Tharsis : Game Review

Survive the perils of deep space aboard the doomed spacecraft in 'Tharsis'.

Tharsis is an innovative space survival game developed by Choice Provisions, where players are thrust into the role of the commander of the inaugural mission to Mars. Set in the close future, the game begins with the catastrophic destruction of the ship's solar array, leaving the crew in a desperate fight for survival as they hurtle through the vast reaches of space. Your role as the commander is to make critical decisions and lead your crew towards their ultimate objective of safely reaching Mars.

The core gameplay of Tharsis revolves around resource management and making grave choices with grave consequences. Each turn brings forth a new challenge, such as repairing damaged systems, dealing with food shortages, or combating catastrophic events. The allocation of your crew members, each possessing unique skills and abilities, becomes crucial in maximizing your chances of survival. This delicate balancing act, amidst the constant scarcity of resources, adds a layer of complexity and depth to the gameplay.

One of the defining characteristics of Tharsis is its punishing difficulty. Every decision you make can have far-reaching effects throughout the entire journey, instilling a sense of weight and importance to each choice. The random events that occur create a sense of unpredictability, ensuring that no two playthroughs are alike. This combination of challenging gameplay and high stakes creates an immersive and incredibly tense experience for players.

Visually, Tharsis features a sleek and minimalist design, accurately depicting the intricacies of the spacecraft's interior. The atmospheric soundtrack further enhances the player's sense of isolation and despair, completely immersing them in the dire struggle for survival. While the graphics may be simplistic, they effectively convey the harshness of the space environment and the dire circumstances faced by the crew.

In conclusion, Tharsis is a highly challenging and immersive game that presents a fresh take on the survival strategy genre. With its difficult decisions, limited resources, and high-stakes gameplay, it keeps players on the edge of their seats as they navigate the treacherous perils of space. Whether you are a dedicated strategy enthusiast or simply appreciate a gripping space survival narrative, Tharsis offers a thrilling and rewarding experience.

What do players think?

Tharsis, a strategy-based space survival game, has garnered mixed reviews from players. While some have lauded its challenging gameplay and immersive atmosphere, others have criticized its high difficulty level and repetitive nature.

One aspect that many players appreciate about Tharsis is its distinctive concept and setting. Set on a damaged spacecraft bound for Mars, the game requires players to make tough decisions to ensure the crew's survival and repair the ship. The atmospheric setting and intriguing scenario enhance the immersive gameplay experience.

Prepare to face the ultimate challenge and save humanity in 'Tharsis'.

The game's difficulty is a double-edged sword, appealing to some but frustrating to others. Some reviewers laud Tharsis for its tough challenges, praising the strategic choices and resource management required. These elements keep the game engaging and provide a satisfying sense of accomplishment. However, others find the game overly punishing, feeling that the random events and die rolls are unfair and lead to frustration.

Replayability is another divisive aspect among players. The random nature of events and the selection of different crew members add some variability to each playthrough, encouraging players to experiment with various strategies. However, some reviewers find the gameplay repetitive over time, as the core mechanics and objectives remain largely unchanged.

The game's visuals and sound design have elicited mixed feedback. While the minimalist art style and atmospheric music contribute to the overall mood of the game, some players find the lack of visual variety and limited animation underwhelming.

TharsisGame SurvivalInTheVoid StrategyGaming