This is Why Mars (The Roman God of War) Deserves to Be in Smite 2
The idea that Roman deities are merely Greek gods with Latin names is a false assumption.
The fact is Roman Gods are much more complex and fascinating than anyone thinks. The reason why Greek and Roman gods look similar is likely due to a shared ancestral belief between those two great civilizations followed by a cultural integration by the Romans into the Hellenistic world.
Mars, also known as Mars Ultor (The Avenger) and (Pater) The Father of Romulus and Remus, is considered the LITERAL father of the Roman people. In contrast, Ares is commonly considered an outsider, Zeus in many narratives tells Ares that he is the most hateful of all Olympus because he loves nothing but strife and conflict. Ares is often a mocked figure, Mars was the second most important Deity in the Roman Mythology after Jupiter. Calling Mars a replica of Ares is just insulting and it ignores his role as the biological and spiritual progenitor of the Roman Identity.
In Smite 2, having two war gods is only a problem if they play the same way. Which in this case it's irrelevant. Mars is surprisingly unique and more sophisticated "War God" Archetype.
Mars is the opposite of Ares, and his kit in Smite 2 should revolve around that. For instance, Ares sees war as destruction (Chaos), while Mars sees war as Foundation (Order). Ares uses Chains for Control, Mars can use Shields/Vexillum for Command. While Ares pulls enemies into his fire, Mars creates a sanctuary of steel. His ultimate summons a spectral Testudo formation. A phalanx of Roman legions materializes in a wide radius, their interlocking shields forming a wall. As the shields lock, spears thrust outward from the gaps, dealing consistent AOE damage and a knockback. This ability does the exact opposite of Ares ultimate.
The visual language of Ares resembles Hellfire, a dark, smoldering heat that suggests the pyres of a burning city, jagged, smokey, and oppressive. Mars on the other hand gets a visual identity defined by divine radiance and Solar clarity. Also aligns with his lore since he was often associated with the sun's rising and the vitality of the spring. His effects should feature brilliant gold and crimson light, symbolizing the favor of the heavens and the greatness of Rome. Mars as the Divine Emperor. Let me know what you think!
EXVRGE MARS, MARS VLTOR.
ROMA ET IMPERATOR!