The Best Gladiator Game on Steam Just Got Massively Better - We Who Are About to Die

We who are about to die gameplay with Splat! Let's Play We Who are About to Die and check out a brutal sandbox of sand, death, and mayhem. Raise your gladiator to die in the arena for the health of your training dojo.
Key provided by developers many mooons ago
Download We Who Are About to Die : store.steampowered.com/app/97...
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[@LakierosJordy]

HYPE! Dev here. Thanks for the love Splat < 3 We worked really hard on this update, I'm glad you like it. Its scary to change fundamental stuff but we're trying to stay fearless as we go towards 1.0. Sidenote, would love to see you play third person some time! It looks like this is the original Spectacles Update release, in the last 2-3 weeks I already released like 5 patches, fixing many issues seen here + another going up tonight probably. One of them is a regular update that further tweaks balance on the new mechanics, and expanded Draft (military service mission) a lot

[@robc3548]

When will you add ai vs ai matches? I like the management side of the game more than the combat.

[@DavidWMiller]

@@robc3548 What management side of the game? You don't manage anything.

[@TheRudeNoise]

Love this update!! The Elite fights and survival are a lot of fun

[@Quoxozist]

as someone with this on his wishlist I can say I'm considerably more interested now given all these changes. keep up the great work, I may well purchase before 1.0 at this rate.

[@funguy398]

Imagine Booker mode as in wrestling, so you book arena, put your gladiators for a show, and gather gold and you decides 👍or👎

[@waffleswafflson3076]

The world has refused to give me a sequel to Gladius, not even a spiritual successor. So I've resolved to learn to code. I'll do it myself.

[@user-iu6sd8su3e]

Sigma

[@specrtre]

Coliseum road to freedom might be a good endeavor too lol

[@Dracobyte]

Good luck with your projects.

[@SwordPlay1]

I'll play test

[@vforwombat9915]

"The world has refused to give me a sequel to Gladius," damn straight. we took a vote.

[@RapidVipercdog]

Looks like it's time to leave my wishlist and join the backlog.

[@rewarddrawer]

I bought this game when you made your first video. Only played it a little bit back then before it got added to the backlog. Here I am now with a fresh rig and a big game update. Perfect timing.

[@hazir7618]

such a tease, wanted to see how that elite fight ended

[@valaraukare6670]

Splatty ended before he got his ass whooped , most likely :P

[@MrAgmoore]

He got one-hit for 30 hp, I don't think that fight was going well. He needed to pick up the jousting stick from the floor.

[@AntonGully]

"Those About To Die" coming from Peacock, with Anthony Hopkins as the Emperor, might make for some renewed interest in gladiator games.

[@DarrylCross]

Yeah, thought it was good timing on this seeing as I've been getting that ad a lot the last few days.

[@TheMex1kan]

ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED! ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED! - Splaticus Caticus

[@grayaj23]

Caticus Splatiae

[@MrAgmoore]

ALL HAIL KING SPLATTICUS! HE HAS NINE LIVES!

[@TheMex1kan]

@@MrAgmoore UUUUUURRRAAAHHHH!!!!!!

[@HeadCannonPrime]

I've been playing this game for a few years now. I saw the update and jumped back in. Its still a lot of fun. I still want a kind of side scroller beat em up mode. The new conscription battles are about half way there. I also REALLY want locational damage effects, (hellish Quart, Bushido Blade)

[@HArryvajonas]

Can the combat play out in a more elaborate way? It seemed very basic based off this video. I get the impression this wasn't a great showcase of the combat?

[@HArryvajonas]

I looked up some gameplay videos. It really is this stiff and robotic. Not my cup of tea.

[@N_MP]

Great game. Discovered it a while back thanks to you Splat and put in a lot of enjoyable hours since then.

[@tantona9315]

Love this game and didn't know about the update! Reinstalling tomorrow, thanks Splat!

[@hawthornhobbit]

I love it when you cover this game.

[@grayaj23]

This is the kind of game where my best enjoyment will probalby come from watching someone stream it.

[@thermonuclearwarhead]

What's the disappointment with Domina? Because I still find it rather fun and fills that gladiator game niche nicely.

[@Dermetsu]

He was discussing the availability of gladiator games on steam, and Domina was removed from the store over drama between the devs, his community, and Steam.

[@lucidnonsense942]

Lol, that's a funny way to say Dev went full fashie and put hate speech in the patch notes.

[@thermonuclearwarhead]

A ha. Didn't know it was pulled from Steam.

[@RevWolf1776]

I enjoyed it as well it's on some other platform now but going off the version difference not much has changed. Also not paying for a game a second time. The music in it was pretty dang good for a simple little game.

[@etholus1000]

I just jumped back into the game yesterday, didn’t even know about this update. It’s soo good

[@Chris-el4ui]

This is single dev goodness! I've enjoyed this one a lot.

[@Lowkeh]

Every time I see this title, my in-head jukebox starts playing AC/DC. Specifically - _For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)_

[@grayaj23]

That album was a game changer when it came out for me. Wasn't a Bri Jo fan much prior to that, but i tell ya. All heads were banged that day.

[@Themagoo]

Probably my favorite game of the last 2 years. Its so fun to pickup and play a run or 2 ever few weeks.

[@anon4854]

I still occasionally go back to Ryse sometimes to scratch that Gladiator itch. This game is looking really promising though.

[@mydimman]

Love the game - we who are About to die. Love the content Splattercat!

[@adamstull2436]

Haven't played this game in a while. Now I need to boot it up.

[@pious.techpriest]

yo! If you need more content, I noticed that Monster's Domain recently went 1.0. You covered it something like a year ago I think. You the man!!!!

[@mikew735]

I just started a game of gladius again on my old gamecube, such a criminally under rated and incredible game and since disney owns all that lucas arts stuff i am terribly sad it wont see the light of day again, even a remake and a re-release like what happened with monster rancher would be beyond awesome.

[@jakreacher991]

one of my favorite games! love it.

[@shadedbear6414]

To end on that fight was crazy

[@jjdubuyou1976]

Could watch you play this game for hours! This one hits as hard as Battle Brothers--right in your wheelhouse!

[@vwlssnvwls3262]

I loved your last video, and put it on my wish list. I then bought it during this summer sale, but before a couple updates, so I need to check it out again. I think I could really enjoy this one, I just need to get used to the wonky movement and combat.

[@ilovedetails]

This looks pretty fun. I want to try this on a steam deck or legion go.

[@blazenyah4876]

I love this game but its outside of my capabilites to play so its always great to see it showed

[@Burningwithecstasy]

Gladius is a fun game and my last video game rental from Blockbuster before they went under. Never did play through it but I had fun. WWAATD looks fun too.

[@RabidHobbit]

Can't wait until this is 1.0.

[@Coco-Don]

I had made a video on this like a month ago literally RIGHT before this update. Gonna have to jump back in.

[@MF-pq7bq]

What's wrong with Domina? It was a great game.

[@lucidnonsense942]

Dev went full Kanye, started posting fash manifestos in patch notes and media. Got booted off steam for his little jihad against everyone who was not white and male.

[@LightTim]

It WAS. Sadly it's been knocked off the stream store. He can't really suggest a game if it can't be bought.

[@BaronNate]

I believe when Gladiator 2 the movie comes out, (which looks promising btw), there will be a market that publishers will RUSH to fill. At least, that is my hope and my prediction. A lot of "Roman" games came out when Gladiator 1 came out with Russel Crowe. Everything from combat games to strategy games and even city building games because people were Roman hungry then.

[@torquemada4268]

You convinced me, I made the purchase at 7 min.

[@Spiffybaldguy]

aside from some of the weird ragdoll like physics, I think overall I like how this game is coming along!

[@alexkaplan1136]

If the physics were less janky and had more weight to the impacts, I’d love it.

[@TheAzrai]

I enjoyed this game quite a bit, and then I found Exanima. There aren't as many battle types, but the combat system (once you get the hang of it) makes the actual fighting much more enjoyable. The gear system is incredible as well.

[@plumbthumbs9584]

excellent!

[@Discipol]

ima wait for full release for full features

[@Devan...]

I, for the life of me, could not process the title of this game and thought i was having a stroke reading it. Then I heard you say it, and it instantly made sense. There should really be a comma in there.

[@alexkaplan1136]

Yeah there probably should be. It’s a reference to Ancient Rome, where the slaves say “We, who are about to die, salute you.” to the emperor before their fights. Popularized (at least for me) by the movie Gladiator.

[@Reoh0z]

You don't need a shield if you hack your opponent to pieces with a giant sword.

[@donterrenoalto4235]

ok this actually looks fun

[@Ken-sz6mg]

I love this game!

[@HaldolBerries]

I love this game

[@robertwebb5520]

Guy ends the video fighting a living legend. Yep got to love splatt (also bro did you win i got to know)

[@MrAgmoore]

he got his ass beat down *throws bag of 100 nummus aureus on the table* I'd wager my purse on it.

[@Bru_Dog1]

aww, I wanted to see that last fight?? :( Good vid though

[@Jak00Z]

thanks

[@JurinoJr]

Did you miss talking about the controlls, how to fight? Is there blocking, parrying? Or did I miss it?

[@WillieTroxler]

This game looks fun to play

[@billbillinger2117]

This game is hilariously fun.

[@binnieb173]

I want this mixed with Examina

[@EURIPODES]

What was disappointing about Domina? I thought it was pretty good for what it was.

[@jessiemoore3094]

Id give anything for them to bring back spartacus legends. it was perfect to me.

[@sniperjared]

man i really wish this had multiplayer

[@vegard2000]

It's fun, but it gets a bit stale after a few hours, but I'm not really sure what they could do with the gameplay loop to improve it

[@cfilorvyls457]

Prob some elite gladiator types for harder fights I guess. It gets really stale past a certain point because it's just the same fight over and over again. Having some more variety like a faster jumpy enemy or a massive hulk type barbarian each with different AI.

[@TheAzrai]

More fluid animations and weightier impacts, just an overall polishing of the combat would go a long way.

[@MrAgmoore]

It looks like it needs decent fighting mechanics like Chivalry: Medieval War

[@Sinister00777]

Just gonna say it, Gladiator doesn’t need a sequel or reboot.

[@talon12020]

Age of Gladiators is a very stat, text heavy game but it does scratch that guild management/simulator itch.

[@UllricLex]

I love this game. My favorite on PS2 was "Shadow of Rome" and good gladiator games are rare.

[@MrAgmoore]

I'm watching a replay - game looks crazy.

[@specrtre]

Just need a game like this except the person you make is more personal like coliseum road to freedom

[@Mag_ladroth]

Guess it's time to get back into this again. Are "Zeus's Lightning Bolts" still in the game?

[@briancoleman9330]

One of my all time favorite games. Haven't touched it in about a year, and I was wondering why suddenly I was seeing so many videos pop up about this game. Now that I know, time to fire her up.

[@RandallM17]

This was the first game i bought on my steam deck still not able to play it 😮‍💨😮‍💨. I wonder what will come first me getting a gaming desktop around black Friday or this being steam deck playable🤷🏾‍♂️

[@galecky1403]

Vagrus got some cool updates recently just saying...

[@humorinpolitics56]

Very dynamic combat, considering you can just swing your weapon in the same direction 98% of the time, lol The game looks good, though.

[@inneedofmedication]

I wanted to like this game. Tried to play it for almost 2 hours, had at least 10 crashes, had to refund it. Hope they fix it, it looks like it could be fun.

[@Salvo_Your_Problems]

Domina is STILL the best gladiator game out there. Unfortunately the dev had to push his politics in the patch notes and it got review bombed as a result leading him to quit developing it. Nothing beats the feeling of that game with the music, the heckling from the crowd, and the explosive action

[@Hudson316]

Uh, no, he STARTED with putting his politics into patch notes, then he put hate speech into his patch notes, got review bombed for it, then got himself kicked off steam and his game removed because Steam banned his ass for what he put in the patch notes. Was a shame, I'd had that game for years before his brain imploded.

[@timothorgodofpunder8129]

Hey Splat, I've been getting into SOVL recently, I think you'd like it too.

[@weap1029]

Have you tried "Gladio and Glory", it's similar and good fun.

[@Dethmeister]

Oh! That's the game I got for free, or is free. I was getting it mixed up with this one.

[@jsb.5170]

Need to watch the video but I misread the title as who we are/about to die and I could only think of the bowler and his who do you think you are, I am

[@mbielcik]

🖤

[@danw3735]

I can't get the hang of swinging with sword, not sure what I'm doing wrong.

[@pete531]

Your skill will increase 30% when you stop using auto focus camera and start using free camera because you can swing faster and put your whole body into it by looking away then swinging whole body

[@JRS3540]

I just tried the demo... I don't think I have the skill for the control scheme, moving the mouse as part of the attack mechanic isn't working out for me. It looks like a really cool concept though. I'll probably buy it if they add an arcade-style control down the road.

[@MRSWAG42069]

did you win that fight at the end?

[@Shywer]

I am the 1K !

[@Cifer77]

I've been interested in this game, but so much of the combat seems to be just... backup until you get an opportunity to use your one attack

[@Seitten]

Wonder if he gonna kill his teammates again 😆

[@eightchickens]

2:29 I see why you don't use shield. They are unreliable, look you hit right through it. Maybe it had low durability and thus your strike went through it?

[@hksprangers1680]

Does this game play well with a controller?

[@robcampion9917]

I just got into this game and I keep on falling victim to my overconfidence.

[@Dracobyte]

Let's gooo!!

[@lowang7255]

Domina was good though

[@eric9822]

He's probably referring the the developer. The dev posted really detailed hate speech, ranted about groups he hated, then pulled the game off of steam after the backlash. Or maybe steam booted him? Not sure. (I loved Domina too!)

[@mrhailstone1810]

yeah the game was ok but the Dev went completely nuts. Adding detailed racism, homophobia, transphobia and everything else you can think of into the patch notes of the game. he was banned by steam and the game too.

[@lucidnonsense942]

Never go full Kanye...

[@lowang7255]

@@mrhailstone1810 looked at the old patch notes he was just putting covid messages into the notes didn't see any other things like that

[@lucidnonsense942]

​@@lowang7255steam removed hate speech from the platform

[@RetySempai]

Shadow of rome is so far the best gladiator game imo

[@QisforQadim]

That looks like... very basic fighting. You spend 90% of the game doing the same one swing over and over. And it works.

[@lupisvolk2420]

Oh it's very basic and janky and we love it.

[@QisforQadim]

@@lupisvolk2420 Skinnerbox ad infinitum.

[@amergingiles]

Listen, I used to think that this was just a janky Exanima rip off, but it seems to be doing better and better over time. Love Exanima, but this is honestly a pretty awesome gladiator game. My big issue is that there isn't really any gladiator games with good combat, which you'd think is the whole point.

[@merzofficial1443]

I was scrolling the comments to see if anyone mentioned Exanima. Seriously tho.. if anyone likes this going head to head style and REALLY wanna go deep into physics and even momentum/muscle movement -- Exanima is for you. It keeps updating with better and better physics even recently.

[@oldmanshinji9662]

What happened to Dominic?

[@bliss000]

c64 :)

[@KhaosElement]

Man I'm just...so burned out on roguelikes. Lump in item durability and it's unfortunately a no. I want more gladiator games but this aint it for me.

[@lord_dakon]

My like was the 666th.

[@gamelover2222]

Already have a copy! If only it had multiplayer. We need a gladiator game with the chaos of Fall Guys, but bloody and with meta progression.

[@robc3548]

Walk backward and side swing simulator?

[@kvh1962]

check out mordhau

[@macdallanzero2145]

If they didn't fix the camera and the controls it doesn't matter what else they have done with the game... and based on what I'm seeing here they didn't fix either of them. Did I hear you right, you can buy GEAR INSURANCE so your gear doesn't take damage? That's utter nonsense.

[@killerluuk]

This game is way too expensive for the glitchy mess it is. The lighting/ graphics are very meh and the ai is broken and boring to fight at times

[@Poutu]

First

[@Grogeous_Maximus]

No

[@gaetanhillion8342]

... Okay... I know there is a need of artistic liberty, especially when talking about gladiators, but was it that much a bother to open googme and type gladiators ? You know, just to have the bare minimum of datas to do the game... Oh well, i know to much, so it will not be a game for me i guess ^^.

[@MeanCalifa]

How many times have you showed off this game just this year ?!

[@diefenbaker]

Once!!

[@jaymes4750]

did they seriously make on of the hosts a black woman? lmfao

[@phillipmitchell2254]

Way better than Domina and you don't have to worry about homey doing fascist rants in his patch notes

[@amergingiles]

4:00 Woooah now, hard stop. Disappointment? It's still one of the best gladiator management games ever made, it's just that Steam selectively decided he didn't get to have opinions. He got banned for questioning the Covid response the world went through and for calling Keffals (a transgender canadian streamer) a child groomer years before Mutahar did the video that got it mainstream, showing off the Catboy Ranch, the discord sexting, and worst of all, the DIY HRT storefront run by actual child pornographers, and that is what got him banned. You can still buy Domina through Gumroad and it comes with all the DLC for base price. He only got banned for being and edgy bastard and pointing out weird shit.

[@TheRealXartaX]

There's not much to complain about regarding the gameplay, but the ban was justified. Not because he has opinions, but because he was using dev status to bypass bans and pushing political opinions unrelated to the game to the players through the patch notes and stuff like that. It's enough of a justification for me. If he was posting those things on twitter and got taken off of Steam for it for example, I'd agree with you. But he was abusing the tools given to him by Steam/Valve.

[@MrSteve0311]

Came here to say exactly this. The dev was done dirty by the skittle hair people. Him and his game are awesome.

[@Rhenryie]

This game is just a case of lack of choice when it comes to gladiator games.