Com2uS Holdings is starting global testing for Ares, which has been transformed from a massively multiplayer online role-playing game into a single-player-focused action RPG, as it gears up for a second-half release.

Com2uS Holdings said on Monday it is holding a global early preview for the stylish action RPG Ares.

The early preview runs until 9 a.m. on May 27. Test regions include North America, Europe, Japan and Southeast Asia, but exclude some countries such as South Korea and Taiwan where the game is already officially launched.

Through the preview, Com2uS Holdings plans to gather feedback from global fans and secure an early fan base to lay the groundwork for a hit.

A key point of the global version is that it breaks away from the existing MMORPG structure and is reborn as a single-player-focused action RPG. It is the result of prioritising the preferences of Western and global users who favour immersive solo play over multiplayer.

The game retains its near-future setting and the strategic combat fun of switching between different types of suits, while placing a heavy focus on early-stage single-player content to help global users settle in naturally. It also appropriately mixes in cooperative player-versus-environment play, seasonal end content and optional player-versus-player battles to preserve both the fun of progression and the appeal of competition, the company explained.

Com2uS Holdings plans to complete final polishing based on a range of feedback tailored to global users and formally release Ares in the second half of this year.