Mars 2120 Review (PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S & PC)

Set on the Red Planet in the 22nd century, Mars 2120 throws you on a mission to uncover the secrets of a mysterious Martian colony. The game aims to capture the thrill of classic Metroidvanias while adding a futuristic flair.

But does it deliver? Mars 2120 has fantastic features, like elemental abilities that spice up exploration and combat. However, it also has its share of rough patches. The story and setting are solid, but how well does it all come together? Let’s dive in and see if Mars 2120 stands out in the world of Metroidvania games.

The Red Planet Adventure

Mars 2120 kicks off with a pretty cool setup: a Martian colony has gone dark. Now, it’s up to Sergeant Anna, a top-notch space marine, to find out what’s happened. After a dramatic crash landing, she lands in an eerily silent and deserted colony, setting the stage for a mysterious adventure.

The game does a great job of telling its story through a mix of environmental clues and cinematic cutscenes. As you explore, you’ll piece together the mystery of the missing colony by finding bits of the narrative scattered around. Audio logs are convenient, giving you more background on what went down and adding extra depth to the story.

Anna is a standout character with her bravery and determination. She’s easy to root for as you dig into the colony’s secrets. The story keeps you hooked with its suspense and intrigue. It might not be groundbreaking in sci-fi, but it’s engaging and makes you want to see how it all plays out. Notably, exploring the deserted Martian colony is both thrilling and immersive, thanks to a solid narrative and Anna’s compelling journey.

Moreover, Sergeant Anna is a standout character in Mars 2120. With her sleek, high-tech suit and silent demeanor, she’s got a cool and mysterious vibe. Her design gives a nod to classic sci-fi heroes, like Samus from Metroid. It’s clear she’s a skilled space marine, ready for action on the Martian surface.

Anna doesn’t talk much, which adds to her intrigue. Instead of dialogue, her story unfolds through the environment and audio logs. This silence makes her actions and the game’s events feel more personal. Watching her tackle challenges and uncover secrets keeps players engaged and invested in her journey.

A Rollercoaster of Highs and Lows

The gameplay in Mars 2120 is where the game’s potential shines brightest. Unfortunately, this is also where its flaws are most apparent.

The game’s core mechanics are rooted in the Metroidvania genre. It features a perfect blend of exploration, combat, and progression. However, its execution can sometimes feel uneven, impacting the overall experience.

One of Mars 2120’s most notable features is its complex save system. It’s reminiscent of older Metroidvania titles like Symphony of the Night. This system requires you to save at designated points throughout the game. While this classic approach can be nostalgic for some, it comes with its own set of challenges.

The saving system works as intended, allowing you to save your progress at specific points. However, players have reported annoying glitches where the save screen appears even when you’re not at a save point. This can interrupt gameplay, particularly during intense moments or exploration. For example, when you are deep in a battle or solving a complex puzzle, only to have the game’s save screen pop up and disrupt your focus. These glitches can diminish the immersion and flow of this adventure game.

Hit and Miss

When it comes to the weapons in Mars 2120, there are definitely some hits and some misses. Let’s start with the good stuff. The flamethrower is an absolute blast. It feels powerful and incredibly satisfying to use. Whether you’re torching enemies up close or clearing out clusters of foes, the flamethrower delivers a thrilling experience that keeps you coming back for more. 

Now, onto the misses. Unfortunately, the other two main weapons, the electric gun and the ice shotgun don’t quite measure up. While they’ve seen some improvements since the early access build, they still feel lacking. The electric gun lacks punch, and the ice shotgun doesn’t pack the satisfying oomph you’d expect from a weapon of its kind. This disparity in weapon quality can make combat feel uneven. Consequently, you may rely heavily on melee attacks or the flamethrower to get the job done.

Speaking of melee, it’s a mixed bag as well. The melee system can be fun, especially when you’re up against the game’s various enemies. However, the lack of clarity for enemy melee attacks means you’ll often get hit without warning. This can be particularly frustrating when facing human enemies, whose quick melee strikes give you little time to react. 

Despite these issues, there are moments when the combat in Mars 2120 shines. The game’s potential is evident in the design of its weapons and the core mechanics. With a bit more polish and balance, the combat could have been a major highlight. As it stands, it’s a hit-and-miss experience that leaves you wishing for more consistency and refinement.

Get Your GPS

Exploring the world of Mars 2120 is both a thrilling and sometimes annoying experience. On the one hand, the game’s environments are beautifully designed, offering a rich, immersive atmosphere. Thumbs up to the developers for creating a world that feels alive and worth exploring.

The map system, however, is where things start to get tricky. Initially, the map was helpful, marking everything from collected power-ups to important locations. But as you go deeper into the game, inconsistencies start to appear. Some crucial entrances and exits, like the greenhouse, are mysteriously unmarked. This can lead to moments of frustration as you wander around, trying to figure out where to go next.

Another issue is the world map’s zoom function. Whenever you zoom in or out, it resets your cursor back to your current location. This means you have to repeatedly scroll through the different zones to find the area you want to examine, which gets old fast. Additionally, some locations need to be labeled on the map, like Surface East being west of Surface West, which adds another layer of confusion.

Despite these issues, navigating the world of Mars 2120 can still be enjoyable. The satisfaction of finally finding that hidden power-up or unlocking a new area is immense. If you’re willing to put up with the map’s occasional frustrations, there’s a lot to discover in this sci-fi adventure. Just be prepared for a few bumps along the way.

The Game Changer

In Mars 2120, elemental abilities aren’t just cool powers; they’re game-changers. As Sergeant Anna, players unlock three distinct elements: electricity, ice, and fire. Each one isn’t just about flashy effects; they’re vital to navigating the game worldscape and taking down enemies. The best part? You can switch between them on the fly, which adds a nice layer of strategy.

These abilities really shine when it comes to exploration. The game uses them to gate certain areas. Therefore, you’ll need to think about which element to use and when. Electricity lets you dash through gaps and cables, ice helps you cross water, and fire melts away obstacles. It keeps things fresh and ensures that exploring Mars never gets old.

Combat also gets a boost from these elemental powers. Each one changes up your weapon. For instance, electricity gives you a laser rifle, ice equips a shotgun, and fire hands you a flamethrower. This variety means you’ll need to consider which weapon works best against the different enemies you face. It’s all about experimenting and finding the right strategy, which makes every encounter feel unique. This clever use of elements is a standout feature that sets Mars 2120 apart in the crowded Metroidvania games.

Verdict 

Mars 2120 has its moments, but it could have hit better. The game looks fantastic, and the sound design pulls you into its sci-fi world. The weapons, especially the flamethrower, are fun to use and show what the game could have been with a bit more polish.

However, there are too many frustrating elements that drag the experience down. The save system is annoying, and the map often leaves you scratching your head. The combat can be a mixed bag, with some bosses being snoozed and others ending way too quickly.

Glitches pop up more often than they should, and navigating the map can take time and effort. Plus, not knowing when you’ve hit the point of no return can lead to some real headaches. The final boss fight, while initially exciting, ends up feeling unbalanced and awkward.

Hardcore Metroidvania fans might find enough to enjoy here, but for most players, the game’s rough edges will likely be too much. With more time and attention to detail, Mars 2120 could have been something special. As it stands, it’s a mixed experience that leaves you wondering what could have been.