Ryse: Son of Rome 'Mars' Chosen Pack' DLC coming February 28
Ryse: Son of Rome players will be getting new DLC, "Mars' Chosen Pack," on February 28, according to a Microsoft press release. Don't get your hopes up for Roman gladiators in spaaaaaace, a delicious treat or a funky soundtrack, though; the Mars referred to here is (probably) the Roman god. The pack contains a new, two-player co-op Survival mode, four new maps, one re-worked map and a skin. It will be preceded by 10 days of sales.
The first sale, which runs from February 18 to February 24, knocks the Games on Demand version of Ryse down to $39.99 for North America and £34.99 for Europe. Major Nelson will announce new sales every day thereafter, up until the DLC's release date. Upon its surely-bloody debut in the arena, "Mars' Chosen Pack" will cost $8.99 in NA, £7.19 in EU territories.
Two of the pack's maps, Firestorm and Dockyard, have been created specifically for Survival mode, while two more, Pyramid and Obelisk, will add to the game's Arena mode. An already-existing map, Courtyard, has been "optimized" for Survival mode.
[Image: Microsoft Studios]
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Ten Days of "Ryse: Son of Rome" Discounts Pave the Way to "Mars' Chosen Pack" Launch on 28 Feb
Second add-on pack for "Ryse: Son of Rome" includes new maps, character skins and a thrilling new gameplay type – Survival Mode
LONDON, 17th February, 2014 – On 28 Feb, Microsoft Studios and Crytek invite you to return to the Coliseum of ancient Rome to take up arms in "Ryse: Son of Rome's" most ambitious and robust add-on to date: "Mars' Chosen Pack." Available for £7.19 through the Xbox Games Store, or as part of the "Ryse: Son of Rome" Season Pass, "Mars' Chosen Pack" adds new maps, a character skin and a brand-new cooperative gameplay type called Survival Mode.
To prepare gladiators for the arena, ten days of sales on "Ryse: Son of Rome" content will be available in the Xbox Games Store. To kick things off, from 18 – 24 Feb, the Games on Demand version of "Ryse: Son of Rome" will go on sale for £34.99. Afterwards, more "Ryse: Son of Rome" discounts will be announced each day between 25 – 27 Feb via Major Nelson.
Survival Mode Challenges Gladiators to a Heroic Fight to the Death
Some gladiators fight for riches. Others for honour. Then there are those whose only pursuit is a valiant end upon the sands of the arena. In the brand-new Survival mode, such a glorious fate will be within your grasp. There is only one objective in Survival mode: battle alongside a fellow gladiator against endless waves of barbarians as your health gradually drains, leading to your inevitable fall. The only way to regain health and keep death at bay is with quick kills and brutal executions, but the longer you survive, earning more gold and experience with each wave successfully cleared, the faster your health depletes.
In addition to Survival mode, "Mars' Chosen Pack" also features five maps. Two of the maps – Firestorm and Dockyard – are specifically created for Survival Mode, and the most popular map, Courtyard, has been optimised for Survival Mode. The other two – Pyramid and Obelisk – will transport you to the distant and exotic shores of ancient Egypt in Arena Mode. Lastly, "Mars' Chosen Pack" includes a new character skin: the Legionary.
Learn How the "Ryse: Son of Rome" Experience Has Evolved
Since "Ryse: Son of Rome" launched on 22 Nov, Crytek and Microsoft Studios have been hard at work improving fans' experience with the game. Just a few months ago, they released a free game update that added multiplayer leaderboards and two new level events to Gladiator mode. They have also been collecting community feedback and studying gameplay data to implement changes that make the action in the arena even more engaging and exciting for players.
Xbox Wire sat down with "Ryse: Son of Rome" Senior Producer Justin Robey and discussed how the game experience has evolved since launch and why fans should be excited about the upcoming "Mars' Chosen Pack" on 28 Feb. To read the interview, visit Xbox Wire.