Surreal Strategy Game Mars Attracts Prepares for Initial Playtest

Building the quintessential setup of roller coasters, carousels, and snack stands is always a blast, but the best tycoon games and theme park simulators go the extra mile to deliver experiences that stand out. Take Jurassic World Evolution, for instance, which takes a captivating prehistoric approach. But guess what? There’s a new game on the horizon that’s even more outlandish. Mars Attracts promises to be one of 2025’s most surprising entries, and soon you’ll get your first crack at trying it out.

Unveiled at Gamescom this year, Mars Attracts delivered one of those jaw-dropping ‘what the heck?’ surprises. It’s a PC game set to land next year, akin to Planet Coaster but based on an old, nearly forgotten IP resurrecting the quirky spirit of a late 1990s box office flop. Inspired by Mars Attacks — that star-laden, dark comedy about an alien invasion — this game’s unexpected return as a theme park simulator after 25 years is… peculiar, to say the least.

Now, don’t worry; Mars Attracts isn’t destined to flop like its movie predecessor. This game lets you craft a theme park catering to crowds of Martians. Aside from thrilling rides, you’ll create enclosures and themed exhibits showcasing humans, who are, for once, the main spectacle.

You’ll be ‘collecting’ these unfortunate folks from various epochs in history, going from Ancient Rome to the Wild West. Each human is unique, demanding cleverly designed enclosures to keep them secure — because let’s face it, a mere Martian glass enclosure probably won’t hold off a bunch of Roman gladiators.

The game allows a choice: treat your humans kindly or give in to the darker side and terrify them — yes, this does mean probing. Either way, your alien guests will get a kick out of it.

Besides crafting the ultimate Martian theme park, you’ll be managing it too. The gameplay appears similar to what tycoon enthusiasts are used to, yet with the game still in early development stages and just a single trailer available, there might be more twists awaiting.

To assist Outlier, the developers, in creating not only a stellar management sim but one that also radiates quirky charm, you could join their initial playtest starting soon.

The closed alpha for Mars Attracts is set to commence on Wednesday, December 4, and you can look forward to its early access roll-out sometime in 2025.

If building and crafting are right up your alley, our guide to top-tier building games will surely pique your interest. For those after more complex multitasking and management challenges, check out our best strategy games lists.

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