Ryse: Son of Rome tells the story of a young Roman soldier named Marius who witnesses the murder of his family at the hands of barbarian bandits, then travels with the Roman army to Britannia to seek revenge. Quickly rising through the ranks, Marius leads the Roman army against the barbarian horde, and then discovers that he must return to Rome to find his vengeance.

Fight as a soldier. Lead as a general. Rise as a legend.

On Feb. 28, Microsoft Studios and Crytek invite you to return to the Colosseum of ancient Rome to take up arms in “Ryse: Son of Rome’s” most ambitious and robust add-on to date: “Mars’ Chosen Pack.”

Some gladiators fight for riches. Others for honor. And 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 features five maps. Two of the maps – Firestorm and Dockyard – are specifically created for Survival Mode, and the most popular map, Courtyard, has been optimized 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.

Mars’ Chosen Pack will be available for $8.99 through the Xbox Games Store, or as part of the “Ryse: Son of Rome” Season Pass.

To prepare gladiators for the arena, 10 days of sales on “Ryse: Son of Rome” content will be available in the Xbox Games Store. To kick things off, from Feb. 18 through Feb. 24, the Games on Demand version of “Ryse: Son of Rome” will go on sale for $39.99 USD. Afterwards, more “Ryse: Son of Rome” discounts will be announced each day between Feb. 25 and Feb. 27.