Mars master list

Overview: A content-loaded game that ponders humanity's worth in regards to its environmental destruction of planet Earth. Suddenly Mars seems like it could be the new Earth. But maybe it's not ours to take. While it can be confusing, and I don't agree with every part, it has a lot of humor. Plays with Twine's visual capabilities.

Overview: A brilliant game that is hard to put into words. And that's partly what makes it so cool. It is a continuous stream of thoughts and ideas woven into a landscape of many subjects including transhumanism, synthetic biology, A.I., consciousness, and (of course) Mars. Has neat Twine visual effects.

Overview: You are investigating a murder that took place on Mars. The suspect has been brought to Earth, and you interview him for clues. At first, Insight appears to be a one room game, but it's not. There is content on both planets. The protagonist is also somewhat of a mystery.

Overview:The protagonist is an astronaut stuck on Mars after an accident. This traumatic experience has led to feelings of paranoia and uncertainty. Her only human contact is via email, and the isolation only makes things more difficult. It also seems that the mission control is dragging its heels in investigating the accident. Has psychological horror/thriller undertones.

Overview: Takes place on Mars' moon, Phobos, which is on the verge of crashing into Mars. You live on Phobos, but have some unfinished business to attend to before you can leave with everyone else. Great robot NPC. This is a personal favorite of mine.

Overview: Not the most polished game but still interesting. Try to facilitate good relations between a human colony and Martian natives. While it suffers from clunkiness that would benefit from more testing, there is something about its atmosphere that felt... different. If you feel like you've tried every Mars-related game there is to try, this game may offer something new for you.

Overview: You live on Mars and are getting prepared to take your dog for a walk... Except walking your dog is a stand-in for something else. I won't spoil it, but the gameplay features hidden depths and is humorous without distracting from the plot.

Overview: A game about protest and standing up for a cause even if it takes you out of your comfort zone. Unfortunately... it's not great. While it has a polished appearance and some strong ideas, it lacks the depth and interactivity to be successful. The fact that it takes place on Mars feels like a side note than a central element. Still, it has its occasional moments, and only takes a few minutes to play. I love the cover art.

Overview: Mars once supported human life until it all collapsed, forcing everyone underground. However, those in charge reassure everyone that Mars will soon be habitable again. You play as a girl sent to the surface to investigate an unresponsive power station. What you see along the way starts to make you doubt what you've been told.

Overview: Takes place in a bunker under Mars' surface. Life is a dull drone of office work under an administration that micromanages your every move. But when a illegal faction contacts you, life may just become more interesting. Has a cool sort of sequel that takes place on Venus.

Overview: A heist game where you assemble a crew and infiltrate a casino on Mars. Incorporates the trope of a protagonist taking "one last job" in hopes that it will be enough for them to retire.

Note: Commercial game. It is the only one on this list that I have not played.

Overview: A sequel to consciousness hologram. Martian colonies have started experimenting with consciousness and astral projection in search of meaning. Has creative use of Twine's visual effects and includes A.I.-generated art that pairs nicely with the story. I don't think it's as good as consciousness hologram, but interesting, nonetheless.