Geekscape Games First Impressions: ‘Race To Mars’

When some of us hear the words, “Space Race”, we expect to see some highly tuned mechanical beasts that cut through the darkness of space at blinding speeds. What Intermarum has in mind is the race to be the first to colonize humankind on other planets besides this big blue circular mass we call Earth with their new game, Race to Mars.

Race to Mars is more about the month to month operations in making a company that can bring human kind to finally build expensive condos near the craters. Micromanaging things like who to hire, what kinds of technology you want your research team to look into, even dealing with those pesky little journalists trying to poke holes in your well crafted public statements. Although the option to select the company name as well as  its location in the world is great for customization, don’t think you can blame any wrong answers you give to the press on your translator.

There will be times where Race to Mars will have you sit and wait while the months simulate by. This can dissuade some continuing on with fostering a successful company and becoming the first to colonize foreign territory. Slow and steady wins the race, in this case, to Mars. Still early in development, we are still not certain if managing spreadsheets, accounting and employees will be the only thing for players to do. One can still be a simulation style game yet still provide a variety of things other than reading names and numbers.

There are some nice visuals to take in while waiting a month or two of in-game time. As day turns into night, the twinkle of office lights spring to life. Buildings that have been scheduled to be built start shaping into the structures shown in the purchasing menus. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see the stressed out CEO sweating bullets when the monthly reports come in showing just how good or bad things are. The musical tracks are limited at the moment but what is currently in Race to Mars is pretty dramatic in scope. It seems to be set to use the visuals to create the scene for the player to become pioneers in the next step of the human race.

Only the brave and very curious should check in on Race to Mars this early in its life. For those willing to be with Intermarum every step of the way, $19.99 on Steam Early Access will be your entry fee to the show. If you are worried about Intermarum releasing updates, no need to worry. The first major update was released recently with a lot of fixes and new additions which you can read over here. I, for one, will be keeping an eye out for Race to Mars to cross the finish line.