Mars Horizon

Release Date: November 17, 2020

Strategy, economic, in space, indie games, simulation elements, singleplayer

7.4

OpenCritic

84%

Steam

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An economic strategy with elements of simulation, in which we are at the head of the space agency. In Mars Horizon, our primary goal is to send people to Mars. However, before this happens, we have to build a base, take care of the development of technology and perform a lot of other missions.

Videos and Screens

[1:12] Mars Horizon launch trailer

[0:59] Mars Horizon trailer #1

7.4

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 60% of Critics. There are 12 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

PlayStation Universe: 8 / 10 by Alan Strawbridge

A space agency simulator which overcomes its PC roots and primitive presentation to become a highly addictive and original strategy game. Packed with space facts and sprinklings of humour, Mars Horizon is a joy to dip into for both young and old and your thumbs can rest while your brain takes over.

Full Review

PCGamesN: 8 / 10 by Joe Robinson

A fun management game about running a space program and shooting for the stars that sacrifices some of the visual wonder of space travel in order to remain accessible.

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But Why Tho?: 9 / 10 by Matt Donahue

Mars Horizon is a game that anyone who ever wanted to be an astronaut dreamed of having. The ambient music sets the tone for players as they set off the uncover the Solar System. This is by far one of the hardest games I’ve had to review in that on the surface this game looks so simple and monotonous, but as you break it down you get to unravel all the challenges and complexities it has to offer.

Full Review

84%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Very Positive (2,601)

STEAM

Mars Horizon Description

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.