Marcus Aurelius Antoninus was the last of the “Five Good Emperors”. He was gifted with a brilliant mind, and his influence brought peace, both at home and abroad. However, as Marcus entered his final years, the question of succession was raised, and tempers flared. A secret feud flared up between the aristocrats and soldiers who supported Commodus, Marcus’s son, and those who supported General Cassius. The feud grew more desperate, and less secret, day by day. As Rome’s days of peace began to draw to a close, a new gladiator arrived at the Colosseum…

Ah yes, ancient Rome,” reminisces Ben Bateman, Localization Editor, Aksys Games, “A time when men were men, and women were also men, but in a different way! The way where they kill each other to entertain a citizenry desperate for bloodsport! In ‘Gladiator Begins’, we’ve endeavored to give the player a chance to experience this legendary period of excitement, adventure, and untimely death. But don’t worry—this is a video game, which means you will be meting out untimely death, rather than receiving it.”

“You may also rest assured that historical accuracy has been maintained,” Ben reassures. “Using a device obtained from the Before-Comers, and a race of alien beings as beautiful as they are powerful, we dispatched several of our testers to Rome in its heyday, and those that returned assured us that everything in the game was 100% accurate to every possible degree, and no more fact-checking was necessary. There is no more period-accurate gladiator fighting game on the PSP system. On that you have my solemn word.”

Gladiator Begins Key Features

• Fight for Glory and Freedom!

  Your Gladiator will face many trials in their fight for freedom. You’ll encounter slaves, nobles, gladiators and furious animals.

• Earn the respect of politicians and the love of the Romans!

  Gain a patron’s favor and experience unique story paths. There are 5 different patrons to give your allegiance to!

• Develop your own signature techniques!

  Every Gladiator has their own personal flair! Master the art of combat with dual weapons, sword & shield, hand-to-hand and polearms. Learn new skills to entertain the crowd like Smash, Cyclone, Drop Kick and Wild Dance!

• Free DLC available on PlayStation® Network!

  Use in-game currency to purchase new weapons, armor and characters!