#retrogaming #arcadegames #arcade #90s #vintagearcade #beatemup
Hi again! This time I'm playing a game from 2003, so a late production of the golden era of arcade cabinets.
The Gladiator: Road of the Sword (Shen Jian, 2003) is a 2D side-scrolling beat 'em up arcade game by IGS, featuring martial arts action, dramatic storytelling, and up to 4-player co-op gameplay.
The game centers around a cursed Sacred Sword that has triggered mass bloodshed. Two noble families were massacred for possessing it, and rumors suggest the Yuan Dynasty government may be involved. A group of warriors, each with personal motives, embarks on a quest for revenge, justice, or power. The narrative unfolds through dramatic cutscenes and in-game dialogue, blending historical intrigue with wuxia fantasy.
The game is made up of 3 big stages with distinct environments like temples, forests, palaces, and dungeons. Linear progression with branching paths, destructible objects, and hidden items.
Title: The Gladiator – Road of the Sword / Shen Jian (神剑风云 / 神剑伏魔录)
Developer: IGS (International Games System Co., Ltd.)
Platform: Arcade (PolyGame Master system)
Release Year: 2003
Genre: Beat 'em up / Brawler, with martial arts and fantasy elements
Players: Up to 4 simultaneous players
Perspective: Side-scrolling 2D
Setting: Ancient China, post-Song Dynasty
👤 Playable Characters
Each character has unique fighting styles and motivations:
Chu Xing Han – Noble warrior seeking justice
Greg Tien Ray – Chu’s loyal friend and partner
Wu Ping – Vengeful swordsman
San Kuan Ging – Martial artist with a personal vendetta
Huang Her – Mysterious woman aiming to kill her corrupt father
Siong Chien Chien – Disciple of a sword master, obsessed with the sword’s power
⚔️ Enemies & Bosses
Enemy Types: Bandits, imperial guards, assassins, and supernatural creatures
Bosses: Each stage ends with a powerful boss, often tied to the sword’s curse or the government conspiracy
Final Boss: A high-ranking official or corrupted sword master orchestrating the chaos
🎮 Gameplay Features
Combat System: Combo chains, special moves, weapon pickups, and cooperative attacks
Power-ups: Health, magic scrolls, and temporary stat boosts
Multiplayer: Drop-in/drop-out co-op for up to 4 players
Trivia & Legacy
The game is part of IGS’s legacy of Chinese-themed arcade titles, following Knights of Valour.
Known for its fluid animation, detailed sprite work, and cinematic storytelling.
Rare among beat 'em ups for its deep character backstories and political intrigue.
The game’s title varies by region: “Shen Jian Fu Mo Lu” and “Shen Jian Fengyun” are alternate names.
00:00 Intro
01:00 How to play
01:29 Select mode/character
01:47 Start
01:58 Stage 1 - Portentous Sword
13:50 Stage 2 - Furious Fist
32:23 Stage 3- Shaolin's Temple
46:33 Ending
48:04 Credits
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