story line alone should make you want to buy this game)

Value:10/10 (for the price it is very rewarding)

Sound:9/10 (the battle sound is okay)


'' A REAL GEM OF A GAME '' ! !   February 9, 2004
 8 out of 17 found this review helpful

I FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS GAME BY ACCIDENT, AND I'M SURE GLAD I DID ! BECAUSE IT IS AWESOME !YOU GET TO PLAY AS GLADIATOR '' INVICTUS THRAX '', WHO HAS TO BRING ORDER BACK TO ROME -AND AVENGE THE EMPEROR'S MURDER...YOU ARE TESTED BY THE GODS THROUGHOUT YOUR JOURNEY FOR REVENGE ..YOU GET TO KILL LOTS OF COOL MONSTERS AND ENEMIES , WITH A WIDE ARRAY OF WEAPONS LIKE: GAUNTLET , SWORD , OR BATTLEAXE !!BUT IF YOU COMPLETE CHALLENGES SCATTERED THROUGHOUT THE GAME , YOU EARN WEAPON UPGRADES , A BIGGER HEALTH BAR , AND OTHER STUFF TOO.MOST ARE EASY , BUT THE TIME LIMIT ONES CAN BE TOUGH , BUT STILL FUN.AND THE GAME IS PRETTY STRAIGHTFORWARD , SO YOU DON'T REALLY NEED A GUIDE .BUT REMEMBER TO SMASH VASES , TO GET GOODIES LIKE A MAGIC OR HEALTH REFILLS.PLUS THE POWERS THE GODS BESTOW UPON YOU IS A NICE TOUCH AS WELL!!WHEN YOU FILL UP YOUR CIRCLE , YOU CAN USE FIRE , LIGHTNING , AND WRAITHS TO HELP NAIL YOUR ENEMIES . AND DOING A KILL MOVE WHEN THE ENEMIES BAR IS RED IS A COOL FEATURE AS WELL!! .SO GET IT TODAY , AND PLAY ALL DAY AND ALL NIGHT TOO.. CALL IN SICK TO WORK AND ENJOY ONE HELL OF A GAME !!


If I could give this -5 stars, I would   January 15, 2004
 5 out of 10 found this review helpful

This is a horrible, horrible game. I don't know why I purchased it, and if I could feel guilt-free about passing it onto another clueless gamer, I would. As it is this game makes a great coaster, and that's about it. Maybe you could use it for a mirror.
Here's why the game is terrible:
1. Graphics are so-so, with the cinematic scenes no different than he game play scenes. Plus, trying to skip pointless graphics and cut scenes is apparently forbidden. I guess this is to cut down on replay value so you go buy another title by Acclaim.
2. I'm guessing that this game was designed back in 1993, as it constantly stops to load the next section. Considering the size of most PS2 game levels, I can't help but wonder what beta version of Karataka they ripped off to build the platform for this game.
3. Speaking of ripping off, this game shamelessly rips off several other better games and movies. Interestingly, it also appears to rip off other worse games and movies, so overall this aspect is a wash.
4. Repetitive gameplay & sloppy controls. Who thought of making a gladiator game with a target lock-on system? Seeing as how only a novice gamer would spread out their attacks on multiple opponents versus focusing on each in turn calls into question exactly who this game was designed for. I should add that the prologue/training section cannot be skipped nor run independent of the main game.
5. Okay, I haven't finished this game, so maybe my scornful review is premature, and if you play it for 6+ hours straight through, maybe it gets really good at the end and makes up for the junk that comes in the first 3+ levels. Why don't you try?
There are lots of quality games out there--if you're looking for better fighting and replay value, I would recommend any of the Dynasty Warrior series, even the ones made for platforms that no longer exist.


Short and violent   December 27, 2003
 2 out of 5 found this review helpful

This game has some really good graphics and story. It doesn't last long and the sound is OK. Gameplay is repetative and isn't all that great. Very good rental. If you like the movie, check this out.