Barbarian (2002 video game)

Lore & Background

Barbarian features 11 different fighters, each with unique weapons and abilities. Players can freely destroy the environment and use debris as weapons. Characters have alternate costumes that may change their default weapon, though damage capabilities and uses remain unaffected. The gameplay is similar to Power Stone's arena-style combat.

Reader's Guide

Barbarian received 'mixed reviews' on all platforms according to Metacritic. The GameCube version was originally planned for a U.S. release in late 2002 and in Europe in 2004, but was canceled; it was released in Japan in 2003. A scaled-down Game Boy Advance version was planned for October 2002 but was also canceled. Many video game websites and publications gave early reviews and average scores for the GameCube and Xbox versions in late 2002, months before those versions' U.S. releases were canceled due to mediocre reception for the PS2 version. The game's significance lies in its attempt to blend arena fighting with environmental destruction, though its mixed reception limited its impact.

Did You Know?

• The Japanese title is Warrior Blade: Rastan vs. Barbarian.
• The GameCube version was released in all regions in 2003.
• The game plays much like Power Stone with its arena-style gameplay.