The Gladiator RPG That Has Rapidly Grown Into One of My Favorites - 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.steampow...
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[@LakierosJordy]

Thank you so much Splat! Again!! Your enthusiasm for this game was a big driver for the whole thing. I actually literally just released a video detailing how pivotal your first video on the demo was to the game's launch. (massive coincidence) Life changing stuff :)

[@badgercdlyons]

Thanks for sticking with such a great game!

[@syafranmuflih7139]

Say Hi to 9gag for me Jordy

[@Mr.Anderson__]

I was tempted to purchase this game initially, but held off because I was unsure if it would continue getting development attention. Seeing a second video from Splatter sealed it for me. To the arena! Thanks for the great game Jordy!

[@eptizzy]

I get payed in like 3 days here, so I'm definitely going to buy it ^.^

[@Mr.Anderson__]

@eptizzy I put 4 hours into it last night. It's actually so much fun. Went through 3 gladiators and one of them made it 18 weeks with the godly heavy hammer. Was a good time until I went into a 30k payout 1vmany and lost it all haha

[@Cuthawolf]

"I always choose the same colour to recognize my teamates" Proceeds to teamkill the HELL out of his teammate

[@g0lgrim1]

Yeah.... not that i did not expect exactly that from Splatty... but yeah. I had this tought too. XD

[@silentpony5635]

"Too bad I am colorblind, ahahaha" - killing ensues

[@itskittyme]

lol i never played this game but when i saw that i also thought "huh isn't that his teammate?" xD

[@thisguywalksintoa1267]

that feeling of running full force at your foe with your spiked double handed mace reared back, the swing, then the enemy flying end over end across the arena. Perfect.

[@danielm.595]

And at the start he had the gawd to say that the physics were dialed back.

[@atto1355]

I’ve been extolling the virtues of the 60%/90% work ethic for years. Never work as hard as you can, only work as hard as they expect so you always have reserves when it hits the fan. Cheers Splat.

[@Maniacman2030]

You also don't want to be TOO good or you'll raise expectations higher than you can maintain or you'll burn out very quickly.

[@JasonX909]

Wise words at the end there. No good deed goes unpunished, as they say

[@bahreal]

both of those words are not helpful and untrue. A good deed can easily go unpunished. stop listening to devils and demons. And if you never try hard, you will never be hard. I also disagree with cat's 'wise' words, which was don't try. not the best advice. but funny!

[@Dosbomber]

He's absolutely right about the competent try-hard never getting promoted. From everything I've seen in all the office jobs I used to work in, those who are the least capable in their job usually get promoted to being someone else's problem, while the employee who knows the ins-and-outs of the entire department, and has the intelligence to streamline and multitask to get everything done to 110% satisfaction.... will die there.

[@Dsonsee]

​@@bahrealfor me to be hard I just need my boyfriend. Trying really hard at your job is one way to waste your life's energy into something that will never properly recognise your effort. I've been there and experienced it myself

[@CoolSs]

@@Dosbomber I do agree that you should try hard, but not when you work for someone else. yes, you should do the work and get the worth of they paid you for. but working 100% for someone else, who view you as another cog in the machine. will only burn you out and you will not get worth of your effort. but if you are working for yourself and doing your own project yes that is the right time to give it 100% and 102% when needed.

[@aaronreynolds1504]

I used to watch a lot of lets plays, Jacksepticeye, Markiplier, but actually stopped watch their content when I found your channel. I find this format much more interesting. Keep up the good work.

[@White1148]

Just curious, what do you like about his format?

[@beboxit]

Just the stuff he does better than anyone else; he covers all budding Indies and gives them a fair and accurate description, he has a clear and relatable voice and he doesn't pad out his videos runtime, besides the occasional ramble about lunch meats or his personal life, which is also enjoyable. 😂

[@Nitidus]

To be fair, this is completely different content compared to Let's Plays. This is more like a superficial first look at a game, like an unboxing, but digitally. Sometimes it's a review, like today, because Splat spent a notable amount of time with the game before recording. But in either case it has nothing to do with a Let's Play, the very purpose of the video is different, so if you prefer this, you simply weren't looking for what a Let's Play offers to begin with. It's like saying you found this delicious new beer that's much tastier than the wine you had before when you didn't want wine in the first place. For someone who's looking for what Let's Plays usually offer - long, in-depth presentations of a game that fully cover it and let you enjoy the whole experience - Splat's videos wouldn't be great either. So, as always, in the end it's to each their own.

[@Zizlam]

@@NitidusGreat explanation! Can you suggest similar channels like Splat’s?

[@aaronreynolds1504]

@@White1148 The covering of mostly indie games over more mainstream games, doing an actual review and not just a reaction. Seeing the evolution of the games Splat plays, from early Alphas to final product. I find Splats personality to be engaging, fun, humorous, and genuine. His explanation of mechanics, the clunkiness and jankiness, and overall gameplay is great and really has helped me make decison. I've bought 3 games after watching Splat play them so far, and I haven't been disappointed yet. @Nitidus you're right Let's Plays were not what I wanted but it's what the KZbin algorithm pushed on me.

[@brunofernandes8697]

I expected a gameplay about gladiator management and got one of THE best life and professional advice I ever heard in my life! You just changed my way of seeing things!

[@vforwombat9915]

thing is, that was only 60% effort from splatt.

[@Veritas.0]

32:47 Here's a corollary to that lesson... If you give someone flowers every day, The only thing they eventually notice is that day you don't.

[@Multivac22]

That final piece of Splatter wisdom about 60 and 70% being 90 and a 100 percent, is 50% of why I love this channel!

[@Jasta85]

Loved playing this game when it launched, then took a break to let it get some updates and kinda forgot about it as so many other games came out, thanks for reminding me to jump back in soon Splat.

[@Urko2005]

Same here, ill give it another look.

[@justiis4672]

I've had this on my wishlist for the last year, finally picked it up on sale a couple days ago. Took me 31 hours to complete a run with an Aspirant on Gladiator difficulty. A few hours later I lost the last fight with a Desperate Politician that would have been my second clear, but eventually managed with a Blacksmith. I'm now over 40 hours into this game in less than a week, it's too good for how simple it is.

[@SirDiamondNips]

That tip about 60-70% effort is so incredibly true. I'm an HR Manager and I do this myself. You're hired to do exactly the job that you interviewed for. Meet the standard, and anything above and beyond is just cake. Don't give your employer more than you are expected to give.

[@JetFighters]

I'm a teacher. That doesn't apply to my profession. The more you give the better it is for the kids.

[@ivancybran]

speaking of PS2, i'd love to see Vigilante 8 and OG Twisted metal style vehicle combat make a return.

[@mikeb1596]

Crazy how 1 person made this game and published it

[@madeofnapalm]

"Guitar" wielding gladiator is the best thing I've seen in a game lately 🤣🤣

[@nidungr3496]

Those who are about to rock

[@jonnymongoose]

Amen brother on your take about giving it your all at work. 20 years at my job and 16 years without a promotion. I have heard a lot of "We really need you where you are at" when trying to move up. I wish I could have heard your words of wisdom 16 years ago. Now I am miserable AF at work but make too much for my area to quit. A huge thanks @splattercat for your daily videos to keep me sane.

[@zhuljens]

You don't have to move up to get a better pay

[@LordZoth6292]

I absolutely love Gladiator sims. I'm always on the look for them, and when you showed it to me last year I bought it. Been keeping up with it, some things really need fixing but I haven't played in a while. Love seeing the progression tho.

[@CaptainSilent]

what are some other fun Gladiator sims?

[@hzzzvv6671]

"Domina" is (was) great, but developer decided to start war with everybody over his opinions so it's not available on Steam anymore.

[@predragpesic5953]

Exanima would be another one. @@CaptainSilent

[@matthewdunlap2658]

when you played a year ago I brought it at the end and completed most of the backstories. it is a fun game

[@Reoh0z]

Splatty discovers everyone has an Achille's heel.

[@murasaki848]

"Joey, do you like movies about gladiators..."

[@suhnnebrayshaw5160]

been watching for years keep up the good work splatter your awesome

[@j_b_9381]

"Onion Linoleum" made me LOL IRL so hard

[@kevinlin9839]

I saw this on sale last night and insta bought. Thanks for showing me this absolute gem a while back!

[@milo8425]

*clobbers his own dude* "THERE WE GO"

[@crashpeil9890]

I got this game in a blind bundle but im almost more excited to play this

[@Transmissional]

Everytime I see mention of this game, I desire to watch Spartacus orGladiator again. I definitely see a lot of value in this game and it's interesting that you have such detail over the ludis and gladiators themselves. Though I do remember the last tiem you made a video on this game I could still hear the sound effects and environmental sound, rip hearing loss.

[@grimmnordgaming1222]

those random truth bombs at the end XD

[@SilverionX]

Thanks for reminding me Splat. I played a ton of this at the start of the year, need to get back into it.

[@Arrow1bowmen]

"Sir, Sir that man is purple, Sir! And there he goes."

[@s0m3th1n6s177y]

That secret to life is 100% accurate.

[@TheLobstersoup]

I love that Splattercat really takes an interest in derserving games and their creators. This is such a well-made title and I have the demo in my Steam Library but completely forgot to update or revisit for changes. I'm sure it's going ahead just fine. From what I remember this was/is made in Unity though. I hope the creator doesn't have to deal with their complicated licensing and can finish his game in peace. Great work alltogether!

[@LakierosJordy]

Thankfully its made in Unreal Engine, not Unity!

[@talesfromthecrypto3698]

its been twenty four hours since I watched 13:44 of this video then went to steam, downloaded the game and started playing. The sun set, the sun rose, and now the next day has passed. And Im Still Playing. Just came back to the video right where I left it 24 hours ago. Thanks again for another epic introduction to a rabbit hole of a game @splattercatgaming

[@gentleman3313]

We are gonna hang out Splat. Come to Sacto! We are Wooz brothers.

[@flyfishizationjones4940]

Onion Linoleum really knows how to sling that Talladega.

[@exidy-yt]

Daym, you have completely sold me on this. It absolutely does remind me of the glory days of the PS2 era 3D beatemups, especially Godhand, Drakengard and the Dreamcast gem Berzerk: Guts' Revenge. Time to pick this up.

[@MandaPii_]

This game really reminds me of the arenas in Mount & Blade: Warband, which I enjoyed as well, so on my wishlist this game goes.

[@ehsaneslahchi246]

splat killing his own teammate 19:34 🤣

[@DrBunnyMedicinal]

He does that a lot in this game. His Disgraced Politician run on Twitch was especially awful for that, 'cause he always had two more guys on his side than the enemies did. And the entourage were not any smarter than the team-mates in this video. 🤦

[@ezequielblanco8659]

And not even realizing... AND then complaining about his teammates in a later fight at 32:00. LOL

[@KareemHarper]

Higher stamina also improves chance of dismemberment. Make your final blow a full stamina power strike.

[@ShadeScarecrow]

Love this game, definitely deserves some recognition. I think I bought it based on your first video you did, glad you are covering it again, it deserves it.

[@BattlForge]

looks like a nice early game ! bought it because of your video. Good job showing some new games !

[@joshh7819]

I got this game a while back. One of my go-to strats was to get entourage and go in to a fight that was a 1v1 which is now 3v1 with no weapons. I would run like a pansy and get the first set of weapons that would fall. If my teamate died I'd take his weapons. At the end I would usually sell the weapon and shield because it was a good source of extra income. Especially at later levels when a weapon or shield can sell for 6-9k

[@marks7502]

those of us about to spend twenty two dollars, salute you

[@mcgruff4591]

I’ve found that maximizing training with stamina early is the way to go, it makes training other skills becomes a non issue with the stamina debuff

[@larrybarba7757]

honestly wish I had that advice 20 years ago

[@westfordjoshua]

Crazy. I grew up in Vacaville to! Cool video.

[@johnnymetonymic]

Watched the devs video about his journey mak8ng this game. Solid dude.

[@EricN73158]

This tip of life at the end is the biggest best tip for life. Don't give it your all, just give enough to get what you need to done.

[@cjanquart]

33:00 mark: Scotty said something about being a miracle worker...

[@Kollif]

2:39 - Jack Doherty, bringing his bodyguards into battle.

[@panedrop]

Wow, deep cut there: Dennis Alexio.

[@Phobosptt]

Ive always loved gladiator games and i didnt even knew about this one, i bought it the last time youmade a video on it.

[@justvid366]

This is an awesome and deep game that nails the balance perfectly - you can enjoy it even as a casual player, but if you want to get really good, you have to sweat. I'd love to hear the developer's retrospective at GDC someday.

[@LakierosJordy]

that would be an honour!

[@sixstab2967]

​@@LakierosJordydid you make this??!!!

[@evilbeckalonian]

Love the advice at the end! I’m no longer an employee or climbing a promotion ladder, but I can look back and see how your philosophy applied to those early days. What a shame 😂

[@jessiemoore3094]

I love this game. it scratches that itch until they never bring back spartacus lagends. true OGs know. lol [I may be the only person to remember that game let alone love it lol]

[@doktormbm]

32:50 very important life lesson

[@badgercdlyons]

Yes! I was hoping you would do an update on this game!

[@ldreyes]

glad I stayed for that last nugget of wisdom

[@anthonyzamora8550]

like Jasta said splatters always reminding me i got jems in the library this is real fun stuff im downloading it right now again havent played since the beginning

[@sixonenineseventwonine]

mechanics reminds me so much of gladihoppers on android especially the randomized character aspect and the map design of the game

[@William-Howe]

i used to play sands of the colosseum it got me into the gladiator games then when i found out about this game i bought it

[@MrCorpseloot]

Vacaville! I was born in Fairfield and grew up in Vacaville ❤

[@Wintercide]

I miss Spartacus from Ubisoft on the PS3. really cool gladiator F2P game. hopefully this can fill that spot.

[@Aliothale]

I still keep Gladiator Begins from the PSP installed on on my PS Vita, and even Ryse installed on my PC. You're right, this genre doesn't get enough love anymore. I wish they'd make a Ryse 2, the arena mode on that game slaps. This indie has been on my radar for some time, might need to pick it up sooner than later.

[@mrscanlan.5016]

IT WILL BE THE BEST Fighting arena game in gaming history

[@chuckersthenut2097]

The 60% rule. That is so true man. I used to be a 100%er in my twenties. Never got me anywhere. Now I give 60% (or lower) and save my 80% for when it matters, when things seem impossible. You are a wise man.

[@barahng]

5:40 True permadeath and randomization makes it a lot more roguelike than most games that market themselves as roguelikes but then have meta progression systems that *require* you to die to progress and unlock more stuff.

[@sablephoenix]

I remember seeing this game in or original video, but this one convinced me I should give it another look, and man. It's SO ADDICTIVE. I agree that it needs more between-match events, but it's still in development and I'm sure that it will get more of that kind of thing. It's still a fantastic game. Definitely already worth the purchase. I'd also love to see the ability to knock down (or be knocked down) integrated as well. Some of those blows with the clubs and such, there's no way you would be able to stay on your feet, especially if you got hit in the leg. It's a little too difficult even on the easiest level, though... how are you supposed to actually make any money? The top-tier gear that goes for over 10000 gold is just impossible to acquire.

[@JohnnyTwos]

Still hope one day we can get something closer to the old coliseum road to freedom.

[@ottovmp]

As a tip! It's generally useless to have any leg armor. Also, if you have a shield, you can opt out of left hand armor. :D

[@Bloodhound369]

That is the first time I’ve ever heard someone online say “I grew up in Vacaville, CA.” 100,000 people and it seems to not even exist lol

[@HeadCannonPrime]

I've been playing this one since the day it dropped on early access. Love it! I really want this world developed into a combat RPG because the world is really intriguing and the best physics based combat in recent memory.

[@LordZoth6292]

Lmao the Talladega sword!

[@MusicalMarble]

Fun fact: The Colosseum was the original sandbox.

[@Blizzhobbs]

If you’re struggling in this game, try to get a big shield as soon as possible, even if you aren’t actively blocking it will still block 90% of attacks. You don’t even need armor aside from helmet with a big shield. Then get a one handed cutting weapon that can decapitate and spam overhead attacks. The ai in this game is really bad at blocking overhead attacks, and it’s the easiest way to get around enemy shields which are very OP normally. Plus headshots do the most damage and decapitation is insta-kill obviously. Playing the politician for your first character is also a good idea since he gets an extra two allies in every fight which makes 1v1 (now 3v1) and Xv1 fights very easy. You will need to stack fame gear since politician starts with a big fame debuff and his victory condition requires a lot of fame. Finally, heirloom the legendary one handed legion sword or a really good big shield when you can which will ensure your next character will start with a really good item.

[@Veritas.0]

It's like she says in that old Pat Benatar song; "He's a leg breaker, heel raker, fame taker, he mess around with feet. Ewww no no no!"

[@klauseba]

The game was super hard for me but after playing non stop for 2-3 days I've finally beat it, and only after that I realized that I was playing on hard difficulty :)) Starting a new game on easy difficulty after that felt suuuuper easy.

[@MrCarfargo]

I also grew up in Vacaville!

[@thrakkanuur]

The only gladiator game besides this I really enjoyed was Domina...but you're right, it's very low rent comparatively.

[@horatiobumbleton-smythe9427]

I love domina, it's a solid game and the pixel art looks cool. I don't think it's 'low rent'.

[@thrakkanuur]

@@horatiobumbleton-smythe9427 personally I agree with you, but I could see how it could be judged that way.

[@BrandonBhopHorton]

Dude I grabbed this a year ago too! Now i gotta check it out again

[@RevolverRabbit]

Cant forget about the flash era gladiator games like swords and sandals

[@seth8260]

dude thats crazy that you grew up in vacaville

[@michaelforsythe7288]

I just picked this up a couple days ago. So good dude.

[@plaguedoct0r]

In games like this it would be nice to see your hands so we can get a better feel for the combat.

[@ottovmp]

This game is such a blast! Loving to see you play it aswell. :D

[@Raye938]

lmao I keep forgetting you and I are from the same area. Another time you mentioned the dixon may fair and I went "What just happened here?"

[@ouwle6618]

Depending on the place you work and what position you are in it's 100% worth it to work close to 100% and become an integral part of the workplace. A distant family member of mine has alot of excellence in many areas, and therefore can do multiple assignments within her work role but also other work roles at the same place. She has become totally unreplaceable, and while she has never gotten a promotion she probably has atleast 2x the salary of everyone in the same work role as her. I think she said that every other year or something she has salary talk with the boss, and everytime she tells them to increase the salary or she leaves. They have never refused once. She did this for about 5 years and hasn't done it in a while because now they literally can't afford to pay her more. But she makes that workplace run, she basically is the boss under the boss without an official titel. If you wonder what workplace it is it has to do with education.

[@chuckersthenut2097]

Women shouldn't be in the workplace.

[@makaom1064]

I actually live in Fairfield. I’m flabbergasted that you used to be from Vacaville.

[@notchomomma239]

Those job facts are 100% true. I've seen it happen to every single one of my overly competent buddies.

[@Reoh0z]

Frying-Pan Man, I see the devs are dirt league fans.

[@MNIV09]

Hey, amazing content as usual! If times are slow on the indie-front, why not do a good ol' series? Always loved it back in the day when you did series on games. Keep up the great work!

[@michaelwolejszo6445]

Really looking forward to playing this. Just waiting for combat to be just a little bit less janky. Doesn't have to be smooth and flawless because that would actually take some fun and challenge out of it but it's just so bland right now. A timed parry or block would be amazing.

[@Cyenthie]

Great video, loving the commentary! Sad that workplace efficiency has to suffer, but it's the way of the world now, just like ya said 🤷‍♂

[@jaywerner8415]

A GOLDEN FRYING PAN?! Devs must be Team Fortress 2 fans.

[@thecaveofthedead]

Listen to Splatty at the end kids. He knows whereof he speaks.

[@celticxguardian]

This game is amazing and development has been going hard.

[@feliperibeirosilva900]

bought the game because of you =). love your videos

[@andrewcariani738]

Im still waiting for a spartacus legends style Gladiator game to come out, i miss the 1v1 mortal combat style fights, mixed with Fighter recruitment, gear management and different fighters being proficient with different weapons etc. Gladiator game market is the fuckin Sahara Desert right now need more titles like these

[@Mrsuckitable]

So it’s a ‘modern day indie’ Sands Of The Colosseum

[@averyrobinson7846]

What you said about 60 and 70 percent is 100% true

[@paulmag5306]

Haha I'm from Oakland , used to go to vaca ille all the time back in the days