We all know the saying: When in Rome, cave enemies' heads in with unfortunately-named combo moves (e.g. the skull-splitting "Juicy Tomato") or spend your days skulking about the Senate. At least, that's how the story goes throughout Shadow Of Rome, Capcom's first action-adventure targeted at Western audiences. As gladiator Agrippa, an adorable lug whose throaty bellows often lapse into incomprehensible, Fozzie Bear-like warbles, or dandy Octavianus, you'll investigate Caesar's murder via strength of arms and subterfuge, respectively.
Alas, it's precisely that schizophrenic approach that keeps the game from kicking maximus assus. A killer combat system–tapping buttons lets players lop off limbs with swords, scimitars, axes, maces and more–will assuredly leave players thirsting for blood. But pray as you might for additional encounters with massive barbarians, loutish legionnaires, and grotesquely beefy bosses, you'll have to sit through long-winded story sequences and poorly paced stealth scenarios ad infinitum. It wouldn't be so bad if the script was a literary triumph; instead, viewers are treated to plot twists so clichéd that they make Steve Reeves movies look like Ben-Hur. Still, for every agonizing moment you'll spend slowly tiptoeing about or answering guards' incessant questions, there's an equally brilliant beheading around the corner.