Great game. A few bugs and balance issues on launch, but they are pretty minor. Some have already been patched in the first few days to make things easier for players.

It doesn't hold your hand at all, which may shock some players. It only gives you a few hints on how to proceed through the game, so you have to either have good experience with other logistical games, or you have to experiment and learn what strategies are best to terraform Mars. Its entirely possible to stall on logistical bottlenecks or run out of resources, if you don't plan or build efficiently.

Similar games are Harvest: Massive Encounter and the Creeper World series, in terms of mechanics.

The harder difficulty, Per Aspera, was beatable even on the launch version of the game. Some balance patches have made it slightly easier, and less likely to stall out due to losing. Expect to sink about 10-20 hours for a first playthrough, though it's entirely possible to beat the hard difficult in 5 hours or less.

It's quite immersive and detailed for a simulation game, with a beautiful 3D render of Mars complete with cool topography and a futuristic orbital view from which you can plan special projects to aid in the terraforming process. It really makes you feel like you are in command of a mission with humanity's best technology.

There is a great, 3 way branching story line complete with excellent voice acting and plenty of optional lore to be discovered. Unusual for a simulation game, but its quite a good story to experience, and blends in well with the terraforming process you are tasked to complete.

Great game. A few bugs and balance issues on launch, but they are pretty minor. Some have already been patched in the first few days to make things easier for players. It doesn't hold your hand at all, which may shock some players. It only gives you a few hints on how to proceed through the game, so you have to either have good experience with other logistical games, or you have to experiment and learn what strategies are best to terraform Mars. Its entirely possible to stall on logistical bottlenecks or run out of resources, if you don't plan or build efficiently. Similar games are Harvest: Massive Encounter and the Creeper World series, in terms of mechanics. The harder difficulty, Per Aspera, was beatable even on the launch version of the game. Some balance patches have made it slightly easier, and less likely to stall out due to losing. Expect to sink about 10-20 hours for a first playthrough, though it's entirely possible to beat the hard difficult in 5 hours or less. It's quite immersive and detailed for a simulation game, with a beautiful 3D render of Mars complete with cool topography and a futuristic orbital view from which you can plan special projects to aid in the terraforming process. It really makes you feel like you are in command of a mission with humanity's best technology. There is a great, 3 way branching story line complete with excellent voice acting and plenty of optional lore to be discovered. Unusual for a simulation game, but its quite a good story to experience, and blends in well with the terraforming process you are tasked to complete.