Like others I took a chance on this hoping for a different angle on a first person sim, or management fight game, and should really not have bothered. The gameplay is pretty straightforward, but even with a 256MB video card, the graphics are pretty bland, and the gameplay slow. It's also another game where there are too few levels of play to actually be able to achieve all the game has to offer. For example, there is a good interactive section of equipment, fighting slaves, upgrades and impressive array of weapons, but financial constraints and sheer playing time invloved make them almost inaccessible. Another main complaint would be (for me at least) an easy boredom threshold - this game could have, and should have been much better, despite the price.

This is a budget title, I realize, but there are still some serious deficiencies in this game. I bought the game before reading any reviews on it, so I just took a chance.

From looking at the box, you would think this was some kind of "sports management" take on gladiatorial combat, or a fighting game, perhaps, but when you go to play the game, it's just a squad-based RTS game. The combat is like Freedom Force ,only much less refined and the end effect is a slow-paced affair to what should be quick and flashy. I really think they could have done better with a "train gladiator, pick fights for him, watch fights" sports management approach than the micromanagement RTS style they chose here. So the actual gameplay isn't very original or fresh, something that I think can be redeeming for a budget game with otherwise low production values. To top it off, the interface is a bit clunky- forget repeat attacks or chaining together commands using the shift key or anything like that.

Only buy this game if the subject interests you and you like real-time squad-based strategy games, and are willing to put up with alot of nits. Personally, I think there are better games out there, though. Even better budget games. Try "Shark: Hunting the Great White", "Dirt Track Racing 2" or "Leadfoot" for better budget games that have actual coherent gameplay.