So, what exactly is Gladiators? In this exciting competitive card game, players step into an arena to engage in fierce battles, reminiscent of the classic 52-card deck. Strategy is key as players plan their attacks, all while being cautious of potential Gambits that could hinder their progress. Designed for 2-4 players, Gladiators offers a dynamic Last-Champion-Standing contest, adaptable for players aged 10 and above. Each duel is a brisk 15 to 30-minute affair.

Backing the Kickstarter campaign includes a package comprising 52 playing cards, 8 supplementary cards (4 wound trackers and 4 turn reminder cards), and the essential game manual. The Collector’s Edition of Gladiators includes a special commemorative appreciation card.

The Gladiators cards are meticulously crafted using premium 300 GSM card stock with a linen texture enriched with a matte finish.

But how does the gameplay unfold? Players must inflict crippling wounds and outpace their adversaries to secure victory. Success hinges on whether one’s attack can penetrate the opponent’s defenses. Evolving trait cards to increase strength and strategically collecting potent combinations—pairs, triples, and even game-winning quadruples—are the routes to success.

Players begin with four trait cards that mirror attributes like speed, attack, defense, and health. These traits serve as in-game statistics, where higher values denote greater strength unless exploiting an opponent’s vulnerabilities with lower values.

Each player’s turn entails various actions based on their displayed cards. “Focus” enables trait adjustments through card flips from the central deck. Successful attacks require sufficient speed and attack to overcome an opponent’s defense, inflicting damage. Alternatively, players can execute a “gambit,” sacrificing a pair to alter an opponent’s trait, potentially weakening them.

Players also possess a concealed hand of trait cards drawn under specific circumstances. These cards provide covert trait modifications, offering strategic advantages.

In essence, Gladiators challenges players to optimize stat values while obstructing rivals. Victory can be achieved through both luck and strategic prowess.

For a more in-depth understanding of gameplay, the manual is accessible here.

The question arises: why support this project when you can simulate Gladiators using a standard 52-card deck? The Gladiators deck boasts intricate illustrations that elevate the experience, allowing players to embody characters and wield equipment, transcending the mundane spades and diamonds. Moreover, the Gladiators deck introduces key deviations from the standard deck, enhancing gameplay flow, including distinct backs for each trait and a wound-tracking card.

The Gladiators deck offers four unique card backs, aligned with the four traits—diamond, club, heart, and spade—of a standard 52-card deck. This allows for potential usage in games with the standard deck, though competitive games like poker might be an exception due to the distinct designs. Nevertheless, the Gladiators deck adds flair to various games, injecting fun and eccentricity, whether played with mages, neomystics, or barbarians.

Let’s explore the artwork. The visual journey commenced with AfterGate’s conceptualization, forming characters corresponding to the 13 numeric cards for each trait. Numbers align with characters and their equipment. Through concept art and chosen artists, characters, weapons, shields, and realms came to life. The result: the exquisite Gladiators deck. The artistic renditions are truly captivating.