Ren'Py - Gladiator King [v0.17-Draft] [Tale Master Zian]

Quite a unique presentation and gameplay, to say the least. Initially, the visuals felt jarring and out of place, but they grew on me the more I played. You’ll see what I mean about the distinct presentation and gameplay once you play the game.

That aside, I think the use of art is excellent, it feels cohesive with the Roman gladiatorial theme. The characters and their partial animations are well done too; it’s definitely a different experience compared to static 3D renders or DAZ animations.

One issue though: while the font fits the vibe, it’s really hard to read. The cast is varied, and the plot is solid, though not particularly unique (at least from the bit I played). Still, the dev clearly knows what they’re doing - sometimes it’s all about execution, not reinventing the wheel.

Also, props for including female characters with different body types. All in all, the clean presentation, slight RPG mechanics, and morality-based choices make this a strong start for an adult visual novel. Good luck with future updates, dev!

I was skeptical because it looks like IA, but the game is very good, with good art and animation and RPG-like. I want to see where this game is going; for now, I like it very much. The mechanics are smooth, and the progression feels rewarding so far.

This game look really awesome so far. The graphics are amazing. Girls are TOP NOTCH. I don't care about AI or not.
As for gameplay, there is potential, but I don't think a strictly turn-based mode will be enough to reach it.
I would make it so that you have 2-3 moves per round, which would be much more strategic and open up more space for the mechanics involved.
Or your number of actions depended on the amount of energy or similar mechanics like one action for attack/debuff/heal and a separate action for your movement. (See DOS2 and BG3)
But what we have now, 1 move per round, isn't very good with the current mechanics. I mean, if you only have one move, you definitely don't need skills for movement and debuffs. Just Attack and Survivability.

My only concern is the frequency of updates. I see that the dev is working on other projects at the same time, and he also wrote that he is being drafted into the army..?
But I will definitely keep an eye on this game and hope for updates.

A testament to what AI can do when done right. The game has nice mechanisms, making it feel like a real game. And the AI art is spectacular. The models are unique and the animations are top notch. Right now content is a bit short but the plot seems to be heading somewhere. The setting is pretty unique and interesting- ancient Rome and arena. Overall, if the dev can continue till the end, it will definitely be one of the best AI games of the site. Good luck to the dev.

V0.17-draft

an unfinished demo that throws up enough red flags to me that the orange tag looked likely before i even got to developers message at the end, which to my mind is an advert for 'i rushed this to get paid'.

visuals are a mixed bag and the writing is above average but the gaps are noticeable and the stat system is overkill. that this is NOT a first release is just another reason i was not hooked, developer history on this site notwithstanding

It`s short but good!
As for me a promising start with overall great quality! I am looking forward new content, more action and more story.
There are sure a plenty things to do and to tweek, but i liked the beginning...

Review: Gladiator King (v0.17 Draft)

I finished the current build and came away impressed by how strong the foundation already feels. The standout is the presentation: character models and environments look great, with crisp, stylish visuals that sell the arena vibe. The combat system is the other big win—there’s real bite to the moment-to-moment decisions, and the way fights encourage planning kept pushing me into “one more match” territory.

Pros

• Awesome graphics that give every scene a polished, cohesive look.
• Engaging combat loop with interesting choices that reward experimentation.
• Lots of promising story hooks sprinkled throughout.

Cons

• Content is very short right now; it ends just as things start to click, sort of speak....
• Story pacing stumbles in places. The rescue of the slave woman sets up expectations of a sex encounter, but instead there’s an abrupt encounter at the coliseum gate that feels out of place for that moment.
• Several narrative ideas are introduced but not developed yet.

Thoughts
What’s here shows plenty of potential: the worldbuilding hints, the arena ladder, and the character dynamics could all blossom with more chapters. The combat already pulls its weight, so if future updates deepen the narrative and smooth out those early scene transitions, this could become something special.

Verdict
A visually striking start with an addictive combat core. Short length and a couple of story beats that don’t quite land keep it from top marks for now, but I’m excited to see where it goes next.

Rating: 4/5

[V0.17]
Didn't expect believable story and characters.
Plot is intriguing, leaves you much to wonder about. Especially 3path mechanic is really good idea, unfortunately the choices didn't made any realistic choice (maybe just for now since it's only second update, and the plot needs to thicken to make difference in choice visible).
Combat mechanic is good Feels good like the classic

About graphics:

Just yes.

Overall the premise is really good.
If i treat is as just part of story i am gonnaget to know it is 5 stars
Unlucky we might wait a year for update bc of military service of dev xD
Thoughts and prayers my guy

so far its good. i like the attribute spread. i hope you can get armor and upgrades for them as well in the future. its very very short now so ill keep watching and adjusting as it progresses. also i hope i gain more than one skill point per level. although im not sure how strong a point makes on stats there are so many stat types that id like to spread. i can see myself getting hooked on it