Category: Base game
In Gladius, play as cunning Roman spectators trying to make the most money by betting on gladiators competing in the gladiatorial games. Through the skillful use of underhanded tactics, players can help and hinder teams to alter the outcome of each battle. Can you outwit your opponents to turn a profit, or will you be left empty-handed?
The underhanded tactics really make this one shine, especially when you bribe a gladiator to throw a match and rake in the winnings. Took us a couple rounds to catch on to the betting strategy, but now it's our go-to game night pick.
I've played this with four friends and the backstabbing starts before the first match even ends. Betting against your own gladiator just to tank someone else's payout is a beautiful kind of evil. It's a lighter game than it looks, we finished in about an hour.
The way bribery and manipulation let you mess with other players' odds mid-round is pure chaos, and it keeps everyone on edge until the final victory points are tallied. Setup was quick even with four of us, and I've already lost two nights to "one more game" with my group.
