Gladiator Begins

I received this title the day it was released along with Valkyria Chronicles and Phantasy Star Portable 2. I loved the combat system, skills, weapon choices and styles so much from the start, I haven't touched the other two new titles in over a week. After playing over 30 hours to beat it the first time here are my thoughts:<br /><br />Two handed weapon fighting style is great! Only two other titles play as well or slightly better (Monster Hunter and Phantasy Star Portable). I found the duel spear combo my favorite due to the range and ability to hit a couple foes at a time (which happens often). But having the option to change to a good war axe - box mace combo to pummel a group of four newbies is nice too.<br /><br />The story lines branch near the 4th week, so you can play more than once and still move through different plots and main opponents. Fighting ranks matches is fun as they are usually the 2nd or 3rd fight in a day so you need to spend $$ to heal. I found winning weapons better and easier than purchasing them. I haven't even tried to combine weapons to make a stronger one yet. I did realize that when you beat the game and answer "NO" to mundane days, you will start off on a harder setting. You will also retain all your skills and weapons/armor for your new fighters which is great! The beginning fights at the hard level are more of a challenge as the 4 on 1 matches, 2 or 3 of the fighters now gang up on you instead of each other. <br /><br />I was able to upload and download gladiators but I still haven't been able to fight a match versus a live opponent. If you like fighting games, tweaking styles, gaining weapons and seeing a lot of blood as you slice foes this game is for you. Sorry but I don't plan on returning my copy any time soon.