Relic Entertainment, renowned for its contributions to the strategy gaming genre with titles like Warhammer 40k Dawn of War, Company of Heroes, and Homeworld, has embarked on an intriguing new venture. This time, the studio is introducing a more compact and experimental project, crafted by a dedicated in-house team. The result is Earth vs Mars, a game that has quickly captured the attention of strategy enthusiasts and is now available on Steam, complete with a free demo for eager players.
Innovative Beginnings with Relic Labs
Earth vs Mars marks the inaugural release from Relic Labs, a new label dedicated to experimental titles developed by a “small team of passionate Relicans.” The studio aims to pay tribute to beloved classics while infusing its unique flair into the gameplay. This turn-based strategy game draws inspiration from the iconic Advance Wars, featuring square-grid battlefields and dynamic unit pop-ups that engage players in thrilling combat.
The premise is straightforward yet captivating: Earth faces a full-scale invasion from Mars. To combat this extraterrestrial threat, players will harness the power of a morally ambiguous weapon known as the Splice-O-Tron. This device allows for the transformation of humans and animals into formidable hybrids, creating a diverse army of supersoldiers ready to defend our planet.
- Imagine a human-rhino warrior charging into battle, or a swift airborne bomber created from a fusion of cheetah and fly DNA, unleashing acid rain upon the enemy.
Throughout the campaign, which spans over 30 missions, players will unlock an array of bizarre and powerful units, each equipped with unique upgrades and commander-specific abilities designed to shift the momentum of battle. Additionally, the game offers various modes, including AI challenges, skirmishes with custom maps, and online multiplayer options that allow players to choose their side in this cosmic conflict.
A Nod to Nostalgia
While Earth vs Mars may not boast cutting-edge graphics, it successfully evokes the nostalgic charm of classic strategy games like Advance Wars. The game features polished mechanics and full voiceover, all at an accessible price point. For those still on the fence, the demo provides a perfect opportunity to experience the early stages of the campaign firsthand.
Currently, Earth vs Mars is available on Steam with a 10% launch discount, bringing the price down to .49 / £10.79 until November 12, after which it will return to its regular price of .99 / £11.99. Players are encouraged to dive into this imaginative world and explore the limits of human ingenuity in the face of an alien threat.
For those interested in further exploration, there are additional opportunities to discover more of the best war games of 2025 or delve into a curated selection of indie games that showcase the creativity of smaller development teams.
As the gaming community buzzes with excitement, one question lingers: which classic series would you like to see make a triumphant return? Engage with fellow gamers on the PCGamesN Discord and join the conversation with thousands of other enthusiasts.
