Mars Horizon

Mars Horizon is an elaborate economic strategy with elements of simulation. In the game, we take control of the chosen space agency and join a kind of "space race" aimed at sending the first people to the Red Planet. The game has been developed by the independent Auroch Digital studio and was created in cooperation with experts from the European Space Agency (ESA).

Mechanics

Mars Horizon starts with the selection of one of five space agencies, each with unique features, base designs, rockets, spacecraft and vehicles for Solar System exploration. If we don't like any of them, nothing stands in the way of creating our own from scratch. The game is divided into missions and is played in turn-based mode. We have a lot of responsibilities during the game, so it's worth to set priorities as soon as possible so as not to make a mess of the game later on.

The first step on our way to the stars is to build a base, which we will expand over time. It should include not only rocket launch platforms but also all kinds of laboratories and training facilities. Besides, we need to hire people, among whom we can find scientists, as well as physical workers and astronauts. As we progress, we should also take care of our company's development by unlocking further elements from the extensive technology tree. The great thing is the ability to design rockets and vehicles on your own, based on components inspired by those of real missions.

Of course we need a lot of money for all this. We earn money by signing contracts and achieving the goals set out in them. Each mission can go on for months (especially those that require the development of completely new technologies), and since "time is money", we are often forced to make difficult decisions and face unexpected challenges. Many breakdowns or disasters can be avoided by devoting extra weeks to the planning phase.

Although nothing stands in the way of doing all of this alone, sometimes it is better to cooperate with other space agencies. Although in this case we have to share the earnings with our partners, in return we get access to the solutions they have developed. Moreover, such a step allows us to specialise in a specific field, such as research into new technologies, leaving the rest to our partners.

Technical aspects

Mars Horizon has colorful graphics maintained in cartoon style.

Last updated on 12 November 2020