Life on Mars Remake
- August 11, 2017
- Oscar Kenneth Albero Ingles
- 2h median play time
Get on SteamRemake of the 8 bits MSX2 game of the same name, with a 16 bits look. Genre: Metroidvania (2D Metroid/Castlevania style) with RPG elements. Explore, investigate, find improvements for your suit, find weapons, upgrade your weapons in workshops, fight incredible mutants...
Reviews
- The game captures the essence of early 90's Metroidvania games with solid mechanics, engaging storyline, and a mix of genres that keeps gameplay fresh.
- The graphics and atmospheric sound design create an immersive experience, with well-executed parallax backgrounds and a soundtrack that enhances the sci-fi horror theme.
- The controls are tight and responsive, allowing for enjoyable combat and platforming, while the revive/teleport feature adds a unique twist to gameplay.
- The game suffers from excessive grinding, with many players feeling that upgrades should be more accessible through exploration rather than defeating enemies.
- Some players found the map design lacking, with areas appearing too similar and not providing enough guidance for navigation.
- The difficulty can be frustrating, with cheap enemy shots and a steep learning curve that may deter newcomers to the genre.
- story8 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The story has received mixed feedback, with some players appreciating its engaging mechanics and genre blend, while others feel it lacks depth and could benefit from additional elements, such as plot twists involving "jammers." There are concerns about the narrative's relevance and originality, with calls for expansion to enhance the overall experience. Overall, while some players found the story captivating, many believe it needs further development to fully resonate.
“I like the mechanics, storyline, and I enjoy the mix of genres (e.g., Metroid, Castlevania, Resident Evil, Faxanadu).”
“I recommend adding more to the story to include 'jammers' to add to the plot twist.”
“Nothing ages worse than a game/story whose time has passed and failed to reflect reality in any shape like the novel 1984.”
“Expand the story.”
- graphics7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
The graphics are generally well-received, particularly the level design, which is praised for its immersive quality and rated 10/10. However, the sprite graphics received mixed feedback, with a score of 6/10, indicating room for improvement in both visuals and movement. Players also expressed a desire for more visually engaging upgrades for suits and weapons.
“Graphics are good, and the music keeps you in the game.”
“Level graphics 10/10 - really, really cool and immersive.”
“Graphics: on point (if you're into the old school style)”
“Sprite graphics 6/10 - could be better, both visuals and movement.”
“Sprite graphics 6/10 - could be better, both visuals and movement.”
- gameplay5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its fluid mechanics, tight controls, and engaging mix of genres, reminiscent of classics like Metroid and Castlevania. Players appreciate the variety of interactions, such as hacking and welding, although some note the limitation of not being able to aim down with weapons. Overall, it is considered a high-quality experience, earning a score of 9/10.
“I like the mechanics, storyline, and I enjoy the mix of genres (e.g., Metroid, Castlevania, Resident Evil, Faxanadu).”
“You can have a wide range of secondary interactions, from hacking and welding to more mechanical tasks.”
“Quality game; the mechanics are fluid, the controls are tight, and it looks great.”
“The gameplay feels repetitive and lacks innovation.”
“The mechanics are clunky and often lead to frustrating experiences.”
“The controls are unresponsive at times, making it difficult to enjoy the game.”
- grinding4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that the grinding in the game feels reminiscent of early 90s titles, often requiring players to farm credits for upgrades, which can become tedious. Suggestions include incorporating treasure rooms and upgrade centers to minimize grinding and promote exploration, rather than relying solely on monster kills for progression. Overall, while the nostalgic feel is appreciated, the grinding aspect is seen as a painful and prolonged experience.
“The grinding is very Sega/NES, so treasure rooms and upgrade lockers would make more sense than making the game grind by killing monsters.”
“Treasures and using the upgrade centers would help reduce the grinding and encourage exploration.”
“Went on for an hour and a half of farming credits to upgrade the rifle and energy... and it's painful.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is characterized by a dark, immersive quality that evokes a sense of space horror, reminiscent of a more mature Metroid experience. Users appreciate the combination of atmospheric tones and nostalgic robotic voice samples, enhancing the overall mood alongside solid combat and controls.
“It's got that dark atmosphere that immersed me as a kid.”
“Nice atmospheric tones and ye olde robotic voice samples.”
“All of this takes us to an atmosphere of space horror, as if it were a more adult Metroid-like.”
- music4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music and sound effects in the game are highly praised, with many reviewers noting their quality and immersive nature. The soundtrack enhances the gaming experience, contributing to an engaging atmosphere that fits the game's themes perfectly. Overall, the music is rated exceptionally, with some users giving it a perfect score of 10/10.
“The soundtrack on the selection screen is also neat, with impactful sound effects.”
“Graphics are good, and the music keeps you in the game.”
“Music 10/10 - immersive, scary, and fits perfectly!”
- replayability2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The game has limited replayability, as players report that it is short and events unfold in a consistent manner across playthroughs. However, some users note that it offers opportunities for exploration, which can enhance the experience for those willing to revisit it.
“This adds replayability and opens up ways to explore further.”
“Overall, it's a play and shelf later game due to how short it is and with no real replayability; everything happens the same way regardless of the playthrough.”
“The lack of meaningful choices makes it feel like there is no incentive to replay the game.”
“Once you've completed it, there’s little reason to go back since the experience remains unchanged.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features a nostalgic vibe complemented by moments of effective humor, contributing positively to the overall experience.
“The game has a delightful old-school charm, complemented by some genuinely funny moments.”
“I love the humor sprinkled throughout the game; it really adds to the overall experience.”
“The witty dialogue and clever jokes kept me laughing while I played.”
