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I have read all of the negative reviews about Encore's chariot racing effort. The only kind word anyone has about Circus Maximus is that it is different. Well, it is different and it is fun. Admittedly, the game has its flawsgraphics being the main culpritbut it also has some dynamic gameplay when in the 1 player or 2 player co-op modes. Let's take a look...

Gameplay8 (out of 10)

One of the biggest complaints is that you have to use every button on the XBOX controller. You do and it is great! Once you get the hang of it, you will never look at the controller again when using the white or black buttons in other games. The biggest drawback under this umbrella is the steep learning curve on single player. It is tough because you have to simultaneously control both the driver and the warrior. There is a auto-drive option, but this is useless because the CPU driver cannot keep up with the others and you will fall hopelessly behind, thus it forces you to become quite skilled at button mashing.

Multi-player6

This is where I have the most complaints. As in most recent games, the creators (due to lack of memory or whatever reason) choose not to allow sims/CPU-controlled opponents when in multiplayer mode. 2 players in co-op mode is so fun because your team is battling 3 other sim teams. In 3 or 4 player, you have to go head-to-head.

Graphics6

The graphics are a bit blocky, but the scenery of the Roman Empire landscape almost makes up for it. Another drawback for sure, but one I can live with.

Overall4 stars (or 7.5 out of 10)

Overall this game is quite fun, and mostly because it is different. The first time you use the "rear view mirror" button and see the CPU teams charging up to you for battle, I think you will find it fun also.

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I bought this game yesterday and am extremely pleased with it. I was going to wait to read GamePro's Review of it (I heard it got all 4.5s and 5.0s) but after seeing the comments here I decided to just go ahead and pick it up. It's an amazing game. The controls are complex, but after playing for an hour or two I didn't even notice. What I did notice was solid graphics (not the best ever, but good clean textures), a fitting soundtrack, funny voiceovers (I don't think they really yelled "I'm gonna kick your @ss in ancient Rome), and engrossing gameplay. I'm just embarking on my career mode so that I can unlock the hidden teams (I want the Minotaur). For loads of fun race w/ a friend and let him drive while you fight. It's greatk!! Just make sure your friend knows how to drive the chariot. Mine kept crashing and we'd end up losing, so I chopped his head off w/ my Trident. Ok maybe I'm a little too into this game!!

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The word in most forums is that this is a sleeper hit. This game is so much fun thats its crazy. Some (where the bad reviews are comming from) are having problems with the controls, it does take a little getting use to. But once you have it down you'll love it

Overall this game rocks. Very high replay value.

Heres what I think:

Graphics 8.0

Fun 10

Control 10 (Once you learn it)

9 overall on a 10 point scale

Honest reviews on Circus Maximus

I like this game for it's idea. It certainly is different from most other games out there.

This game is great to play when friends come over. It isn't too hard at first, and even good players won't pull too far ahead, nor will bad players fall too far behind, making this a great party game.

Unfortunately, this is also the problem with this game. No matter how good you are, you can not manage to pull ahead. Eventually, the fighter on one of the other charriots will make you crash. You can catch up pretty easily, but it really is a matter of luck to be ahead at the end of the race. Perhaps the best strategy is to stay in the last position for the majority of the race, and attack towards the end, hoping to move by without getting knocked out...

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If you want to play this game well, you have to start around 7am. It will take you about 4-5 hours to go through all the training rounds. By noon, you will know how to speed up, slow down, throw daggers, duck, sway, dodge obstacles, ram gift stands and run over innocent bystanders all at the same time. In an era of instant gratification, players have to remember to practice because Rome wasn't built in a day. This was the first game for any of the consoles (xbox, ps1-2, sega, nintendo or gamecube) that I had ever played. Not only can you learn to work the scary mass of buttons, but you can astound your friends...This is the game to play if you want step by step training in working every button and doodad on the xbox controller. It's especially fun when Marcellus, the trainer, screams insults at you like a drill sargeant each time you err. Proferring such exhortations as, "you aren't paying attention," "I didn't teach you that," "not the way I would have done it but not bad," Marcellus transforms the player from a slimy-twinkle toed newby into a master charioteer. You will earn Marcellus' highest praise, "done like a true Roman" if you persist in your efforts through the training. *****