Summary
- Release Year: 2002
- Genres: Racing
- Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox
- Developers: Kodiak Interactive
- Publishers: Encore
Circus Maximus: Chariot Wars (2002)
Circus Maximus: Chariot Wars is a video game set in Ancient Rome featuring chariot racing. Players compete against other chariots, each with a horse and a gladiator, and compete in death matches where players use their gladiator to fight others to the death. The game takes its name from the out door race track in Rome.
Circus Maximus was released for the PlayStation 2 in 2002. The game was developed by Westwood Studios and published by Electronic Arts.
Gameplay
Circus Maximus is a chariot racing game with a twist: players can also engage in combat with other chariots. Players control a chariot and must race around a track while avoiding obstacles and attacking other chariots. Chariots can be equipped with a variety of weapons, including swords, spears, and bows and arrows.
In addition to the racing, Circus Maximus also features a number of deathmatch modes. In these modes, players must fight to the death using their gladiators. Gladiators can be equipped with a variety of weapons and armor, and they can also use special abilities.
Development
Circus Maximus was developed by Westwood Studios, a company best known for its work on the Command & Conquer series. The game was in development for over two years, and it was one of the most ambitious projects that Westwood had ever undertaken.
The game’s development was not without its challenges. Westwood had to create a new game engine to power Circus Maximus, and the team also had to develop a new physics system to simulate the chariot racing.
Despite the challenges, Westwood was able to complete Circus Maximus and release it in 2002. The game was a critical and commercial failure, but it has since gained a cult following among fans of chariot racing games.
Reception
Circus Maximus received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the game’s graphics and physics, while others criticized its repetitive gameplay and lack of innovation. The game was also a commercial failure, selling only around 100,000 copies worldwide.
Despite its poor sales, Circus Maximus has gained a cult following among fans of chariot racing games. The game’s unique blend of racing and combat has made it a favorite among fans of the genre.
Legacy
Circus Maximus is a unique and ambitious game that was ahead of its time. The game’s blend of racing and combat was innovative, and its graphics and physics were impressive for the time.
Despite its commercial failure, Circus Maximus has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s unique gameplay has inspired other games, and its graphics and physics have set a new standard for chariot racing games.
Conclusion
Circus Maximus: Chariot Wars is a unique and ambitious game that was ahead of its time. The game’s blend of racing and combat was innovative, and its graphics and physics were impressive for the time. Despite its commercial failure, Circus Maximus has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s unique gameplay has inspired other games, and its graphics and physics have set a new standard for chariot racing games.
Additional Information
- Circus Maximus was the first game to use a physics engine to simulate chariot racing.
- The game’s soundtrack was composed by Jeremy Soule, who is also known for his work on the Elder Scrolls series.
- Circus Maximus was one of the first games to feature online multiplayer chariot racing.
- The game was banned in Germany due to its violence.
Review Score
6/10
