Shadow of Rome

The Good
Friends, Romans, Gamers- lend me your controllers!! Shadow of Rome has finally been released on PS2 after much anticipation since its E3 preview. Capcom thrusts you into an all too realistic reincarnation of ancient Rome amidst the assassination of Julius Caesar setting the backdrop for a gory adventure with the direction of an empire resting on your shoulders- but not yours alone. Utilizing unique character switching Shadow of Rome enlists the brute centurion Agrippa and the brainier, shall we say slimmer, Octavianus to give the title a duality of fighting and stealth that enhances game play and the plot. I have read positive reviews for the game but some critics were unsatisfied with the stealth missions but I think they are a welcome respite to constant carnage and added a smarter edge to the game while reminding me of the Metal Gear Solid series at its finest. Besides those comments were probably because the game flat out rules and gamers were having too much fun being rambunctious with Agrippa’s scenes. And they are scenes at that. The grandeur of Shadow of Rome is very cinematic, reminiscent to Ridley Scott’s Gladiator, and the visually pleasing graphics give credence to this. I was pleasantly surprised with the fluidity and movement based on only screenshots I had seen but I should have known better when I found out Shadow of Rome was developed by the Onimusha team. Overall, Shadow of Rome gives the best of both worlds to gamers while it is deathly intense and well thought out it can be a classic hack-n-slash that your friends will enjoy just watching you. The only thumbs down involved with this one will be the emperors signal to kill your opponent with unabashed and merciless candor. Highest Recommendation.

The Bad
I did not like that there were no online capabilities or at least a 2-player mode where i can battle friends.

The Bottom Line
Unlike any i have ever played before, SoR is the perfect harmony between mild strategy and violent action. A game that will change the way you view pigeon holing genres.