A mysterious signal originating from the Tharsis region of Mars set us on a frantic mission. Who sent it? And why? Impossible questions, but in them lie the key to humanity’s survival.
Video Review:
Best described as a survival and management game, in Tharsis the player controls the four lasting members of a space crew. Their ultimate objective is to reach Mars and investigate the Tharsis event, surviving through various harms and even having to recur to cannibalism. The plot starts out simple but it unfolds as you get closer to Mars. The story may not be very driving or long but it surely is interesting and very well delivered. The voice over and the pastel-like art style fuses well with this asphyxiating environment of total despair.
If you like tabletops this game will suit you well. Tharsis has you throwing dices to perform most of the actions in the game. Managing your results, characters and risks are the main focus in terms of gameplay. This game will have you on th edge of your chair with every decision you make. Tharsis also has a little bit of rogue-like in him, the events that happen, available researches and even your characters stats and positions are randomized each new game wich will provide for a lot of replay value. The game was clearly not meant to be finished on your first attempt but instead to learn and reach further in each playthrought, just like in a rogue-like.
The design in Tharsis is visually very engaging, from the general view of the ship to the small details on each of the chambers. The slick, clean looks of the game contrasts with the rough painted story elements. This elements may be visually different from the rest of the style of the game but it fits well, just like the calm music that ties everything together.
• Final Thoughts
It might not be the kind of game for every type of player but for those who enjoy survival, managing somewhat rogue-like type of games with a little taste of tabletops, Tharsis will be a most enjoyable experience. I myself found the game very repetitive as the randomized elements weren’t enough to keep it fresh. But the game does feature very unique mechanics and ideas and it distinguishes itself because of that.