Shadow of Rome

🎮 PlayStation 2 ⏳ 20 hours ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Dual Roman Perspectives #

This title is an ambitious action-adventure game by Capcom that combines intense gladiatorial combat with stealth and puzzle-solving elements. Set during the aftermath of Julius Caesar’s assassination, you alternate between two MCs, Agrippa, a gladiator trying to clear his father’s name, and Octavianus, who uses stealth to uncover the conspiracy behind the political turmoil. This dual gameplay offers a unique perspective on Roman history, blending visceral combat with investigative exploration.

Combat vs. Stealth #

Agrippa’s segments are the highlight, featuring brutal melee combat where weapon variety, durability, and crowd reactions add depth. The game rewards stylish and crowd-pleasing moves, enhancing the gladiatorial atmosphere. In contrast, Octavianus’s stealth sections focus on sneaking through Roman streets and solving environmental puzzles, though these parts can feel slower and less refined compared to the action-heavy sequences.

Strong Pacing and Style #

I consider the pacing of this game to be one of the best that I’ve ever experienced, due to the balanced frequency that you alternate between characters. The story is engaging and presented through cinematic cutscenes, offering a fresh take on historical events. The visual design mixes realistic environments with stylized characters, creating a distinct, though sometimes inconsistent, aesthetic. Voice acting and translation occasionally feel awkward, but the narrative remains compelling enough to carry you through both the combat and stealth portions of the game.

A Distinctive PS2 Gem #

Overall, this game received generally favorable reviews for its inventive blend of gameplay styles and its depiction of ancient Rome. While the stealth missions are less polished, the gripping combat, creative mechanics, and intriguing story make it a memorable and distinctive PS2 title. I consider this one of the best titles of it’s platform because of my nostalgic feeling towards it, but after I replayed it not too long ago, I realized it is indeed a very good title. If you like games such as Onimusha, this will also please you enough if you are willing to give it a try.