A good attempt weighed down by various flaws
At first, this game feels really good and addicting. Looks good, consistent theme, addicting challenge-powerup-challenge pattern.
Too bad it can't last. The toughness of it is overwhelming for me, although seemingly not for others who have reviewed Swords and Sandals (I just can't get past the first champion, no matter how hard I try). Damage, blocking etc seems just random, not really influenced by the stats. The fight might be going well, and then you just die. The randomness of the opponents doesn't help. At second level, I faced a 5th level brute once, who just walked over me with all his hitpoints and shiny gear. I found no way to choose your opponent (I tried the full version too), despite what one reviewer said.
I didn't experience all the glitches mentioned in other reviews, but this one was particularly frustrating: weapon ranges just don't work, sometimes you might be able to hit from an arms length with a particular weapon and sometimes (in the same fight) you have to get to kissing range before an attack is available. Whilst closing that range, of course, you get pummeled mercilessly by the opponent - who may be wielding a shorter weapon, or none at all!
The music is very irksome, but the sounds are otherwise good.
There could be potential here, but the game needs serious development before it can be considered playable.