Occupy Mars: The Game - Martian Mayhem and Missteps

Surviving the Red Planet, One Bug at a Time

Launch Day Larry

In the vast expanse of space, where no one can hear you scream about clunky controls, “Occupy Mars: The Game” attempts to plant its flag. This early access title invites players to don their space suits and tackle the harsh realities of Martian survival. But does it deliver a stellar experience, or is it more of a cosmic calamity? Let’s dive into the gameplay, graphics, and story to find out.

Gameplay: A Martian Odyssey of Intricate Systems and Clunky Controls

“Occupy Mars” offers a complex web of systems that would make even the most seasoned Dark Souls veteran pause. The game shines with its detailed mechanics, from crafting and resource management to the delightfully nerdy circuit board repairs. Players can immerse themselves in the realistic processes of power, water, and plant management, which add a layer of depth that many survival games lack.

However, the controls seem to have been designed by a committee of Martian toddlers. Vehicle handling is akin to driving a shopping cart on ice, and crane control feels like a mini-game in frustration. The unresponsive actions and problematic mechanics are a recurring theme, detracting from the otherwise engaging experience. Bugs and technical issues, including game-breaking glitches and low texture quality, further mar the gameplay.

Resource management is a double-edged sword. While some players relish the challenge of balancing hunger and oxygen, others find it as burdensome as a Martian sandstorm. The exploration and progression elements quickly become repetitive, with resources so abundant that mining and crafting feel more like busywork than necessity. Multiplayer adds a slight twist with resource sharing, but even on harder settings, it remains manageable.

Graphics: A Visual Feast with a Side of Stutter

Visually, “Occupy Mars” is a mixed bag. The game boasts attractive and realistic graphics that contribute to its immersive atmosphere. The Martian landscape is beautifully rendered, offering a glimpse into the harsh yet captivating environment of the Red Planet. However, these visuals come at a cost, with performance issues that could make even a high-end RTX 3090 weep.

Players report frequent stuttering, frame rate drops, and high resource usage, even on top-tier systems. The lack of optimization is glaring, with long save times and random graphical glitches, such as electric cables defying gravity. The low texture quality and repetitive animations further detract from the visual experience, forcing players to lower settings for a smoother ride.

Story: A Martian Tale of Survival and Technical Turbulence

The narrative of “Occupy Mars” sets the stage for a survival epic, reminiscent of “The Martian” with its focus on resource management and survival mechanics. The story begins with a somber tone, drawing players into the harsh realities of space life. Interactions with NPCs, like the humorously engaging Gary, add personality to the narrative, while the helper AI, a nod to Elon Musk and Grimes, provides a quirky twist.

Despite its promising premise, the story’s execution is as rocky as the Martian surface. The introduction mode, doubling as a tutorial, is bland and ineffective, leaving players more confused than informed. Unclear mission objectives and confusing mechanics, like the sleep system, further hinder the experience. Technical issues, such as dialogue discrepancies and poor lip-syncing, disrupt immersion, while unfinished side missions leave players wondering about their purpose.

Final Verdict

“Occupy Mars: The Game” is a title brimming with potential, offering a unique blend of survival mechanics and an engaging Martian setting. However, its current state is marred by technical issues, clunky controls, and a lackluster story execution. While the game shows promise, it requires significant improvements in optimization, functionality, and narrative clarity to truly shine. For now, it’s a work in progress that leaves players hopeful for future updates.

Score: 5.0/10