The video game version of Horrible Histories: Ruthless Romans is based on the "history with all the nasty bits left in" book by Terry Deary and Martin Brown, which uses humor and illustrations to offer a look at human cultures of the past, including plenty of unpleasant details about gruesome rituals, nefarious plots, and distasteful living conditions. Through more than 30 mini-games, players can get a taste of the customs and behaviors required for socialization and survival 2000 years ago, as ruthless as some of them may seem to modern sensibilities. Players compete to become the greatest gladiator in the Empire as they are exposed to interesting and compelling facts about life in Ancient Rome.