EA, Maxis announce Darkspore

Electronic Arts and Maxis have announced Darkspore, a new online, science-fiction action-RPG.

There are few details on the game at the moment, but initial information points to it being inspired heavily by the technology behind Maxis' earlier title, Spore.

"Darkspore is inspired in part by the award-winning creature editor tech of Spore, but also in large part from the team’s own passion for gaming and prior experience,” said Lucy Bradshaw, General Manager of Maxis Studio. “The team has combined these inspirations to produce a unique take on the action RPG genre.”

"Darkspore will feature dynamic, fast-paced action as players battle across alien worlds to save the galaxy from the mutated forces of Darkspore in a four-player co-operative and full single-player campaign, as well as intense multiplayer battles."

The aim of the game is to defeat the eponymous Darkspore using a roster of 'living weapons' who have access to different combat abilities. There are said to be tens of thousands of collectible body parts for players to collect.

So, basically, it sounds like Spore mixed with Diablo at the moment.

Check out our Spore review for more information on Maxis' inspiration, then let us know your thoughts in the forums.