Mars Attracts is a fresh and unusual theme park simulation based on the cult film Mars Attacks! from 1996 directed by Tim Burton. The film offered a grotesquely funny depiction of the Martian invasion of Earth, and now, nearly three decades later, its spirit has been revived in the form of a video game. Instead of the expected action adventure or shooter, we got a management sim that combines dark humor, grotesque elements, and satire with the proven formula of tycoon games. The result is a title that manages to surprise even those who thought they had seen everything in this genre.
From the very first moment, it is clear that the game captures the atmosphere of the film and translates it into an interactive environment. The visual style is full of caricatures and somewhat retro, with bright colors and models reminiscent of comic book characters from the 60s and 70s. The Martians are still those small, malevolent, caricatured figures with bulging eyes, while humans are depicted almost as props, meant for display, torture, and experimentation. This creates a contrast between the fun tone of the park and the sad fates awaiting human captives, which is also the main thread of the game: humor arises from the grotesque.
Gameplay is based on building and managing a theme park, but unlike typical simulations where the goal is to entertain people, here you build attractions for Martians. Visitors to your park want attractions that include abducted Earthlings from various historical periods. So you can have Romans, knights, cowboys, or modern tourists, all placed in environments suited to their era. If you provide humans with appropriate furniture and food, they will be more obedient and less prone to escape. But the real fun begins when you involve them in experiments, from bizarre combinations with other animals to dismembering bodies that serve as a form of research.
The research and development system is among the most interesting elements of the game. Experiments on humans produce knowledge in three categories: biology, chemistry, and physics. You then use that knowledge to unlock new attractions, shops, and decorations. Dissections, which end in the death of the abducted Earthlings, provide special resources that open additional possibilities in the park. Thus, every advancement in the game literally comes at the cost of the suffering of your captives from Earth. This system is morbidly funny, but also cleverly integrated into the very core of the gameplay, as it gives a sense of progress and rewards experimentation.
Staff management is also set as an important part of the game. Porters, scientists, and guards come with their own traits that can significantly affect efficiency. Some are faster at completing tasks, some ask for lower wages, while certain scientists are worth as much as two people, allowing for the execution of more demanding experiments with fewer employees. Because of this, hiring is not a mechanical task, but a strategic decision that directly impacts the functioning of the park.
Of course, like in any game of this type, there are also everyday problems. Buildings break down, stores quickly empty, and the Martians expect constant maintenance and cleanliness. This means that the game requires a lot of micromanagement, which can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provides an additional challenge and depth, but on the other, it can become tedious as it demands constant attention. The AI of employees and visitors is not always the most reliable, so porters sometimes do not fill the warehouses completely, and guards are late with interventions, which can be frustrating at critical moments.
Conclusion:
Mars Attracts is an original and bold adaptation of the film Mars Attacks! that offers something rarely seen in simulation games, a blend of satire, grotesque, and absurdity with well-known management mechanics. Although technically still imperfect, it already offers enough depth and content to engage genre enthusiasts, while simultaneously standing out with its uniqueness. For fans of the 1996 film, this is a real treat, while the unusual approach and dark humor will attract tycoon game lovers.
If you enjoy when the genre is turned upside down and are not afraid of dark jokes, Mars Attracts is a title that deserves your attention and could become a cult classic over time.
A copy of the game for review purposes was provided by the development studio Outlier
