Unearthing Mars
- June 23, 2017
- Light Era Studio
Unearthing Mars is a virtual reality adventure game that takes players on an exhilarating journey to the Red Planet. Assuming the role of an astronaut, players explore Mars' stunning landscapes, uncover ancient mysteries, and engage in exciting exploration tasks. Through a blend of immersive storytelling, challenging puzzles, and breathtaking visuals, Unearthing Mars delivers a unique and thrilling VR experience.
Reviews
- The game offers a nice fictional mystery theme set on Mars, with engaging story elements and immersive graphics.
- Controls are intuitive for puzzle-solving, and the game provides a unique VR experience with beautiful environments.
- Despite its short length, the game is enjoyable and provides a captivating narrative that keeps players interested.
- The game suffers from technical issues, including poor voice acting, bad lip synchronization, and frustrating controls.
- Movement is limited to teleportation, which detracts from the immersive experience, and the gameplay can feel slow and disjointed.
- There is a lack of updates and support from the developers, leading to concerns about the game's longevity and replay value.
- story23 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The story in this VR game is described as a mix of engaging narrative and typical indie flaws, with a slow start that picks up in the latter half. While it offers a unique experience through interaction and immersive environments, many reviewers noted its linearity and predictability, with some expressing disappointment over its abrupt ending and underdeveloped potential. Overall, it provides a decent story-driven experience, enhanced by good music and sound effects, but leaves players wanting more depth and length.
“It's a guided narrative allowing you to experience the story as well as hear it.”
“Music and sound effects are great and if you can stick past the first half of the game and not go into it expecting an action adventure game, it's a pretty decently put together, story-driven VR experience that is rare right now.”
“Unfortunately, the writers of this story did not help her out.”
“In fact, the story starts out very much by the numbers, then suddenly takes a turn into left field.”
“There is no real purpose to go traversing the Mars landscape with specific missions being done anyhow.”
- graphics11 mentions
- 64 % positive mentions
- 9 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
Overall, the graphics received a mixed reception, with many users praising them as impressive and immersive, particularly in VR experiences. While some noted that the visuals hold up well and can be breathtaking at times, others expressed disappointment with the resolution and texture quality, suggesting that they expected more. Despite the varying opinions, the consensus leans towards the graphics being a strong point of the game.
“Excellent simulation of landing, moving around on the red soil of Mars, with very good graphics.”
“The graphics are among the best I've seen; you get a variety of controls, and the story is enough to keep your interest for the time it takes to get through it.”
“The graphics of the 'War of the Worlds' waveshooter first level were truly breathtaking and among the best VR experiences I have had so far.”
“The visuals, while not great, still hold up in 2020.”
“The graphics are okay, but I was expecting better, higher resolution textures, etc.”
“Ok, maybe I've bought an arcade shooter to show off VR graphics?”
- gameplay9 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that it feels disjointed and lacks cohesion, often combining various mechanics in a way that detracts from the overall experience. While there are moments of impressive graphics and engaging puzzle-solving, frustrating mechanics and limited movement options hinder immersion. Overall, the gameplay offers a blend of simulation, FPS, and puzzle elements, but often in insufficient quantities to create a satisfying experience.
“Gameplay: yes, you have simulation, FPS, puzzle, etc., but in minimum doses.”
“From chapter 6 to 10, I felt the urge to know what's coming up next, and also a lot more gameplay merged in.”
“It seems at times like a series of disjointed ideas and gameplay mechanics just bolted together in order to produce a finished game.”
“There are some impressive graphics at times along with some decent puzzle solving, but this is coupled with levels of frustrating game mechanics and poor movement options, with little thought to providing an immersive experience.”
“This game has some really cool story, but also some weird play style in the gameplay.”
- music2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music and sound effects in the game are praised for enhancing the mysterious atmosphere and complementing the light puzzles and visuals, reminiscent of the VR game "Ryte - The Eye of Atlantis." While the game has typical indie VR flaws, the overall audio experience contributes positively to its story-driven nature, making it a worthwhile experience for players willing to engage with its slower pace.
“Music and sound effects are great, and if you can stick past the first half of the game and not go into it expecting an action-adventure game, it's a pretty decently put together, story-driven VR experience that is rare right now.”
“It gave me the exact same taste as another VR game 'Ryte - The Eye of Atlantis' with its fictional mysterious story, light puzzles, matching nice background music, and nice views only possible to enjoy in VR.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game lacks replayability, as players report minimal decision-making opportunities and no incentives to revisit the experience.
“The game offers a wealth of choices that make each playthrough feel unique and engaging.”
“With multiple endings and diverse character paths, I find myself coming back to explore every possibility.”
“The random events and procedural generation keep the gameplay fresh, ensuring that no two runs are ever the same.”
“Does it have replay value?”
“No replay value and no decision making.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that while the game offers an engaging experience, players should be prepared for typical early VR glitches and the absence of free locomotion, which may affect overall stability and immersion.
“You should be prepared for the typical glitches that come with early VR games, as well as the lack of free locomotion, if you want to enjoy this experience.”
“The game suffers from frequent crashes and stability issues that can ruin the overall experience.”
“I encountered numerous bugs and performance drops that made it difficult to fully immerse myself in the game.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is negatively impacted, leading to a diminished overall experience for players.
“That destroys the game atmosphere.”