Gladius

I got this game around Christmas and got used to the controls so quickly. I'm not sure if this game comes on any other consoles but I have it on GCN (Gamecube) and it plays very nicely. The graphics are quite good and the actual play is nice. Some of the voice talents are up-and-comers such as the Valens, the warrior, is voiced by Michael Rosenbaum (AKA Lex Luthor on "Smallville"). Ursula is voice by Linda Cardellini of "Scooby-Doo" and "ER" fame. Even the great voice actor Jason Mardsen has a big speaking role in this. If you are new to RPGs, which I was, it has a quick tutorial at the beginning and you can choose to take either Valens' or Ursula's path when you start. I love the concept of growing your own gladiator school and taking them around the world to compete. Overall, I think this is a very good game for the GCN and would be a good addition to a game library. The only thing missing? Russell Crowe, of course.

GRAPHICS: 4/5 SOUND: 4/5 GAME PLAY: 5/5 STORY: 5/5