Circus Maximus

by Encore

Product Features

• Race your chariot through the streets of the ancient Roman Empire, through a variety of tracks and environments
• Choose your chariot and a warrior to help fend off contenders
• Game tests balance and precision as your race the light-weight but easily turned chariots
• Includes 2 head-to-head multiplayer modes and 4-player cooperative multiplayer mode

Product Details

• ASIN: B00005V6BL
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches ; 4 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #22,629 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Circus Maximus: Chariot Wars is a brutal mix of racing and combat set during the height of Imperial Rome. The Great Circus provides entertainment to thousands of cheering crowds throughout the Empire. The greatest champions from the furthest reaches of the Empire have gathered to compete in the tournament to determine who is the greatest in the known world, and who will receive recognition from the emperor himself.

As one of the many charioteers in Circus Maximus: Chariot Wars, you will strive to earn glory while racing through settings in the ancient Roman Empire. Compete in the northernmost expansion of the Empire in Britannia, or the cold, harsh lands of Germania, all to reach the ultimate arena, the great Circus Maximus. There is room for only one champion of the circus. Second place is the first loser, and, oftentimes, the first casualty.

Fighting and driving are equally important. Each team has a warrior to protect the driver during the race, and these warriors are proficient in dealing out damage to any who stray too close. Prepare for racing thuggery as you attempt to survive and conquer Circus Maximus: Chariot Wars.

From the Manufacturer

The roar of the crowds, the crack of the whip, the rumble of iron-shod wheels on hard-packed dirt. The time: the height of the Roman Empire, the place: Circus Maximus, Rome--250,000 seats worth of blood-thirsty crowds. It's you, your chariot, and a whole lot of luck against the opposition--time to ride!

As the first and only game to combine the classic themes of chariot racing and gladiator fighting, Circus Maximus: Chariot Wars brings the raw excitement of survival racing to the majestic coliseums and arenas of the Roman Empire. It's ultimate multi-player action.

You'll be able to exert control over an entire chariot team, or let the computer drive for you while you take out the opposition. Get close-up, as multiplayer modes let you compete in pairs, or with four players in a head-to-head chariot-fest. From the sands of Alexandria to the Circus Maximum in Rome, you'll fight the cream of the Empire in seven environments and 19 tracks. Upgrade your team, unlock new options, and collect dinari with every race you win! What more could the budding gladiator ask for?

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It's Fun Because it is Different, March 2, 2002

By 

Rodney W. Cogbill "slow-hand" (Aylett, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Circus Maximus (Video Game)

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 flaws- graphics being the main culprit- but it also has some dynamic gameplay when in the 1 player or 2 player co-op modes. Let's take a look...

Gameplay- 8 (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-player- 6
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.

Graphics- 6
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.

Overall- 4 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.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I think Richard from NY and I played different games..., March 1, 2002

By 

Isaac Miller (Blacksburg, Virginia USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Circus Maximus (Video Game)

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!!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good race game with extra violence, November 30, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Circus Maximus (Video Game)

This is a great game for 2 players either working together or against each other. One person drive a chariot the other tries to kill off the other oppenents. Ripped from the center of Rome circa 100 AD and brought to you in the comfort of your living room. Its a real hoot. Not quite as much fun by yourself.