High Voltage Software pull the curtain back on their long-awaited, next major Wii game...

Developers of of The Conduit; High Voltage Software have been very busy as of late working well into those Illinois nights. Not only are the team tasked with finishing up the much-anticipated, first-person shooter ready for release next month, but they've also been working on two other big Wii titles. The second of which will be revealed very shortly, but IGN recently managed to blow the lid on Gladiator A.D.

Gladiator A.D. is a brutal and gritty fighting title set in Ancient Rome. As the name suggests, players have to pit it out with other fighters for the glory of the kill and to the pleasure of the crowd. The developer promises this won't be a mindless slash 'em up, with the game forcing players to think tactically about their fight in the midst of the intense nature of battle. The team cites the movie 300 as a big influence, and the game will feel incredibly cinematic because of it.

Proving the internet rocks, Youtube user Wiirocks has put together a screenshot and art slideshow with the available music tracks played in the background. Nice!

You can pick from a number of different fighters and earn special achievements, fame, wealth and favour for performing well. The game also offers intricate backstories for all the fighters to provide motivation. Like The Conduit, Gladiator A.D. uses the team's internal Quantum3 Wii engine, and HVS promise that the more contained nature of this title will make the game look all the more better.

Combat itself is perhaps more as you'd expect. The game employs an over-the-shoulder camera angle to put you right in the fight. Attacking can be performed with the Wii Remote by swinging in three different directions - left, right or overhead - and there are light and heavy variations on these. Blocking and dodging will also become second-nature, and players can hold a button and move the analogue stick to perform 'perfect' blocks. High Voltage Software also promise to support Wii MotionPlus to variate attacks.

Finally, the developer has confirmed that the current build of the game features spilt-screen multiplayer, but is remaining tight-lipped on possible online play. HVS stated that they are still "solidifying" their Wii network solution, so hopefully they'll manage to include online before the projected Q1 2010 release date.

For IGN's full interview with High Voltage Software and for the first screens of Gladiator A.D., follow the link below.