Summary
- Release Year: 2016
- Genres: Adventure, Card & Board Game, Indie, Puzzle, Role-playing game (RPG), Simulator, Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS)
- Platforms: iOS, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Wii U
- Developers: Choice Provisions
- Publishers: QubicGames S.A.
Tharsis (2016): A Space Odyssey of Survival, Strategy, and Sacrifice
In the annals of space exploration, the name Tharsis stands as a chilling reminder of the perils and sacrifices that accompany humanity’s quest to reach the stars. Tharsis, a turn-based space strategy game released in 2016, puts players in control of humanity’s first manned mission to Mars, a mission that quickly descends into a harrowing struggle for survival amidst a micrometeoroid storm, dwindling resources, and the unforgiving nature of space.
A Space Odyssey Gone Awry
Tharsis begins with the premise of humanity’s first manned mission to Mars, a momentous event that captures the world’s attention. Players take on the role of the mission’s commander, tasked with guiding a crew of six astronauts through the challenges of space travel. However, as the mission approaches Mars, disaster strikes. A micrometeoroid storm pummels the spacecraft, causing catastrophic damage and setting the stage for a desperate fight for survival.
Dice and Cannibalism: The Grim Realities of Space
Tharsis is a game that doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of space exploration. Players must carefully manage their resources, including oxygen, food, and fuel, while also dealing with the physical and psychological toll that space travel takes on the crew. The game’s innovative use of dice adds an element of uncertainty to each decision, reflecting the unpredictable nature of space exploration.
As the mission progresses, players will face increasingly difficult choices. Food shortages may force them to consider cannibalism, while dwindling oxygen supplies might necessitate sacrificing a crew member to save the others. Tharsis doesn’t offer easy answers, and players must weigh the moral implications of their decisions carefully.
Whispers from Mars: Cryptic Signals and Ancient Warnings
Adding to the game’s atmosphere of tension and dread are cryptic signals and warnings emanating from Mars. As the crew investigates these signals, they uncover fragments of an ancient Martian civilization, a civilization that may hold the key to their survival or their doom.
These signals add a layer of mystery and intrigue to Tharsis, hinting at a larger cosmic drama unfolding behind the scenes. Players must decipher the meaning of these signals while also navigating the immediate threats that face their crew.
A Test of Strategy, Resilience, and Humanity
Tharsis is a game that tests players’ strategic skills, resilience, and humanity. Players must make difficult decisions, manage their resources wisely, and keep their crew alive amidst seemingly insurmountable odds. The game’s branching narrative and multiple endings ensure that each playthrough is unique, offering a fresh set of challenges and moral dilemmas.
Whether you succeed in guiding your crew to safety or succumb to the unforgiving nature of space, Tharsis is a thought-provoking and immersive experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll. It is a game that explores the limits of human endurance, the frailty of our bodies, and the indomitable spirit that drives us to reach for the stars.
Key Features of Tharsis
- Turn-based space strategy gameplay with dice-based mechanics
- A gripping narrative that explores the perils and sacrifices of space exploration
- A crew of six astronauts with unique skills and personalities
- A branching narrative with multiple endings
- Cryptic signals and warnings from Mars that add an element of mystery and intrigue
- A haunting and atmospheric soundtrack that enhances the game’s immersive experience
Critical Reception and Legacy
Tharsis received critical acclaim upon its release, with reviewers praising its innovative gameplay, gripping narrative, and thought-provoking themes. The game was nominated for several awards, including the Golden Joystick Award for Best Strategy Game and the BAFTA Games Award for Best Game Design.
Tharsis has also left a lasting legacy in the gaming community. Its unique blend of strategy, survival, and moral dilemmas has inspired other games, and its exploration of the human condition in the face of adversity continues to resonate with players today.
Conclusion
Tharsis (2016) is a masterpiece of space strategy gaming that combines innovative gameplay, a gripping narrative, and thought-provoking themes to create a truly immersive and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned space exploration enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Tharsis is a game that will challenge your strategic skills, test your resilience, and leave you pondering the limits of human endurance and the indomitable spirit that drives us to reach for the stars.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
