LucasArts unveils Gladius

LucasArts has taken the wraps off Gladius, a turn-based action RPG set against the backdrop of gladiatorial combat. The game follows two characters, Ursula and Valens, as they attempt to recruit and train warriors to compete in gladiatorial games. Players will have to manage a school of gladiators that will gain experience and improve its abilities over the course of the game. The gladiators will be able to use everything from powerful weapons to different types of magic while engaging in battle. Gladius also offers a few different modes to choose from, such as a story mode, an exhibition mode (where players can go right into combat), and a four-player cooperative mode.

"Gladius takes action RPG to a whole new level," says Tom Byron, director of product marketing for LucasArts. "Besides signaling LucasArts' return to original game development, Gladius features a distinct style of play that is wrapped in an epic storyline. Players will experience a game that has incredible depth in terms of character development but also has a unique layer of strategy related to how players manage and balance their team."

LucasArts estimates that there is approximately 36 hours of gameplay spread between Gladius' two storylines, which will take players to 20 arenas and 12 other locations. There are also 16 unique character classes, more than 400 pieces of equipment, and 100 customizable character types. We'll have more on Gladius when it is shown at E3.