Summary

There are many theories regarding the decline of the Roman Empire, from lead poisoning to good old-fashioned decadence, but the untimely death of Julius Caesar is often seen as the start of the rot. The uncertain times that followed his murder provide the setting for Capcom's latest, an epic journey through the heart of Ancient Rome that takes in spectacular gladiatorial combat, chariot racing, covert investigations, and more besides.

Details

Shadow of Rome initially features two playable characters, each with his own distinctive style, and the game switches between the two as the story progresses. Agrippa is a brawny soldier whose father is in the frame for Caesar's murder and due to be publicly executed in a matter of days. To try and save his father, Agrippa embarks on a grisly quest to carve himself out a career as a gladiator and become champion before his father's execution.

Gladiatorial bouts take place in a variety of arenas, with animals, raised platforms, and all manner of obstacles keeping things interesting. The game doesn't stray away from the brutality and bloodlust of gladiatorial combat; expect savage bouts of fighting, loss of limbs, gruesome deaths, and plenty of bloodletting as Agrippa hacks, chops, and slices his way to the top of the gladiatorial pile.

Agrippa is not alone is quest, however. He's joined by his best friend Octavianus, who you could call the brains of the operation. While Agrippa's dissecting enemies for the pleasure of assembled crowds, Octavianus is doing a bit of sleuthing around Ancient Rome with a view to identifying Caesar's real killer.

Features

• Ancient Rome comes to vivid life in this epic adventure

• Take part in breathtaking gladiatorial contests, wielding authentic Roman weaponry

• Sneak around the halls of power of Ancient Rome, gathering clues and information