Mars Horizon lets players lead space agency to landing humans on Mars

Mars Horizon has been released. In the game, players lead a space agency from the beginning of the space age to when the first humans arrive on Mars. The game is available for the PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch.

In strategy simulation game Mars Horizon from Bristol-based indie developer Auroch Digital, the player must lead a space agency through the space age from the 1950s onwards, with the aim of being the first agency to put humans on the planet Mars. Players can choose from five different space agencies, each with their own characteristics, base, vehicles and spacecraft. These are the ESA, the US, China, Japan, and Russia.

As a player, your decisions influence whether or not you achieve success. For example, you have to set up a base with launch platforms, research laboratories and training facilities for the astronauts. You can also build vehicles, launch satellites and spacecraft to explore the solar system and the control center must be managed.

Overcoming scientific developments and technical challenges also plays a role. For example, you can invest in technology, but you can also take more risks to settle the race to Mars to your own advantage. In addition, a spacecraft and rocket must be built, involving subcontractors and their specific advantages. Furthermore, crew must be recruited and as a player you can choose to enter into diplomatic relations with other agencies, for example to share the results of space explorations.

There are three different levels of difficulty. In the easiest, Explorer mode, missions are less challenging. In the most difficult, the Veteran mode, you will be put to the test according to the makers. Small-scale management is also important in Mars Horizon. For example, you have to carefully plan the location and layout of your base, because clearing the ground costs money and some buildings that are placed next to each other provide bonuses or disadvantages.

Mars Horizon was developed with contributions from the European Space Agency and the UK Space Agency. For example, there has been collaboration with technicians from the ESA, which, according to the game’s creators, has contributed to the scenarios from Mars Horizon being ‘unprecedentedly realistic and authentic’. The game costs eighteen euros on Steam.