Introduction
Scars of Mars, released June 19, 2024, bills itself as a “real-time RPG roguelike” set on the Red Planet. With an 89% positive score from 19 Steam reviews but no official meta-rating yet, it’s already turning heads—some in awe, others squinting at their screens. Let’s see how it stacks up against its tactical cousins.
Story & Setting
December 6th, 2158. You’re the commander of four humanoid units sent to a dead research facility on Mars. Rescue survivors, fight mysterious lifeforms, and conserve precious battery power—all while the planet’s crimson sands glare back at you. The premise is solid sci-fi: think Dead Space meets XCOM on a budget.
Gameplay & Mechanics
- Fast-Paced Grid Combat: Control a team of four in real-time on a 3×3 grid. Swap between roles like sniper, fighter, or healer. Battles are quick and intense. Timing and smart moves matter, but sometimes the interface gets in the way.
- Power is Life: Everything—fighting, moving, even searching—uses up battery power. It adds a strong risk-reward feel like FTL, but at times it feels a bit too harsh.
- Random Paths, High Replay Value: Each run gives you different routes and events. Like Hades, it keeps things fresh. But some boss fights are tough and can feel unfair.
- Squad Customization: Switch out parts, weapons, and classes to create the perfect team. You get more freedom here than in many similar games, even if the skill options aren’t super deep.
Comparison to Similar Titles
Where does Scars of Mars sit in the crowded tactical-RPG roguelike space?
- Into the Breach: Turn-based perfection vs. Scars’ real-time chaos. ITB is tighter; Mars is more frenetic.
- Darkest Dungeon: Both lean dark and punishing, but DD’s stress system is more psychologically twisted, while Mars trades dread for battery anxiety.
- Helldivers: Co-op mayhem vs. Mars’ solo squad management. Helldivers wins on social fun; Mars boasts deeper RPG customization.
- Divinity: Original Sin 2: High-end storytelling and polish overshadow Scars’ minimalist plot, though Mars keeps battles brisk and bite-sized.
Visuals & Audio
The rust-red vistas and flickering facility lights hit the sci-fi trope sweet spot. Character models are serviceable if not mind-blowing, and procedural levels can feel blocky. The soundscape earns bonus points for atmospheric creaks, bleeps and distant roars—though combat SFX can loop too repetitively.
Community Reception
With an 89% positive tag from 19 reviewers, so far, fans enjoy the smart combat, deep team setup, and replay-friendly structure. Complaints focus on the clunky interface, a few bugs, and how hard the game can be at times.
- Pros: Strategic real-time combat, robust customization, roguelike replayability.
- Cons: Battery mechanic can feel punitive, UI needs polishing, boss difficulty spikes.
Conclusion
Scars of Mars doesn’t beat the biggest names in turn-based games, but it stands out with real-time action and bold design choices. If you like short missions, tough choices, and building your perfect squad, give it a shot. Just don’t expect deep storytelling or AAA polish—this game is a scrappy newcomer with sharp claws.
