Gods and Heroes: Rome Rising is Perpetual Entertainment's online world endeavor set in and around the titular city-state during the period circa 300 BC. At that time, the Republic had started down the path that would eventually lead to the building of a vast empire. However, its supremacy was far from assured. For example, relations had never been friendly with Carthage, which had aspirations of its own, fueled by the wealth from a trade network that stretched across most of the Mediterranean region, from North Africa to Iberia. Closer to home, the Etruscan tribe no longer dominated substantial portions of the Italian peninsula, but remained powerful enough that a return to its former glory was not out of the question. To the east, the Greeks could not be discounted, while the fierce Gauls held control over much of Western Europe.

Further human adversaries populating the gameworld include Samnites, Faliscans, Umbrians, Germanic Barbarians, Sabines and pirates. To add even more variety, the team is also integrate creatures drawn from myths and legends; a few examples are gigantic Cyclopes, snake-haired Gorgons, fire-breathing Chimeras, mighty Minotaurs, Volta wolf-men and cannibalistic Laestrygones. As you might imagine, fighting these and other foes will comprise a significant element of play, so the developers are putting a lot of effort and attention into making certain the combat experience stands out. They have promised it will be eye-catching and visceral, employing a proprietary animation technology to execute attacks and defensive moves that impact opponents physically. Perhaps even more notable is the squad-based scheme involving NPCs you can select and train to fulfill various roles. Recently, when we were offered the chance to learn more, we very quickly accepted.