Train gladiators. Manage a ludus. Fight in the arenas. Conquer the tower. Gods of Sand is a gladiator manager with intense turn-based combat, inspired by the Swords and Sandals series, in a dark and unforgiving setting.
In this gladiator manager game, players take on the role of a ludus (gladiator school) owner, tasked with training fighters and sending them into various arenas to compete. The core gameplay loop revolves around carefully managing your financial resources to maintain the ludus, pay salaries, and invest in upgrades and new recruits.
The character customization system allows players to experiment with diverse gladiator builds, each with their own unique set of skills, armor, and weapons. This depth encourages replayability as players discover effective strategies and counter enemy tactics.
The turn-based combat system is highly tactical, requiring players to consider their gladiators' abilities, positioning, and the enemy's strengths to emerge victorious. Carefully managing resources and adapting to the increasing difficulty of the arenas is crucial for success, as poor planning can quickly lead to defeat.
Players have praised the game's adherence to the Swords and Sandals series, which has inspired a loyal following. The turn-based combat, gladiator customization, and management aspects have been well-received, with many expressing excitement for the game's future development and additional content.
However, some players have noted the need for better balance, especially in regards to certain abilities and strategies that can be overpowered. Additionally, the lack of content in the current early access version has been a point of criticism, with players eagerly awaiting the addition of more arenas, bosses, and gameplay depth.