Ares Games is producing a racing and betting game featuring flying mythological creatures called Divinity Derby, releasing in September.

Players of Divinity Derby assume the role of a god, chosen from pantheons around the world.  They all bet on which winged mythological beast—dragon, gryphon, lamassu, Pegasus, phoenix, or sylph—can win a race around Mount Olympus.

This design by Carlo A. Rossi (Alchemist, Dungeon Time) features an unusual cooperative mechanic.  Each player plays cards from two hands, each of which they share with another player.  Players must therefore decide which (or both) of their neighbors to cooperate with as they manipulate the racers so their bets pay off.

Divinity Derby comes with six unique miniatures sculpted by veteran sculptor Bob Naismith (War of the Ring, Mage Knight), a gameboard and 130 cards illustrated by Denis Martynets (Dungeon Time, Pirates of the 7 Seas), 6 card holders, and 31 tokens.  The game is intended for 3 to 6 players, ages 10 and up.  MSRP is $40.00.

Ares is funding the project through a Kickstarter campaign which broke through its $12,000 funding goal in the first six hours, and has exceeded $36,000 with 22 days remaining.  The campaign offers a retailer-only “God of Trade” backer package that includes six copies of the Kickstarter-exclusive Deluxe Edition, which feature hand-painted versions of the Naismith sculpts and additional cards which will not be included in the Standard Edition.  Backer fulfillment is scheduled for September, with release of the Standard Edition only into the trade to follow.

Ares has recently launched a series of retailer promotions to support its new releases, including the game Last Friday (see “‘Last Friday’ Demo Event”) and the latest batch of Sails of Glory miniatures (see “Ares Offers Free ‘Sales of Glory’ Demo Kits”).