Waking Mars

 PC
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. PC PowerPlay
    Feb 6, 2013
    90
    A true exemplar of intelligent game design, Waking Mars is a compelling and imaginative masterpiece. An absolute must-play. [Feb 2013, p.74]
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  2. Games.cz
    Jan 18, 2013
    80
    An original simulator of fictitious ecosystem, based on genuine science, that's been attracting the inner explorer in you, well in fact your inner grower. You will experience all of this in an intelligent and in some places a very impressive mature sci-fi.
  3. PC Gamer
    Feb 8, 2013
    73
    A calming, likeable adventure with an engaging premise, but Waking Mars’s roots could go a little deeper.
  5. Riot Pixels
    Jan 29, 2013
    70
    If the developers were a bit more creative with the concept, they could have turned the game into a great puzzle in a sandbox-style environment with terraforming and freedom of exploration. Alas, Waking Mars as it is now has neither decent puzzles nor sandbox gameplay, although if you're itching to play a god-sim, this one will do nicely.
  6. CD-Action
    Feb 6, 2013
    65
    It worked much better as an iOS game than it does on PC. [CD-Action 02/2013, p.69]
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User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 74 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 74
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 74
  3. Negative: 6 out of 74
  1. superecnate
    Jun 5, 2013
    10
    Waking Mars is a unique game. It's very diffrent from most games, because instead of killing, shooting, and destroying, your goal is toWaking Mars is a unique game. It's very diffrent from most games, because instead of killing, shooting, and destroying, your goal is to develop the devestated Martian ecosystem. It does not take long to become immersed, and it becomes difficult to leave the game. I found myself driven to explore, and solve the interesting mysteries that you begin to find. The dialoge is a bit long, but it is very interesting, and I often find myself wishing there were more of it. The characters are very well written, and aren't the sterotypical cast of most games. The most fascinating aspect of the game is that you have to play the scientist, and learn about how the ecosystem interacts. An amazing thing about the development of the game is the effort that the developers went through to make it scientifically accurate. You simply do not find the mumbo-jumble found in other games. The developers spent a lot of effort in this, and it shows. Thus, as long as you immerse yourself (which isn't hard to do), you will love this game.… Full Review »
  2. lmorsino
    Dec 22, 2012
    8
    Its nice to play a platformer where you're not just shooting stuff up. I enjoyed the fact that it had a science theme. Waking Mars is aIts nice to play a platformer where you're not just shooting stuff up. I enjoyed the fact that it had a science theme. Waking Mars is a relaxing, not too difficult puzzle/mystery game. It took me less than 6 hours to finish. The music is quite good, and the story kept me interested. The graphics have a unique style but could have been better in places. My big complaint was that many of the caverns looked similar and the animation could use help. Though for the price, the game is a good value and there's really not much to complain about. I would recommend it for someone who wants something a little more cerebral...… Full Review »
  3. malcolmm
    Nov 15, 2013
    6
    Waking Mars is an interesting game with unique (as far as I know) gameplay elements. You plant and in some cases feed plants on Mars toWaking Mars is an interesting game with unique (as far as I know) gameplay elements. You plant and in some cases feed plants on Mars to achieve various effects. Controls are simple, graphics and sound are also simple but don't detract from gameplay.

    But interesting play mechanics don't always yield fun gameplay and I found I had to force myself to keep playing to give it a chance. Perhaps once more plants are introduced it gets more interesting, but after discovering about 6-8 different plants I got bored and gave up.    … Full Review »
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