What springs to mind when you think of the Roman Empire? Is it the insatiable need for expansion? The culture? Or perhaps even the great rulers like Caesar and Augustus? For me, the dilapidated ruins of the Colosseum flash across my mind – the building stands tall as the perfect representation of the everyday Roman people, and the architecture they’d see as they went about their lives. If you’ve always wanted to know what the fights in the Colosseum were like, then, wonder no longer. Upcoming management sim Gladiators of Citadelum puts you in control of a burgeoning league of warriors, but you’ll remain perfectly safe.
Gladiators of Citadelum takes the phrase “bread and circuses” to a whole new level, as you take superficial appeasement to the masses to gain influence and glory in ancient Rome. Instead of participating in the goriest spectacle known to man yourself, however, you’re in charge of the admin. This is a management game, so it doesn’t matter if the fight involves a tiger or a flooded arena, because you’ll be safe on the sidelines. Think of it like a Football Manager game where instead of soccer your team fights to the death – that’ll make the losses easier, at least.
In Gladiators of Citadelum, you’re in charge of a Roman gladiator training camp where you’ll need to choose the best candidates, mold them into fearsome warriors, and equip them with the best gear possible. You’ll have disciplines based on actual gladiatorial combat, so just make sure you pick the style that best suits each fighter’s skills.
Developer Abylight Barcelona has shared an exclusive Gladiators of Citadelum trailer with PCGamesN, which you can watch below.
The Gladiators of Citadelum auto-battle system is based on stats of the fighters, equipment, stamina, and health, so it’s up to you to decide how best to prepare for battles. Once your warrior steps into the arena the system takes over, so you’ll want to be as best prepared as possible.
Victory isn’t solely dependent on skill, however, as a solid training routine and a balanced diet are key to victory. Your camp needs to have all the relevant amenities to give your fighters the biggest chance at success, and you’ll want to reinvest any winnings into facilities, armor, and weapons as much as possible.
If strategy is more your bag, this Gladiator-focused adventure is a spinoff of another game. Citadelum is a Roman city builder that you can play now, with all the same cultural trappings.
Abylight Barcelona confirms that Gladiators of Citadelum is coming to PC in 2024, and will be available on Steam and the Epic Games Store. You can wishlist the game on Steam here.
If you’re looking for a virtual slice of history we’ve also got all the best medieval games on PC, and the best WW2 games if you want something a little more modern.
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