Below are user reviews of Circus Maximus and on the right are links to professionally written reviews.
The summary of review scores shows the distribution of scores given by the professional reviewers for Circus Maximus.
Column height indicates the number of reviews with a score within the range shown at the bottom of the column.
Higher scores (columns further towards the right) are better.
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User Reviews (1 - 11 of 31)
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This game rules(only on the best system Xbox)
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 1 / 24
Date: February 05, 2002
Author: Amazon User
This game is non stop action. Kicks a**. As your riding down in circus maximus theirs always danger and non-stop action. This is a must buy and remember xbox is the best.
Nicky flores Circus Maximus Review
3
Rating: 3,
Useful: 4 / 25
Date: February 06, 2002
Author: Amazon User
Circus Maximus: Chariot Wars - 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. There is no other game like it!
Circus Maximus info
Published by
Encore
Developed by
Kodiak Interactive
Street Date
February 2002
Genre
Racing
Players
1-4
Rating
Teen
Features
Simultaneous control of driver and warrior or let the A.I. drive while you fight
Up to four players set up two-man teams for unparalleled co-op racing and fighting action
22 unique characters with individual features
Seven beautiful Roman landscapes with 19 tracks
Multiple race modes (Arcade, Multiplayer, Tournament and Training)
Over a hundred of driver, warrior, horse and chariot combinations
Upgrade and unlock new options as you win races
This game is terrible...
1
Rating: 1,
Useful: 3 / 13
Date: February 28, 2002
Author: Amazon User
This is an overly ambitous effort that falls flat on its face. Its so bad, its no wonder why this title wasn't out for the X-Box released. Despite the promising advertising for this title in every game shop, this game stinks.
I think Richard from NY and I played different games...
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 11 / 12
Date: March 02, 2002
Author: Amazon User
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!!
It's Fun Because it is Different
4
Rating: 4,
Useful: 12 / 14
Date: March 03, 2002
Author: Amazon User
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.
Great game....
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 5 / 7
Date: March 03, 2002
Author: Amazon User
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
Finally something new !!!
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 1 / 1
Date: March 05, 2002
Author: Amazon User
This game doesn't have the best graphics out of all the Xbox games but it is definitely the most fun to play. How could you not have fun racing around in a chariot while you have another guy on the back just hacking away on your opponents. The best part is you get to play as both the driver and fighter at the same time. The game also has an awesome multiplayer and even co-op mode which is a great benefit. The controls are a bit hard but you do get the hang of them eventually just like any other game.
Keep your eyes on the road!!
4
Rating: 4,
Useful: 1 / 2
Date: March 05, 2002
Author: Amazon User
I just purchased the game today. I was a little discouraged after reading the EGM rating (three judges gave it an average of about 2-3). I decided to get it anyway based on the game trailers and other reviews I have seen. I must say while this game is not perfect, (and I agree it can seem difficult to manage horse, fighter, driving etc. at first) in just a short period of time I had a smile on my face. This game is not as good as a traditional racer such as Project Gotham, but then again why would you think a horse drawn chariot would be as speedy as a race car. When you add the fighter you carry in the chariot it adds another dimension. I have found after just playing it a few hours that there are several different strategies you can use to cross the line first. Bottom line? I am pleased with the game and glad I got it. Of the five games I have for the Xbox, only Halo ranks higher. In regards to the EGM ratings, I believe that the authors really didnt give the game a chance. I'm not sure if they just didn't like the subject matter or whatever.
The best racing/combat game ever!
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 2 / 4
Date: March 06, 2002
Author: Amazon User
I've played this game a lot now and I have to say that it is extremely fun to play. The graphics are great (I don't think they're blocky...) Take a look at the refelections off of the metalic armor and shields, very cool! I think it shows off the capabilities of the XBox very well. The music and sounds are fantastic. The worlds are detailed and very, very large scale for a racing game. Lots of things to see. There are lots of hidden shortcuts that can speed up your race significantly. The chariot physics are very cool and realistic especially in crashes. You flip up on one wheel when taking shar corners and can even flip right over if youre' going too fast! You can even lose a wheel and drive around on one if you're good enough. CPU AI is very good and it has all been tuned very nicely. The fighting is the most fun of all and knocking an opponent out of the race (temporarily) is very satisfying. Multiplayer head-to-head or co-op is a real blast. It does take awhile to master, but what game doesn't? I can't say enough good things about it. This is an absolute MUST buy for any fighting, racing or just general game playing fan!
Waste of Money
1
Rating: 1,
Useful: 1 / 5
Date: March 06, 2002
Author: Amazon User
Keeping it simple I will jsut say that the game play is repetative with little action adn poor controls. Consider a racing game on the atari 2600 system instead. I only wish I didnt lose my reciept so I could return it.
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