Waking Mars

 iOS
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
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  1. Quarter to Three
    Apr 23, 2012
    100
    Waking Mars is just about the coolest new thing I've seen someone do with a side-scrolling Castlevania/Metroid exploration game.
  2. AppSpy
    Mar 6, 2012
    100
    Waking Mars mixes human curiosity with a fascinating storyline straight out of the pages of a sci-fi classic; learn to master Mars' complex ecosystem and find out whether or not there truly is sentient life close to home.
  3. TouchArcade
    Mar 5, 2012
    100
    Spider was an amazing experiment in storytelling; Waking Mars raises the bar on quality in long-form iOS games. Neither should be missed under any circumstances. Get this game. Whether you adore it as I do or not, it's worth experiencing.
  5. Slide to Play
    Mar 1, 2012
    100
    Waking Mars offers a unique, engaging, atmospheric experience you won't find anywhere else.
  6. AppSmile
    Mar 7, 2012
    90
    Just as Eufloria impressed us with its incorporation of naturalistic aspects into an RTS shell, Waking Mars has built its science fiction adventure around creating and cultivating plant life to reinvigorate the fourth rock from the sun.
  7. Gamezebo
    Mar 5, 2012
    90
    Waking Mars is a smart, well-crafted game whose smart complexity means it won't appeal to everyone.
  8. Pocket Gamer UK
    Mar 1, 2012
    90
    Captivating, elegant, and fiendishly clever, Waking Mars delivers a science-fiction epic that's a delight to explore, and rewarding to play.
  9. Games Master UK
    Jun 25, 2012
    89
    The detail is astounding. [Aug 2012, p.86]
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  10. Multiplayer.it
    Apr 21, 2012
    88
    Despite some shadows and a not-so-deep game mechanic, Waking Mars is an amazing adventure game, with great atmosphere and wonderful sound design. A top notch experience from the developers behind Spider: The Secret of Bryce Manor.
  11. Impulsegamer
    Apr 11, 2012
    86
    Even with this failing, there is still a lot going for this game. The game is still a joy to play. The controls are intuitive while the graphics and music combine to form a claustrophobic, lonely atmosphere. In addition, the narrative is intriguing enough to keep you playing. Who would have thought that horticulture would be this much fun? Waking Mars is a game worth playing for its immersive and refreshing gameplay.
  12. Modojo
    Mar 21, 2012
    80
    There's corny dialogue, and you'll probably get stuck several times, but Waking Mars' positives far outweigh its negatives, making it a cool space exploration game to have on the go.
  13. 148Apps
    Mar 1, 2012
    80
    Waking Mars will be loved by fans of Metroidvania-style adventure games. Some of the backtracking can get annoying, but this is another fine title from Tiger Style Games.
  14. Edge Magazine
    Feb 29, 2012
    80
    Waking Mars is ultimately a game about ecological balance, but it's the balance of a different kind – of art, narrative, and puzzle mechanics - that makes it so very satisfying to play.

Awards & Rankings

86
#86 Best iOS Game of 2012

User Reviews

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User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 12
  3. Negative: 2 out of 12
  1. ksarkodie31
    Nov 26, 2014
    8
    Waking Mars is one of iPad greatest essentials, setting a new combination of adventure and plat former. It is one of the best on iOS and is aWaking Mars is one of iPad greatest essentials, setting a new combination of adventure and plat former. It is one of the best on iOS and is a true pioneer. 81/100… Full Review »
  2. Osman
    Apr 19, 2013
    9
    I actually have the game for the Android operating system but since I could not find that version of the game on Metacritic I entered myI actually have the game for the Android operating system but since I could not find that version of the game on Metacritic I entered my review here.

    Waking Mars is a wonderful and creative game which portrays the efforts of a two-person team exploring lifeforms beneath the surface of Mars. The life forms are portrayed as several individuals in a complex ecosystem, a feature that I particularly note for it's creativeness. I feel like this game could be used to engage students in biology classes, at least in the respect that it would give them a (rough) idea of how lifeforms arise and how evolution provides a process for competing organisms to arise, which in turn creates ecological balance. I also feel that it provides a nice counter-point to standard sci-fi video game and movie fare which generally seems to portray nature as a violent, mystical, inexplicable and seemingly always opposed to the existence of man.

    If you are looking for a unique experience amongst the myriad of (often mediocre) independent video games produced for the iOS and Android operating systems I would give this game a try. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.    … Full Review »
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