Sons of Mars?

I've been having a think about all of the projects that I could easily pick up and play, having completed most if not all of the elements that I'd require. I have several of these 'pre-baked' projects, most of which were used once or twice for actual games, then shoved back in a box when I moved on to other things, or when the interest fizzled out at the club. I'm now trying not to start any new projects but to finish off or revive these dormant but do-able ones instead, both for cost and convenience reasons.

A good example of one such abandoned project is my 28mm gladiator collection, which I originally painted up for use with the Warhammer Gladiator rules. These turned out to be a bit duff, so I only played a few games before shelving the models until another set of rules came along. I have nearly revived them a couple of times since then with both Morituri Te Salutant and Victus, the latter of which I really liked, but just didn't quite get off the ground. I also acquired some cheap Jugula figures at one point but didn't get beyond a brief flirtation with the larger scale models or the rules due to the ridiculous price tag and multiple player format.

J

Anyway, there's a new set of rules that have been recently published, aptly titled Sons of Mars. These look quite good and, from the reviews and videos that I've seen, could be the answer to my gladiatorial doldrums. They are designed for 28mm figures on a 20" square area and include all of the usual gladiator types, wild beasts and arena elements that you'd expect. There's also the ubiquitous campaign mode and rules for character progression through the ludus, via a variety of gladiatorial matches. If it plays well solo or as a one to one game, I'm definitely interested, as I only need to make a simple arena or training ground to be ready to go.

I've ordered a copy and will see if it ticks the right boxes when it arrives in a few days time?