Gladius (2003)

Developer: LucasArts
Publisher: LucasArts, Activision
Platforms: Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS)
Rating: 4.3 of 5, 15 player ratings
Where to get it: Xbox

The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

More games like this Watch the trailer

or watch the trailer on YouTube

How it feels

A slow-burn gladiatorial campaign where you patiently build and train a roster of fighters, carefully managing each turn-based arena bout to climb toward championship glory.

methodicaltacticalprogression-focusedteam-buildingfantasymeasured pacingstrategicrewarding

About

Gladius is a turn-based gladiatorial RPG. Players try to build a championship gladiator school by gaining experience through fighting battles in the arenas and recruiting new members.

What players say

A deep yet approachable gladiator-school tactics RPG with a clever rock-paper-scissors class system and satisfying team management that pioneered its gladiatorial niche. Cherished as an underrated hidden gem that most players never discovered.

Screenshots

More games like this

More by The Walt Disney Company

This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.