Mars Powered by Phyre Engine, Two Stories, Features Multiplayer

Spider Games recently announced a new RPG in development from their studios for the PlayStation 3 and PC, called Mars. As simple as the title is, the game’s their first major game as a new independent studio. Spider CEO Jehanne Rosseau has revealed some new information on the upcoming RPG in a new interview.

The game’s powered by Sony’s Phyre Engine, shown a while back to work cross-platform between PlayStation 3, PC, and even Xbox 360. However, even though the game is on both the PlayStation 3 and PC, Rosseau explains that “designing games on both PC and PS3 is not easy as the two platforms are very different.” Rosseau feels that “there are very few RPGs for now on this console” and that the studio really wants “Mars to be a great PS3 game.”

Spider is still looking for a publisher for the game, as it’s still only in preproduction, which is fortunate on their part. They’re looking for a publisher “who’ll love [their] game so [they] can begin the production.”

Mars was inspired by many authors as well as games. Rosseau says that “authors like Philip K. Dick, Ray Bradbury, Kim Stanley Robinson or the French author G.J. Arnaud has marked our universe a lot.” BioWare and Black Isle Studio influenced their story as well. He also tells us that no one can do an action game today without thinking into God of War.

There are two linked stories in Mars. Players will be able to make some choices, however, it won’t greatly affect the story, as the framework will remain the same. There’s many side quests for each character as well, though.

There are two characters in the game that you can choose between. As you progress through the game, you’ll be able to customize their equipment and skills, however.

Mars will go as far as to feature multiplayer modes. The first mode is a versus mode which is “a good way to compare the skill paths and equipment that different players have chosen.” The second is a cooperative mode which will pit you and your friend against random monsters. However, regarding cooperative play in the story mode, “definately no” Rosseau tells us.

Mars is targeted to release in September 2010, currently with no publisher and in development at Spider Games.