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PS2 | Action | Shadow of Rome

Boxart for Shadow of Rome
Shadow of Rome 48 screen shots
  • GRAPHICS: 4.50
  • SOUND: 4.50
  • CONTROL: 4.50
  • FUN FACTOR 4.00
  • AVG USER SCORE 4.7
  • AVG CRITIC SCORE 3.5

Review: Shadow of Rome

Review by MAJORMIKE | 03/16/2007 | 12:42:37 PM PST

"Friends, Romans, countrymen: Lend me your ears...and arms...and legs..."

Shadow of Rome is a maddening game to play in that it's almost assassinated by its own good intentions. On one hand, the arena combat scenes are exciting and thrilling to play, but Metal Gear Solid-knockoff stealth stages break up those sequences and bring the game to a grinding halt.

Noble Romans

Shadow of Rome borrows its theme from any popular Roman sword-and-adventure epic. You play as two characters: Agrippa, a soldier who takes on gladiator status to save his father, and Octavianus, who functions behind the scenes by specializing in stealth and sabotage. Clues are revealed in the arena and corridors of powers, and that's where the game's hot-and-cold play methods are problematic. The sneaking scenes are the game's Achilles heel--they're agonizingly slow, derivative, and if Octavianus is spotted, all he can do is hide, attempt to flee, or (usually) get creamed by the pursuing guards because he's unable to fight back. Not fun.

Chariots of Blood

Shadow's biggest strength is its battle sequences, which are as brutal as they are diverse. Matches range from free for alls to working as a team with a few skirmishes against tigers and bosses thrown in for good measure. But the carnage requires a certain amount of technique and restraint. It's easy to cut loose and demolish opponents, but like the historical gladiator matches upon which the fighting is based, the more you excite the crowd and put on a good show, the greater the rewards, such as health power-ups or powerful weapons, are that are thrown into the arena.

Several combat techniques, such as stealing weapons from opponents, wrestling moves, and a variety of hacks and slices to--literally--disarm an opponent, have been implemented. But man-made iron has durability limits and isn't the only weapon available. Severed limbs and even decapitated heads can be used to bludgeon opponents when there's nothing else handy. Matches later expand to chariot races, where you must simultaneously drive a team of horses and do battle. Be warned: These scenes are as graphic as they sound, and this is definitely not for the feint of heart. The various play mechanics may sound initially daunting, but the simple controls are responsive and easy to master.

The Fall of the Roman Empire

Aesthetically, there's a lot to be said for Shadow as vivid visuals bring the ancient architecture to life. There's no shortage of gore, either, as blood splashes across the screen when gladiators are deprived of their limbs, accompanied by piercing screams, spurting blood, and other poignant sound effects.

Shadow of Rome is an excellent game that almost achieves greatness, and there are a ton of clever secrets and unlockable features that make for decent replay value. The combat sequences are the undisputed highlight, and much of the game puts on a great show--just be prepared for stretches of frustration while sneaking around.


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