In many respects, it is a hybrid combination of the two. In fact, our game club now has more tough Kirk Douglas/Spartacus types than I care to think about before entering the arena! Another area where GLADIATOR is rather unique is its merging of the flavor of currently popular role playing games and the traditional "wargame". The result is that a novice player doesn't remain "trident-fodder" for long. By gaining rapid experience with the system, players quickly absorb the rules and are able to concentrate their attention on tactics and opponent's techniques. As a matter of fact, the playing time and low unit density have enabled me to playa number of games over my lunch hour, and has generated a lot of interest in the hobby at the office! The short playing time has another subtle advantage. The short game duration time allows for numerous engagements in an afternoon or evening of play. Generally speaking, the 15-30 minute playing time indicated on the box appears valid. I have had games ranging in duration from two minutes (Yes, I lost and am still trying to rationalize what happened!) to an awesome duel between two massively armored heavy gladiators that lasted nearly two hours. Its low unit count (normally one man per player) allows for a wealth of simulation detail without the normal penalty of in- convenient game length. Perhaps part of the reason for GLADIATOR's success is its uniqueness in several areas. The game, originally released by Battleline, apparently underwent extensive revision and received the usual Avalon Hill upgrading of components. I have never known a game to attract such quantities of players from so many other varied subject, scale and period interests.
Springsteen GLADIATOR, one of Avalon Hill's most recent game releases, can only be described as a gaming phenomenon. GLADIATOR: The Subject, the Game, & Expansion of the Arena By: Thomas C.
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