Dive into the world of tycoon games and theme park simulators, and you’ll quickly find yourself amid rollercoasters, carousels, and hot dog stands. But, occasionally, a game comes along that completely changes the landscape. One standout, Jurassic World Evolution, took the classic formula and threw in dinosaurs, capturing our imagination. Now, prepare to have your expectations surpassed by the upcoming game Mars Attracts. Set to be one of 2025’s most bizarre releases, this new management game is gearing up for its first public trial.
Mars Attracts was first unveiled at this year’s Gamescom, and it left many attendees uttering a collective “what the heck?” as it appeared on the scene. Imagine taking a Planet Coaster experience and relocating it to Mars. The unique twist? It’s inspired by Mars Attacks, the 1990s cult classic movie that, despite its star-studded lineup, didn’t quite hit the mark at the box office. Fast forward 25 years, and it’s making an unusual comeback as a theme park simulator — talk about unexpected!
But don’t let memories of the movie lead you to underestimate Mars Attracts. In this game, you’re not just building rides for Martians; you’re constructing enclosures and themed exhibits featuring none other than humans. Yes, humans have become the main attraction this time around!
You’ll get the thrill of abducting characters captured from various iconic periods in history, from Ancient Rome to the Wild West. This means each historical human requires a unique approach to keep them contained safely. Let’s be honest, a flimsy Mars glass won’t do much to restrain a group of gladiators!
Players can choose to make these historical guests enjoy their stay or go for a more mischievous approach, including some alien probing antics. After all, the Martian visitors might find both peace and chaos equally captivating.
Beyond the delightfully strange premise, you have the standard management tasks to handle, ensuring your Martian theme park runs smoothly. It promises the kind of gameplay loop familiar to fans of tycoon games. Although development is still early, the first trailer teased a few exciting possibilities, leaving room for future surprises.
For those eager to contribute to the quirky charm of Mars Attracts, Outlier is recruiting players for an initial playtest, which is set to start soon.
Mark your calendars for the closed alpha playtest on Wednesday, December 4, as the game builds toward an early access launch in 2025.
If you’re keen on crafting masterful creations, our guide to top building games is worth checking out. And if managing your kingdom is your passion, take a look at our favorite strategy games.
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