Earth vs Mars: Relic’s Ambitious New Strategy Game

Relic Entertainment, renowned for hit franchises like Company of Heroes and Dawn of War, is taking a bold new direction with Earth vs Mars, a turn-based strategy (TBS) game developed under the Relic Labs label. Unlike their large-scale strategy titles, this new venture embraces a “small, indie-style” approach, designed to foster creativity, explore new subgenres, and accelerate game releases.

A Fresh Take on the Classic Martian Invasion Story

The premise of Earth vs Mars plays on classic sci-fi tropes with a fun, campy twist. Martians, having had enough of humanity’s recklessness, launch a full-scale invasion of Earth. Equipped with flying saucers, hover tanks, and other retro-futuristic weaponry, they aim to conquer the planet with overwhelming force.

To counter this existential threat, humanity employs the revolutionary Splice-O-Tron technology. This bizarre invention fuses human volunteers with various Earth animals, creating formidable supersoldiers. These hybrid warriors join the ranks of traditional human military forces, bringing unique abilities to the battlefield. The game’s Steam page teases even wilder creations, such as a flying “cheetah-fly” and the formidable “deadly squirrel-cow infantry.”

Martian Mutants: The Alien Response

The Martians won’t be standing still. As the campaign progresses, they will deploy their own genetically modified monstrosities, escalating the conflict with increasingly powerful and bizarre alien units. This mechanic ensures an evolving battlefront where both sides gain access to new and unexpected abilities.

Game Modes and Features

Earth vs Mars promises a robust set of features catering to both solo and competitive players. The game includes:

• A single-player campaign with over 30 missions, each with unique objectives and evolving challenges.
• A multiplayer mode, allowing players to test their strategies against others.
• A skirmish mode, where players can face off against AI opponents.
• A map editor, enabling creative minds to craft their own battlefields and scenarios.

With this variety, Earth vs Mars aims to appeal to both casual strategy fans and dedicated TBS enthusiasts.

Relic’s Future Vision and Recent Challenges

The announcement of Earth vs Mars aligns with Relic’s recently unveiled strategy for the future, focusing on three key pillars:

1. Continued support for existing games, ensuring longevity for beloved franchises.
2. Reimagining classic titles, including remasters and entirely new games that retain the spirit of past successes.
3. Smaller-scale, experimental indie-style projects, allowing the studio to explore fresh ideas and innovative gameplay mechanics.

This new direction follows a turbulent period for the studio. In May 2023, Relic declared its return to independent creativity, though it now operates under the ownership of investment firm Emona Capital LLC. The release of Earth vs Mars marks an important step in Relic’s efforts to rebuild and redefine itself in the gaming industry.

Release Date and Platform Availability

While no exact release date has been confirmed, Earth vs Mars is expected to launch this summer, exclusively on Steam at first. Relic has hinted at potential releases on other platforms in the future, depending on player reception and demand.

With its intriguing mix of classic strategy gameplay, quirky sci-fi elements, and a fresh approach to the genre, Earth vs Mars could be a hidden gem in 2024’s gaming lineup. Strategy fans and Relic followers alike should keep an eye on this ambitious project as its release draws closer.