If you can’t get enough of either watching or reading about Spartacus, the online gaming age has another option for you to get your fix when it comes to Ancient Roman adventure. Several developers have built games based on the Spartacus legend over the years, encompassing different genres and for various platforms. Here, we take a closer look at what is available.
Spartacus Legends (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360)
Released by Ubisoft in 2013 as a promotional vehicle for the TV series Spartacus: War of the Damned, this is probably the best-known Spartacus game, putting you in the role of a Lanista. You must build your own stable of gladiators, training them for death or glory in the arena and using a range of weapons and combat skills.
At the time, the free-to-play game received a lukewarm reception from gaming critics. While the depth of the game was generally praised, many found the gameplay to be just a little too difficult. There’s also no denying that the game would have benefited from a little more post-production polish.
However, seven years on, Spartacus Legends has a dedicated following, and there have even been online petitions for a sequel from fans who were disappointed when Ubisoft pulled the plug and ceased updates at the end of 2015.
Spartacus Gladiator of Rome (browser or mobile app)
The slots world has games on every conceivable topic from heavy metal to fairytales to sport. It should come as no surprise, then, to learn that you can play a slot game called Spartacus Gladiator of Rome at VegasSlotsOnline casino site. The game was created by Chicago-based WMS Gaming – the same team that brought us the famous KISS slot machine.
Despite having been around since 2014, this remains a popular game at most of the major online casino sites. Given the quantity of new slot games that come and go with every passing week, longevity is something not to be taken lightly in this sector. With two sets of reels and a total of 100 paylines, there is plenty happening, and some reviewers say it is a little like playing two games in one.
The RTP of 95.94 percent is not as high as some more recent releases, but still better than average. Combine it with some nice effects, plenty of free spins and, if the YouTube videos are to be believed, some serious jackpot payouts, and this is worth 50p of anyone’s money.
Swords and Sandals Spartacus (Steam)
Remember the days before everyone was playing games on their smartphones? Ever wondered what happened to the geeky computer nerds who used to be the dictionary definition of gamers? The answer is that they are alive and well and still gaming away to their heart’s content using a platform called Steam.
If you’re not acquainted with it, Steam is the definitive platform for serious gamers. Every month, almost 100 million unique visitors use it, and it boasts around 35,000 games. One of the most recent releases is called Swords and Sandals Spartacus.
Launched at the end of last year, it is the latest in a series of adventure games under the Swords and Sandals banner. Unlike the other offerings here, this one is unashamedly retro arcade-style action. If you simply want to take up your sword and do battle with the entire Roman Army single handed, this is the game for you!