The box had to be so small because the sprite was intended for the GBA along with HUNDREDS of other sprites for three civlisations: Romans, Mayans and Vikings.

We had dozens of animations for each character and there were three for each race: Wizard/priest, Warrior and Civilian...so basically we had to keep memory on each sprite down as low as possible.

But the main reason for the box being so small is the usual one...because the coder said so.

It usually comes down to that and what they say, goes.

Thanks for the comments...

nice; a motion blur might help though, and why must the box be so small?

if he could move outside of such a narrow space, i would remind that the gladius is a thrusting weapon with comparatively dull edges - and when it does cut, it does so by slicing, not chopping.  the flavor of roman infantry is in the short, quick thrust to the neck, heart, or groin.  it hardly looks like you would have space for that, though :(.

so actually, very good work within your constraints :D.

 I like it ;D

Nice animation ^^