Overview
At a glance
Is this game right for my group?
ABG editorial scores on a 1–5 scale.
Harder to teach
High replayability
Highly interactive
Scales well
Deep strategy
How it plays
How does it play?
Gladiatores: Blood for Roses is a swift-playing card combat game of rival gladiator schools. Each player's school bids for eight playable 'famous hero' gladiators from the market that each comes with their own unique combat skills, talents, abilities, strengths and weaknesses.
Core mechanisms
Key systems that shape the decisions players make.
Betting and Bluffing
Risk resources on uncertain outcomes while disguising intentions or information.
Hand Management
Time and sequence a limited hand of cards to preserve future options.
Memory
Remember previously revealed information, positions, or sequences.
Variable Player Powers
Each player has different abilities, restrictions, or strategic advantages.
Simulation
Model a real or imagined system through detailed cause-and-effect rules.
Take That
Direct negative effects at selected opponents.
Read the full game description
Gladiatores: Blood for Roses is a swift-playing card combat game of rival gladiator schools. Each player's school bids for eight playable 'famous hero' gladiators from the market that each comes with their own unique combat skills, talents, abilities, strengths and weaknesses. Every gladiator's card set is a unique selection of combat moves that chain in sequence with your opponent's choices in a deadly duel of strike and counter-strike! Enter your chosen gladiator into arena events, impressing the crowds with your fighting skill while secretly planning your opponent's demise. Variable gladiator abilities makes each game a tactical challenge. Outmaneuver your victim in blow for blow combat for the prize wreaths, while secretly laying bets on the outcome of each fight! The combat cards simulate the close up cut and thrust of in-your-face arena combat; while secret tactics cards, sponsors and your own devious hand management skills might ensure a spectacular win! Be aware however that the other players might be secretly plotting your demise...