Mars Attracts, the Unconventional Management Game, is Set for its First Playtest Soon

When it comes to crafting classic rollercoasters, whimsical carousels, and tasty hot dog stands, the world of tycoon games and theme park simulators is full of delights. Yet, sometimes, a game pops up that takes the genre into uncharted territory, delivering an experience unlike any other. Take Jurassic World Evolution, which adds a thrilling prehistoric twist. Now, get ready for a new entry that promises to shake things up even more: Mars Attracts, a quirky theme park management game slated for 2025, is about to make a splash with a unique twist.

Unveiled earlier this year at Gamescom, Mars Attracts was one of those jaw-dropping surprises that left us all saying, “wait, what?” This peculiar PC game merges the beloved Planet Coaster vibe with the surreal setting of Mars. It’s based on a long-lost IP spun off from a 90s box office dud, Mars Attacks—a star-studded comedic take on alien invasions. Seeing it revived as a theme park sim, two decades later, feels delightfully absurd.

But don’t worry, Mars Attracts isn’t likely to mimic the flop of its cinematic namesake. This game challenges you to design a theme park catering to Martian visitors. While they’ll have their pick of rides, the real kicker is the enclosures and attractions featuring none other than abducted humans. You read that right—humans are the main spectacle this time around.

In this adventurous endeavor, you’ll capture individuals from iconic periods such as Ancient Rome or the Wild West. Each human is uniquely from a different era, requiring cleverly designed enclosures to keep them contained. A flimsy Martian-made glass pen isn’t going to cut it for Roman gladiators, for instance.

Players can choose between treating these human exhibits comfortably or terrifying them, including the infamous probing. Martian amusement comes in many forms, it seems—benevolent hospitality or alien mischief.

Naturally, managing these extraterrestrial amusement hubs is no small feat. The core gameplay loops are reminiscent of traditional tycoon experiences, yet with only one trailer released so far, there’s still plenty left to discover as development continues.

For those eager to get involved and lend a hand, developer Outlier is inviting players to join their quirky adventure by participating in the initial playtest, which is set to launch soon.

The Mars Attracts closed alpha playtest kicks off on Wednesday, December 4, with the game aiming for early access in 2025.

If you’re someone who relishes in the joy of building and managing, don’t miss our guide to the top building games. Looking to refine your strategic prowess? Check out our curated lists of the finest strategy games available.

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