Relic Entertainment has embarked on a new venture with “Earth vs Mars,” a real-time strategy game crafted to engage both seasoned players and newcomers. Departing from their renowned franchises such as Company of Heroes, Relic is adopting a more indie-style methodology through its Relic Labs division.
“Relic Labs aims to explore new sub-genres, experiment, get our creative juices going, and release games more frequently,”
the company stated. This initiative signifies a strategic pivot as the studio seeks to introduce fresh and inventive gameplay experiences into the market.
Unlike Relic’s earlier large-scale projects, “Earth vs Mars” adopts a smaller scope, signaling the company’s strategic pivot after recent organizational changes. Previous endeavors under Sega ownership were known for their expansive gameplay and detailed narratives, but this new title focuses on experimental mechanics and faster release cycles.
What is the premise of ‘Earth vs Mars’?
In “Earth vs Mars,” humanity faces an alien invasion led by Martians deploying classic sci-fi weapons like flying saucers and hover-tanks. The game introduces the “Splice-O-Tron,” which allows leaders to merge human volunteers with terrestrial animals, creating supersoldiers. Units such as the “cheetah-fly” and “deadly squirrel-cow infantry” add a unique twist to the traditional RTS formula.
How does it differ from Relic’s previous titles?
“Earth vs Mars” diverges from the studio’s hallmark large-scale wars by embracing an indie-style production. This approach enables Relic to experiment with new sub-genres and gameplay experiences, focusing on more frequent releases. The game maintains the strategic depth expected from an RTS while offering a more whimsical and varied unit roster.
What are the future plans for the game?
Currently slated for a summer release, “Earth vs Mars” will initially be available exclusively on PC. Relic has indicated that they may expand to other platforms depending on the game’s reception. Additionally, the inclusion of a map editor and online multiplayer features suggests ongoing support and community engagement post-launch.
As Relic Entertainment ventures into this new direction, “Earth vs Mars” represents a calculated effort to stabilize its position in the competitive RTS market. By balancing familiar strategic elements with inventive gameplay mechanics, the studio seeks to attract a diverse player base. The success of this title could influence Relic’s future projects and its ability to sustain creative independence under its new ownership.
