Gladiator Manager

80%
Game Brain Score Based on 88 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • story
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"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.

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

80%
Audience ScoreBased on 88 reviews
gameplay4 positive mentions
optimization3 negative mentions
  • The game offers a deep and engaging management experience with a variety of gladiator classes and customization options.
  • The combat system, while text-based, provides a satisfying level of strategy and unpredictability, making each fight feel unique.
  • The developer is highly responsive to feedback and actively works on updates and bug fixes, enhancing the overall experience.
  • The game suffers from significant optimization issues, including long load times and bugs that can disrupt gameplay.
  • The complexity of the stats and mechanics can be overwhelming for new players, leading to confusion and frustration.
  • There is a lack of meaningful features outside of combat, such as investment options or deeper management mechanics, which can make the gameplay feel repetitive.
  • gameplay19 mentions

    The gameplay features a simple rock-paper-scissors mechanic that is well-implemented, though it can feel overly complex due to the numerous management and combat systems involved. While some players find the mechanics convoluted and the combat repetitive, others appreciate the depth and strategic potential once they grasp the systems. Overall, the game offers an engaging experience for those willing to invest time in understanding its mechanics, despite its simplistic graphics and occasional reliance on RNG.

    • “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.”
    • “It feels like it would be super easy to make a second game with all the missing mechanics implemented.”
    • “There's a lot of mechanics to keep track of, and it kind of turns this game into a spreadsheet with wild RNG.”
    • “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.”
  • graphics13 mentions

    The graphics of the game are minimal and primarily text-based, resembling a simple internet browser game rather than a visually rich experience. While some players appreciate the superb music and artwork that enhance the overall atmosphere, the game does not focus on high-quality graphics or animations, making it more suitable for those who prioritize gameplay over visual appeal.

    • “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.”
    • “However, it's essentially a glorified random number generator and spreadsheet system with visuals and sounds.”
    • “Graphically simple like an internet browser game, more mechanically complex than one, as addicting as one, way less costly than one.”
    • “[*] mainly based on text, so if you’re after fancy animation or graphics this may not be for you, and it’s all in English too, so if you’re not comfortable with English, maybe give it a miss.”
  • story5 mentions

    The game's story is described as a philosophically rich love story that mirrors the struggles and growth of real life, but it suffers from a lack of depth and linearity, leaving some players feeling that it is too simplistic or juvenile. While there are significant choices to be made, the overall narrative may not engage those looking for a more structured plot.

    • “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'.”
  • music4 mentions

    The music in the game is highly praised for its quality and ability to enhance the overall experience, with many noting its perfect alignment with the game's vibe and visuals. Reviewers highlight a sublime, melancholic atmosphere created by the combination of the soundtrack and artwork, contributing significantly to the game's emotional depth.

    • “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.”
  • replayability4 mentions

    The game offers high replayability due to its skill-based mechanics and the impact of injuries on gladiators, which adds depth and immersion to the experience. While some players express a desire for more functionality and value, the current enjoyment and variability in combat keep players engaged. Overall, the potential for replayability is promising, though some aspects may still need further development.

    • “The game is very replayable; currently, there are no items, it's all based on skill points that help with the skill checks, and these numbers may go up and mostly down because gladiators get injured, which makes sense!”
    • “What I want is functionality, depth, and replayability: in a word, I want value.”
    • “Still early, so I can't talk about longevity or 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).”
  • optimization2 mentions

    The game's optimization is widely criticized, with users describing it as "horribly optimized." While players can manage funds and experience promotions or demotions in leagues, the overall performance and efficiency of the game leave much to be desired.

    • “You manage the available funds, which is related to your performance, and can get promoted to better leagues or demoted to lower leagues.”
    • “It is horribly optimized.”
    • “The game runs poorly on even high-end hardware.”
    • “There are frequent frame drops and stuttering during gameplay.”
  • grinding2 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, with an emphasis on detail over engaging battles. While there are options to manage RNG, this often adds to the overall monotony rather than enhancing the experience.

    • “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.”
  • stability1 mentions

    Users report significant stability issues, with the game frequently freezing at 20% during the loading process when starting a new game.

    • “When I go to start a new game, it loads to 20% every time and then freezes.”
    • “The game crashes frequently, making it nearly impossible to progress.”
    • “I've experienced constant lag and random disconnections during gameplay.”
  • monetization1 mentions

    The monetization system is criticized for being restrictive, as players feel that the in-game currency is insufficient for meaningful upgrades or improvements, limiting their ability to enhance their training, equipment, and overall progression.

    • “You can't use the money you do get to develop your training regime, hire healers, get better equipment, or upgrade the stadium to bring in more fans in the future.”
    • “The monetization system feels exploitative, as it limits progress unless you spend real money.”
    • “It's frustrating that the game heavily encourages in-game purchases to enjoy basic features that should be accessible without spending extra.”
  • humor1 mentions

    Reviewers highlight that the game's humor emerges from its intricate stats and combat mechanics, leading to unexpected and often hilarious outcomes that add a layer of enjoyment to the strategic decision-making process.

    • “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 lead to tough decisions, but also result in some hilarious unexpected consequences.”
    • “The humor in this game is top-notch, with witty dialogue and absurd situations that keep you laughing throughout your adventure.”
    • “I love how the game balances serious gameplay with moments of pure silliness, making every encounter feel fresh and entertaining.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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