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Game2024
Blackthorn Arena: Reforged
Developer PersonaeGame Studio
Re-experience the thrill and challenges of managing a Gladiator arena in this management/simulation game. With new content, new graphics, Quality of Life updates, and all DLCs packed into this new experience, this is how Blackthorn Arena was meant to be experienced. From the Steam store page
196 reactions from 3 sources (Steam reviews, Bluesky, Lemmy) · newest Oct 4, 2026 · last updated Oct 8, 2026 · How this works
Audience score
61
Fresh
115 positive · 72 negative
95% range 54–68%
| Source | + | − | = |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam reviews | 115 | 72 | 0 |
| Bluesky * | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lemmy * | 0 | 0 | 0 |
* shown, not counted in the score (label accuracy below our 85% bar or not yet audited).
9 newer reactions are still waiting for a label.
Steam's own rating
Mixed
669 of 1,009 reviews positive (all languages, per Valve)
What people are saying
Summary pending — the reactions are listed below.
Reactions
60 of 196 · most liked first刷到本条评测的朋友们，请务必看完再决定是否支持“它们”。 Friends who come across this review, please make sure to read through it before deciding whether to support "them". 这个差评不但是给这个游戏，更是给它们这个不知羞耻的开发商。 This negative review is not only for this game, but also for the shameless developer. 旧版24小时，重铸版30小时，在这个游戏上浪费了54个小时后，我深刻意识到，我的时间与热情都喂了狗。 The original version lasted 24 hours, while the remastered version lasted 30 hours. After wasting 54 hours on this game, I deeply realized that my time and enthusiasm were all wasted.…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Sorry developers...I honestly can't recommend the game in this state right now as what you have done is basically selling the old game, replaced some graphics, changed some mechanics, and left in all the bugs (perhaps created even more bugs AND didn't fix them), and repacked the whole janky thing and called it a "Reforged" edition. New players are better off playing the old version than this one as literally no new content and honestly...not much better. I appreciated the free upgrade from the…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →good game, good concept etc. played the original for several hundred of hours before. but the reforged version inst any better. All the frustration from the original still exist, and more. its not like this game is new too, they have lots of excuses and time and still not much progress other than the equally poorly scripted DLCs. The thing about this game is terrible loading time, not polished, everything feels so, clunky. and god the file size for this kind of game is ridiculous. its…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →TL;DR: Frustrating experience so far. Old graphics, clunky UI, lots of bugs, and unpolished gameplay. Could have been much better. Performance & Technical Issues The game is surprisingly large (~30GB) for old graphics and a clunky UI. Optimization is lacking, and bugs are everywhere. Gameplay Gameplay could be fun if it were balanced, but right now it’s far from beginner-friendly. There’s no proper tutorial – just some text explaining things vaguely. Late mid-game and end-game balance…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →it seems the devs have abandoned the game even after promises to continue. and in all honesty ill never trust them again. whats more irritating is the game is good the devs just make false promises then move on and it feels like a cash grab. im very disappointed and now they are trying to make people go to their new game but i wont be buying it since they will do the same to that game and its not worth it. do not buy you'll be disappointed game play is a solid 8/10 but it just lacks…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to pay money to beta-test a PowerPoint presentation held together with duct tape… boy, do I have a gladiator simulator for you. 🎮 Gameplay Imagine chess, but every piece forgets how to move, walks into a wall, then dies of confusion. That’s Blackthorn Arena: Reforged. Your gladiators enter the arena with: The confidence of champions The intelligence of a Roomba having a panic attack Half the time they attack the air. The other half, they attack…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Still jank, as the original back then. Just an extended name to it. Same incomplete translation, same graphic glitches, same garbage combat AI, same junk UI and all of it's flaws.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The game is full of bugs some small some big. There is 0 balance in this game between classes or weapons. The availability of fights is too difficult from the get go, then when you do progress all lower level fights are impossible to come by making it very hard to train and level new gladiators up. You will join a level 12 tournament and come up against level 17 enemies that end your team in less than a minute. Good concept but a poorly executed game.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Do not buy! Installed it, had NO settings to choose from. Only "option 1 -3" in all the various GFX menus. Refunded as this is unplayable. Ps: changed drivers, reinstalled and also verified the files. Might rebuy and change verdict if devs fix and respond. For now: thiumbs down and die!
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Just horrible performance and loading times. The old game i had no issues with, this new version is plain poorly optimised! Tho not surprised from these talented, yet lazy devs TBH. Id imagine theres ALOT of bugs too, dont care to delve into this any further. Removed from library.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I Loved the original. Great concept, good execution. A little janky and buggy but, because it was a great game, I could tolerate it. This "remake" expands a little on the original and adds some polish an QoL, but it also adds an astounding amount of bugs, glitches and performance issues. Eternal loading screens, visual bugs, arena bugs, combat bugs and more! If I hadn't gotten this for free I would refund it. Fix your game before you release a DLC, don't be scummy. You have a GREAT game here,…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game is worse than the original. Its loads so slow, between any screens can be 30 seconds to 2 minutes, just to load. I would pass on this one as the frustration level surpasses any fun
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Blackthorn Arena is my favorite game. I love the choice of randomly generated missions of varying type available on any given turn; pick your own adventure. You still have the core story missions that occur on set turns in the game, but your participation in most of them is still optional. The variety of skill trees, weapon specializations, and character attributes make customizing your gladiator a deep and meaningful aspect of the game - you will spend time managing your team! And there…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →great little fighting sim but they have a game called age of reforging: free lands that basically has this game in it and i would recommend that over this. I've played both and both were good.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Update 2: Some of my points have been fixed, updated. Update 3: I made some additional changes since there has been some updates to address them. However, with a $10 DLC being released 13 days after the launch of the $25 game, I will likely not being providing any more updates. I believe this is an awful practice in the gaming industry and it leaves a terrible taste in my mouth that I bought the original game. So This will remain as a Do Not Recommend. Its fun, But I can not recommend this…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Unfathomably Based Game. I've played it for a few hours now, and I've found it really enjoyable- with the potential to be amazing with more polishing / tweaking / some additions. Some additions that could make the game better: >More variety of "random events" that occur at the beginning of each day. I've seen the "Two of your Gladiator's had a Disagreement!" event almost daily, and it honestly becomes a detriment to the experience after awhile. ------------- >I would love to see more…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Really janky, horrible graphics, not sure how this game requires 30GB and despite releasing in full it has no tutorial like you just shove all these options at me and don't tell me what to actually do
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A buggy mess where the devs don't fix gamebreaking bugs that have existed from the release of the original game. Do not buy.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This is a brutal, unforgiving challenge masquerading as a simulation At first glance, this game might seem like your typical gladiator sim, but don't be fooled. It’s been review-bombed by frustrated players, and for good reason: it’s brutally difficult, often to the point of feeling unfair. The enemy scaling is aggressive, and opposing gladiators ramp up in power relative to your own house. In fact, you could argue this isn’t truly a simulation at all, it’s a puzzle game in disguise. What…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →VERY buggy. Ran into an issue where I won a story match, but the game said I lost and I hit a game over screen. New game, ran into another bug where I finished a mission and it just went to a black screen and wouldn't load the next day. They released DLC for this instead of fixing these issues. Pass on this. Waste of $25.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game is stupid, form the get go can get pit against people 4 levels above you and given the randomness of the game bad starts can wreck you. The combat can be jank as is movement, also crafting is terrible and takes forever. I love it though, the skill trees are so fun to much around with, the character customisation is amazing and the campaign has a great loop of balancing your finances with gladiators wellfare prestige. RPG aspects of skills and armor are all solid and i just find is…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →God I really want to enjoy this game but the match making system is such garbage. 1st fight and you are paired up against lvl 11 teams !?!? That is insane when any of your characters are lvl 1 - 4 max.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Is this game clunky? Yes. Is it buggy? Well, sometimes. Does the UI and gameplay feel like it's 2010? Yep. Sooooo is it any good then? Yes. Yes it is. Blackthorn Arena "Reforged" is one or maybe two levels up from the original and it still does what it intended to do : letting you manage a bunch of gladiators in your own arena and beyond. It's not an easy game and it really lacks explanations but once you get used to the wild 90s style of gaming, you will get your fair share of fun. Fun…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Don't be fooled! This is just the old Blackthorn Arena with the last changes they made (turn based) + all the original bugs repacked and relaunched as "reforged". Honestly a very shady practice from the devs when they already sold a DLC previously in pursues to get the money for finishing and fixing the game (which didn't happen).
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Pretty meh.... so I don't recommend. Blackthorn Arena: Reforged 3/10 Heisen
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This is just another broken re-release scam.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I'll update my review if the game updates improve the experience to convinces me to update my review. I love the original and started to love this one as well. however, the changes they've made somehow made it worse. The first and biggest issue is you start between level 1-4 for your 2 characters. However, several playthroughs I've noticed the only available tournaments to enter your gladiators in are 6-10. very few green (low level) options. It seems to be completely random rather than…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Full of bugs. I know the developers are doing their best to fix them but they focus on simple bugs.. The game simply doesn't run. I cannot start a new campaign and I cannot create my fixed characters for the campaign. It has been stuck for the past 10 days and even after 2 fixes they are not addressing this issue.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It is clear this game was pushed forward to capitalize on the new Gladiator movie. Either way, I really hate to thumbs this down because this is one of the better gladiator games out there, but it is WORSE than the original. For a remaster, there is a lot of features missing. The biggest one was being able to buy gladiators remotely, as opposed to going to the market. The reason this is crucial is because the load times in this game is loooong. Like, GTA V online loading. I have spent a fourth…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Old game without new content? So I read a review which stated that this new version has no new content or updates. It baffled me to be honest. I only spent like 16 hours in this game so far, but I did see the following new content and gameplay aspects: 1. In the OG (original game), when you leftclicked a lot during combat, some "model movement frames" were lost. It looked weird, like models teleporting a little bit. This sometimes led to avoidable damage taken during a kiting scenario. I…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →broken ass game old and new .10 back up saves nothing i put in so much money and time so many bugs even free land is trash. and its not the PC . I COULDNT UPGRADE THE OLD ONE SO I BOUGHT IT AGE , AND I GOT F AGAIN NO MORE IM DONE THIS COMPANY IS TRASH NEVER AGAIN DONT WASTE YOUR TIME.THEY DONT FIX NOTING GUST PUSH PUSH OUT FOR FOOL TO BUY LIKE ME .F THAT NO MORE
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →PCDD) Steam Sales Tavern Manager Simulator $8.44 ow.ly/bK3Q50VUFzN Blackthorn Arena: Reforged $12.49 ow.ly/KrsZ50VUFzO Lil Gator Game $9.99 ow.ly/eEPk50VUFzE Laundry Store Simulator $5.99 ow.ly/UylH50VUFzP
unlabelledView post →After watching TV series Spartacus, I really wanted a similar game, thanks to this game I got my wish. Train slaves purchased from market, set which weapons and armor they use in battle, what skills are given to them along with distribute attribute points every time they level up. For those who like fantasy this game also provides many choices: there are elves, dwarves, orcs, ninjas, mages, werewolves etc. Then my favorite feature is side quest, we can control our gladiator to explore in…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I do not usually review but I felt that devs can use a little push being Indie and based on their efforts so far, IMO they deserve it (unlike Ubi). The game is highly addictive and engaging, I feel like its BG3(Minus the intense/deep plot) meets Gladius(if anyone remembers it). Visuals: Can be better, not bg3 but good enough. Gameplay: Very simple and addictive and at the same time a headscratcher. Price/quality: Perfect. Optimization: Its very playable but lacks optimization for sure and…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Blackthorn Arena: Reforged, a gladiator company management game, released on Steam.
unlabelledView post →should have been turn based, was supposed to be turn based, it isnt and is bad because of that, period.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game is 80% loading time, 20% playing. Not to mention that when you get to the point you MUST join the arena to claim your right to participate in the big arenas... Don't have 4 gladiator? Don't press start you'll freeze your game... Got 4? Don't lose! It will freeze during the eliminations process, making you unable to quit or start, such glaring game breaking bugs.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game is a gem, in my humble opinion. I can just imagine this game had a little more funds, backing, development. If their next game follows the exact blueprint of this game just a little more and a little better = game of the year contender. If you enjoy cRPG, or games a little rough but gems like Kenshi than this is a game you will fall in love with. I love to support indy devs because usually they are also their own publisher as well. They make the games they envision vs the suits.…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I've put in about 4.1 hours on the game since I got it.. roughly 4 hours of that were in loading screens, and .1 hours was actually getting to play. You'll get a loading screen for the market, you'll get a loading screen for loading back to your home base, you'll get a loading screen for going to an arena battle. You'll get a loading screen for raiding caravans and doing dungeons. These loading screens start off taking too long, but not insufferably. The first 4 - 5 screens take between 1…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Here is this weeks schedule! Big thanks to Personae Game Studio for the key to Blackthorn Arena: Reforged and DreamateGames for the key to New Arc Line and thanks to @keymailer.bsky.social for being the middle man! Also DS3 is moved to Friday because of Gobble Gobble day. Will be on YT & Twitch
unlabelledView post →Absolutely great game. Just dont get the negative reviews. This is hands down the best gladiator management game. I love playing it on auto combat so my job is really managing the ludus and training the gladiators.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →. 2 out of 3 saves hardlock and cant be used anymore, i dont mind most bugs, which this game has a lot of, however, a paid DLC even tho 66% of my saves hardlock? Game seems fun, however i cant recommend it at this time. no more gamebreaking bugs = positive review. FYI : my system is above recommended specs using ssd.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →AI is terrible. Bugs are there. Archers are getting stuck to the walls. Gladiators mindlessly stay under the traps. Fix these. Then I will update the review.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game is fun. I like arena type games. Recommend you create your first two characters then start a game. One should be a tank. To fight at the start, go to your world map and pick another place, you can't fight in your own area in the beginning. Only real complaint is you can't see what your guys are wearing when you go to the market. This makes it hard to remember what your guys need. Wish there was a way to look up your guys and stay in the market. Maybe even have one picked and compare…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Yet another game with a great deal of potential, destroyed by over-reliance on RNG. I mean, seriously. Why bother allowing us to create roles (characters) if - - Their home skills have nothing to do with the traits you pick ("inborn cooks" that are skilled in alchemy) - You might not find them in the market. Why set up a crafting system if you will only allow the materials to be randomly available? I mean seriously... if you're going to do that, might as well just call it "roll…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →No. You NEED to postpone the Spring games!!! (In "settings" or in the "default game") The spring games need to be postponed to make this game playable. Even on the easiest custom difficulty the gladiators will not be strong enough to reach 15+ level which is needed to beat the stupid tournament. If you aren't the champion of this unbeatable tournament you will be "GAME OVER". This ruines the whole game, it would be so much fun to just have the option to play as long as you want. To grind…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Blackthorn Arena: Reforged revitalizes the classic arena-style combat experience with a fresh coat of polish and expanded features, delivering an engaging blend of strategic battles and rich customization. This game builds upon the foundation of its predecessor, offering players a refined tactical RPG that focuses on gladiatorial combat in a dark fantasy setting. At its core, the game pits a roster of unique champions against each other in turn-based battles where positioning, abilities, and…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I usually stay far away from Chinese games due to quality concerns, but this one's fun for a gladiator game- not too many of those exist. Needs some translation and updates, but it's solid.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Hi Is this game with i dont expect much ... but give me more fun and happynes like other game AAA-A . I never herd about this game and i play this genre long time. Is many activity and things to do some are much overdone (like equipment and crafting) . hundrets equipment. I spend 100 hour in game and was very good expieriences. Im veteran game industry and beta tester . Most game this time even not survive on me computer 30 min. Even this game start shining after 2-3 hours was enough…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Went to the market after starting the game for the first time. and look there. after i finish my market run the game froze in the loading screen... awesome first 15 min kekw! FIX THE BUGS!
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I am sucker for Gladiator management type games, and there are nothing like this game. Yes, it's janky, poorly translated but it's awesome. I love champions, I love builds theorycrafting and it's thrilling to send you guys into the fray knowing they can die. I highly recommend not to actually control your guys, or do it sparingly (I only really sometimes change the targets) because it's more challenging (not like this game is easy at all) and it's hilarious to see genius (or dumb) combos your…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I did receive this for free but only because everybody that had Blackthorn Arena automatically received the new Reforged version. I like that from a developer. Probably should describe this game as an auto battler. Working out how to play is not that easy....the balance is infuriating... path finding in places is bad... However I keep playing it and don't want to play anything else because nothing else is quite like this. Getting into the Triggers for fighters can really help. Very…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Game has a lot of jank, but in terms of gladiator managing this is the best out there. You actually get to manage a team of 10+ glads instead of other games where you only ever take your A team and there isn't a B team to speak of let alone a C team.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The whole team at the factory played, they couldn’t stop playing, Dmitry got so into it that he got caught up in the machine.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →does not laod up if you get it free as replacment for the old version. STAY AWAY FROM THIS DEV.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Initially, the game may seem unremarkable, but its true depth unfolds as you progress, particularly when your army of slaves grows. In the early game, investing in powerful two-handed weapons is wise, as bows and arrows are less effective at close range. Overall, this game offers exceptional value for its price, delivering both quality and engaging gameplay.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →One of the best MMORPG games. No matter what anyone does, no matter how cool or realistic the graphics are, I like the game, for its own balance. This is one of those games where there is a good plot, where potions are needed. This is a classic RPG, so to speak, where you can't endlessly poke with a sword and win. Some modern projects also require drinking occasionally
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Actually if we're doing "games you'd think exist but don't" it's crazy to me that there's no good gladiator/arena management game. If I missed one let me know but I don't think so. I mean there's Blackthorn Arena but it's not good. They even made it twice but no.
unlabelledView post →Can't even load into the game after character creation...
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →i like the game but it has bugs, gear is lost on reloads, market place is unreachable, the gladiators running away when enemy is at 1hp or they stand in traps and dont avoid them. could be fun but my first playthrough was the market break, 2nd attempt i reloaded and lost all my blue gear and dont have money to resupply so another restart. good concept, needs improvements
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →
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