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Gladiator Manager

80%Game Brain Score
gameplay, graphics
grinding, stability
80% User Score Based on 198 reviews

Platforms

PCPCWindowsWindows
Buy Nowfrom $7.99
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About

"Gladiator Manager" is a text-based sports management game where players act as managers of gladiator teams, competing in a league and cup. Players hire and train fighters, selecting the right combination to gain tactical advantages in simultaneous turn-based combat. Fighters have unique characteristics based on their origin stories and can hybridize by selecting perks from other classes, with over 100 perks and 30 special moves available.

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
Gladiator Manager screenshot
Gladiator Manager screenshot
Gladiator Manager screenshot
Gladiator Manager screenshot
Gladiator Manager screenshot
Gladiator Manager screenshot
Gladiator Manager screenshot
Gladiator Manager screenshot
Gladiator Manager screenshot
Gladiator Manager screenshot

80%
Audience ScoreBased on 198 reviews
gameplay8 positive mentions
grinding4 negative mentions
  • The game offers a unique blend of management and tactical combat, providing a satisfying experience for fans of the genre.
  • The developer is highly responsive to feedback and actively works on updates and bug fixes, enhancing the overall experience.
  • The text-based combat system is engaging, with a variety of gladiator classes and strategies that keep gameplay interesting.
  • The game suffers from significant RNG issues, leading to frustrating and unpredictable combat outcomes.
  • There are persistent UI scaling problems, especially on widescreen resolutions, making the game unplayable for some users.
  • Lack of depth in features such as customization, equipment management, and meaningful progression can make the gameplay feel repetitive.
  • gameplay
    42 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay features a simple rock-paper-scissors mechanic that is well-implemented, but many players find it overly complex due to the numerous mechanics and management elements involved, which can feel spreadsheet-like. While the turn-based combat can be convoluted and repetitive, it becomes engaging once players grasp the mechanics and develop strategies. The game is text-based with minimal graphics, appealing to those who prioritize gameplay over visual presentation, though some feel it lacks depth in equipment management and variety.

    • “The mechanics are simple to understand and the game as a whole in its current version is awesome!”
    • “There are effectively 2 elements to the gameplay - the management of your team, and then the turn-based fights themselves.”
    • “Addicting once you grasp some of the mechanics.”
    • “There's a lot of mechanics to keep track of, and it kind of turns this game into a spreadsheet with wild RNG.”
    • “The combat mechanics are rather convoluted and not very fun, but you can press the button to let AI take over.”
    • “In an attempt to appeal to the masses, game mechanics are dumbed down, broadened to such a degree they're not very interesting, or simply the content/story is too juvenile.”
  • graphics
    30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics in this game are minimal, primarily relying on text and simple visuals reminiscent of browser games, which may not appeal to those seeking high-quality animations or detailed graphics. While the artwork and music contribute to the overall atmosphere, the gameplay is heavily text-based, focusing more on mechanics than visual presentation. Players who prioritize engaging gameplay over graphics may still find enjoyment, despite the lack of visual depth.

    • “You don't fully get the 'vibe' of the game until you play it - the music and the artwork are superb.”
    • “There's a sort of sublime melancholic through-line brought about by the confluence of the music and visuals.”
    • “So for you potential buyers, if you don't mind the simple graphics but want great gameplay, then you should try it.”
    • “There are no graphics, you will not see the combat.”
    • “Graphically simple like an internet browser game, more mechanically complex than one, as addicting as one, way less costly than one.”
    • “It's all done with text, no graphics, and it seemed to me to be a mechanic which I'd get really tired of after a couple of hours.”
  • music
    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is highly praised for its quality and ability to enhance the overall experience, with many noting its superb integration with the visuals to create a melancholic atmosphere. Players appreciate that the background music is fitting, non-repetitive, and contributes significantly to the game's vibe without becoming annoying. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature that complements the game's mechanics and artistry.

    • “The background music is on point.”
    • “You don't fully get the 'vibe' of the game until you play it - the music and the artwork are superb.”
    • “There's a sort of sublime melancholic through-line brought about by the confluence of the music and visuals.”
    • “The music feels out of place and doesn't match the game's atmosphere.”
    • “The soundtrack is forgettable and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged.”
    • “The music is overly repetitive, which detracts from the overall experience.”
  • story
    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story is described as a philosophically rich exploration of life's challenges and personal growth, akin to a deep love story. However, many reviewers feel that the narrative is overshadowed by simplistic game mechanics and a lack of engaging plot, leaving players wanting more depth and coherence in the storytelling. Overall, while the themes resonate, the execution may not satisfy those seeking a compelling narrative experience.

    • “To watch them lose, get better, and become great is much like the story of everyone's life.”
    • “This is a philosophically deep love story about real life, the school of hard knocks.”
    • “There really isn't much to learn about the rules of playing, but knowing what to do, who to send to the pit, and who to fire are all big choices that add a layer of complexity that is easily passed over by those who seek a game that perhaps leads you along a linear plot by holding your hand and giving you little pieces of candy to captivate your interest.”
    • “[*] not much 'story' or 'plot'.”
    • “[*] not much 'story' or 'plot'.”
  • replayability
    8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game boasts high replayability, primarily due to its skill-based mechanics and the dynamic nature of gladiator injuries, which add depth and immersion to the experience. While some players express a desire for more functionality and longevity, the current enjoyment and variability in combat keep players engaged. Overall, the replay value is considered strong, with many looking forward to future updates.

    • “The game is very replayable; currently, there are no items, it's all based on skill points that help towards the skill checks, and these numbers may go up and mostly down because gladiators get injured, and that makes sense!”
    • “What I do want is functionality, depth, and replayability: in a word, I want value.”
    • “Still early, so I can't talk about longevity/replayability, but it's quite enjoyable. All the different wounds really make me feel more immersed, and combat is fun (I play with RNG for more tension).”
  • optimization
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game is widely criticized for its poor optimization, leading to a frustrating experience for players. Despite the engaging mechanics of managing funds and league promotions, the overall performance issues detract significantly from gameplay.

    • “You manage the available funds (again related to your performance) and can get promoted to better leagues (or demoted to lower leagues).”
    • “It is horribly optimized.”
  • grinding
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, with an emphasis on detail over engaging battles. While there are options to adjust the level of RNG, this choice does not alleviate the overall sense of monotony.

    • “There's options on how much RNG you like, but that somehow makes the game more tedious.”
    • “Generally another tedious game that spends a lot of time focusing on the details instead of the battles.”
  • stability
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Users report significant stability issues, with the game consistently freezing at 20% during the loading process when starting a new game. This recurring problem indicates a critical flaw that affects gameplay experience.

    • “When I go to start a new game, it loads to 20% every time then freezes.”
  • monetization
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players express frustration with the monetization system, noting that the in-game currency is insufficient for meaningful upgrades or enhancements, limiting their ability to improve various aspects of gameplay such as training, equipment, and facilities.

    • “You can't use the money you do get to develop your training regime, hire healers, get better equipment, upgrade the stadium to bring in more numbers in the future, get advertising, or make your talent scout even slightly more helpful.”
  • character development
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game features a manager-style format similar to sports manager games, allowing players to start from the lowest division and develop their team into champions. It incorporates RPG elements for character development, enhancing the experience of recruiting and training players throughout the league and cup tournaments.

    • “The game features a manager style similar to sports manager games, allowing you to start at the bottom of a 5-division league and recruit and train your own team into potential league winners, with embedded RPG aspects for character development.”
    • “This manager style game offers a unique experience with a 5-division league system, where you can develop your team's characters through recruitment and training, aiming for success in both league play and cup tournaments.”
    • “With its RPG elements, the character development in this manager style game enhances the experience of building a team from the ground up in a competitive 5-division league.”
  • humor
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Reviewers highlight that the game's intricate stats and combat simulation not only require players to make challenging decisions but also lead to amusing and unexpected outcomes, adding a layer of humor to the gameplay experience.

    • “The level of thought that's gone into the stats and combat simulation is incredible; there is so much going on under the hood here. Detailed, crunchy stats get you really making some tough decisions, but also lead to some hilarious unexpected consequences.”

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