Darkspore is an action-oriented hack-and-slash title set on various space-themed worlds that follows along the same lines as other action role-playing games, like Diablo, and Torchlight. You'll pick three of your creatures to adventure through each level, each with their own characteristics defined by the five different classes available, ranging from plant-based character to robotic. You'll expand further traits through experience and upgrades, adding health, power, strength, and more. When faced with difficult enemies, you can even swap in a new creature that might be better equipped for the situation.
This is the first game from EA's Maxis studio since the departure of founder Will Wright. Lucy Bradshaw, general manager at Maxis explains, "Darkspore is not an extension of Spore, however it was inspired by and shares some of the unique, innovative technology that we created for Spore: the award-winning creature editor."
The creature editors in Spore and Darkspore look similar, though their scope is vastly different. Mike Perry, executive producer for the game says, "You don't create [characters] from scratch," Instead, you'll progressively unlock the hundreds of characters that Maxis has modeled. Perry adds that, "Using the editing tools that we have in the game, you can customize them like crazy."
Like in Spore, you can swap in new hands, feet, and other physical traits, as well as adjust the size and shape of additions, including armor and other accessories. Darkspore also lets you make a few, basic tweaks to the actual creatures, but you can't start from scratch.
Video sequences between worlds explain the story--something about the battle over DNA and the technology to control character modifications. These creatures are also the world's weapons.
While you can play alone, cooperative multiplayer is most definitely a highlight of the game for social gamers. You can join with up to three others, advancing more effectively in some situations. For example, certain enemies can trap one player, and you'll have to rely on an online friend to free you.
EA didn't let us try the game personally, but we liked what we saw of it in a demonstration. The editing tools make an interesting twist on an established style, and the fanciful creature powers will hook players who are trying to collect them all.
EA wouldn't detail if Darkspore will run as a native application for the Mac or if it will rely on Transgaming's Cider technology as in Spore. But the company has announced that the game will ship for Macs, though hasn't detailed if it will be around the same time that the PC title hits shelves in February 2011.
