Mars First Logistics: First Impressions of a Martian Adventure
A Fun Ride on Mars
Developed by Shape Shop and Outersloth, Mars First Logistics is a physics-based sandbox game available in Early Access. Imagine Human: Fall Flat but with rovers instead of human characters. The primary goal here is to help Martians build a new home on the Red Planet. In this article, I’ll share my initial thoughts on its tutorial, gameplay, mechanics, addictiveness, and the fun factor of playing solo or co-op.
Welcome to Mars
One of the first things that grabbed my attention was the straightforward tutorial. The developers really nailed it by introducing the game’s mechanics in an easy-to-understand manner.
Driving over Mars’s procedural terrain is surprisingly challenging, despite the “walking simulator” feel. The customization of your rover is oddly calming, transforming this physics game into a mental puzzle as you figure out how to deliver items across the Martian landscape.
Addictive and Realistic
At first glance, Mars First Logistics might seem simple and potentially boring. But don’t be fooled; once you start playing, you’ll quickly get hooked. The game is unexpectedly addictive, keeping me engaged for hours.
As you undertake various missions to construct space structures, you essentially become an amateur space engineer. The game captures this premise very well, presenting constant challenges that made me feel like I was running a real Martian operation.
Playing Lego on Mars
For those new to building vehicles, the game offers default blueprints to get you started. I initially thought constructing the rovers would be overwhelming due to their realistic designs. But surprisingly, the mechanics are easy to grasp. I also appreciated the extra touch of adding paint jobs for my vehicles, giving them more character.
The only downside is that building complex vehicles can be a bit frustrating. For instance, if you place a part incorrectly, you have to delete it, copy it, and then place it again correctly. It took me a while to get the hang of the copy-paste function.
Exploring Mars
One aspect that stood out to me was the game’s detailed day and night cycles. The transitions create a captivating atmosphere that immerses you in the Martian environment, adding realism despite the cartoony graphics.
Additionally, the synth-wave soundtracks playing in the background as you navigate different parts of Mars add to the experience. To explore more of the map, you’ll need to find various transmitters, which also serve as fast-travel points.
In summary, Mars First Logistics offers an engaging and surprisingly deep gaming experience on the Martian frontier.