Mars Colony: Frontier

About

"Mars Colony: Frontier" is an open-world simulator where you, as an astronaut stranded on Mars, must manage survival for yourself and the colony against various hazards. Play solo or with up to 7 other players in multiplayer mode, competing for resource control in a dynamic economy. Choose from four career paths to specialize or generalize skills in this immersive experience of life on the red planet.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

38%

Audience ScoreBased on 84 reviews

gameplay8 positive mentions

graphics10 negative mentions

The game offers a relatively realistic simulation of living in a Martian colony, with engaging gameplay and the potential for different experiences each time you play.
It includes an economy-based system and allows players to build their own bases, adding a layer of strategy to the gameplay.
The developers are responsive to feedback and actively working on updates to improve the game, showing commitment to its development.

The game is plagued by numerous bugs and stability issues, making it frustrating and often unplayable for many users.
Graphics and user interface are subpar, which detracts from the overall experience and immersion in the game.
Many features that were expected, such as a dedicated server and dynamic economy, are either missing or poorly implemented, leading to disappointment among players.

story
28 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
78%
11%
The game's story has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the effort put into developing intriguing plotlines involving Mars quakes and missing persons, while others find the narrative elements unsatisfying and lacking depth. Many users express frustration with the story mode's execution, citing issues like unengaging missions and technical problems that hinder gameplay. Overall, while there is potential for an engaging story, it currently falls short for many players.
- “With storylines that have graduated from 'Challenger' to include mars quakes, missing persons, and others that I won't spoil, it's easy to see the hard work Howard and his team put into this game.”
- “I like the addition of a new map, looking forward to more maps and add-ons to the storyline.”
- “The first campaign segment is done, and the sheer amount of control over all the aspects of keeping a breathable atmosphere, crops, and mining will keep the player involved even when the storyline is quiet.”
- “Other things were added, and there are some story elements, but unfortunately they aren't very satisfying.”
- “Started in story mode... talk to so and so, then nothing to do.”
- “Game locks up when trying to start story mode, do not buy.”
graphics
24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
41%
42%
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many users finding them barely acceptable and dated compared to current standards. While some appreciate the improved lighting and atmospheric elements, others criticize the overall quality, including issues with NPC proportions and lag. Despite these concerns, there is a consensus that the gameplay remains solid, and there is hope for future improvements as the game evolves.
- “What I saw when I started was slightly better graphics and smoother lighting, so definitely an upgrade there.”
- “Graphics and tutorial could use further improvements, but Mars terrain and inside base scenes are already great, and I'm confident the game will continue to evolve and develop.”
- “Despite the dated graphics, the mood and atmosphere feels spot on.”
- “Extreme lag, bad graphics, frankly a total waste of my money.”
- “Yes, there are problems with the game, yes the graphics are bad, and yes it is much different in terms of what Challenger was.”
- “Bad graphics for today's gaming market (made by two people over a number of years, and graphics don't really make games).”
gameplay
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
8%
25%
The gameplay is generally solid and enjoyable, despite criticisms regarding the graphics and user interface. While some players note a reduction in realism compared to previous titles, this does not significantly detract from the overall fun and engaging mechanics of the game. However, there are calls for improved game mechanics and better design guidance.
- “Less realism than Challenger, but it really doesn't take away from the gameplay fun.”
- “It was a fun little sim with some interesting mechanics.”
- “Graphics are barely acceptable, and the UI is less than perfect, but the gameplay is solid.”
- “Many people who helped test the game have said that many realistic mechanics have been taken out.”
- “Gameplay feels like wandering around aimlessly.”
- “Many people who helped test the game have said that many realistic mechanics have been taken out.”
stability
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game is criticized for its significant stability issues, with users reporting numerous bugs that hinder gameplay and make controls clunky. Many feel that the game is not ready for full release and would be more acceptable in an early access state, expressing disappointment in the developers for not being transparent about these problems.
- “Way too buggy for this price.”
- “If it were in early access, maybe: I can see it becoming a fun colony sim, but at the moment the controls are clunky with not enough power to fix that, and the menus are too buggy to be comfortable using.”
- “Shame on the devs for not being upfront and transparent about this terrible buggy game!”
atmosphere
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The game's atmosphere is engaging, with players appreciating the control over environmental management, such as maintaining a breathable atmosphere and managing crops and mining. While the graphics may feel dated, the overall mood effectively immerses players in the experience, keeping them involved even during quieter story moments.
- “Despite the dated graphics, the mood and atmosphere feels spot on.”
- “The sheer amount of control over all the aspects of keeping a breathable atmosphere, crops, and mining will keep the player involved even when the storyline is quiet.”
humor
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is noted as coincidental and light-hearted, with players finding amusement in unexpected situations. Overall, it adds a playful element to the experience, though it may not be the central focus.
- “It must be a funny coincidence, but hey, it's there.”
monetization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization strategy of the game raises concerns among users, with many perceiving it as a potential cash grab linked to the release of the highly anticipated movie "The Martian." This sentiment suggests a lack of genuine value in the game, overshadowed by its commercial motivations.
- “You can't help but wonder if this was purely a cash grab because of the highly anticipated movie 'The Martian' coming out next week.”

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Mars Colony: Frontier
$4.99
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