Tharsis

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
65

Mixed or average reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 16
  3. Negative: 2 out of 16
  1. PSNStores
    Feb 25, 2016
    70
    Each turn demands perfection, and if you are not refilling on food and repairing your hull, your ship just isn’t going to make it. Haven’t met such an unforgiving game in some time, things start out difficult and they only get worse (I lost by turn 3 sometimes). Watch some gameplay videos before jumping into this one.
  2. Gamer.nl
    Feb 21, 2016
    65
    Tharsis offers a lots of frustration and excitement, but when it comes to explaining things Tharsis seems to be lacking. The gameplay is a tad repetitive and therefore gets boring swiftly. That is a pity, cause the playing the dice and the good buildup makes Tharsis an interesting game.
  3. Brash Games
    Jan 29, 2016
    60
    A soft pass. It’s good at face value but has a lot of design issues that can and should really be patched. For £12.99 I say no way, but for £5 I’d probably say give it a whirl. It’s definitely a fun experience for the first hour, but eventually it devolves into an ever sinking pit of despair.
  5. Digitally Downloaded
    Jan 21, 2016
    60
    Tharsis is an incredibly meaningful game that has picked a woefully inadequate format to express an innately intelligent idea.
  6. ZTGD
    Jan 14, 2016
    60
    Tharsis is a game of management, analysis, and some dumb luck. There were times I found it highly enjoyable, but there were more times I found it frustratingly unfair.
  7. CGMagazine
    Jan 13, 2016
    60
    Tharsis is an enjoyable game to start, but the frustrations and random nature of the game quickly eliminate the fun.
  8. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Mar 7, 2016
    50
    Clumsy menus and the endless randomness quickly ensure the adventure is lost in space. [March 2016, p.88]
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User Reviews

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User Score
6.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 18 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 18
  3. Negative: 5 out of 18
  1. zencube
    Jul 20, 2017
    5
    I played more then 10 hours and couldn't finish the game once! This bothers me pretty much and I feel frustrated as I really hate theI played more then 10 hours and couldn't finish the game once! This bothers me pretty much and I feel frustrated as I really hate the unfairness of the game play. Almost everything is randomly generated and depends on your luck on the dice. The dice, however seem to have their own rules of 'randomness' and so many times, it's just ONE number missing to repair a module, which then, of course, ends your journey again.

    I don't understand how the developers made it so difficult and frustrating to get through. Even you are a good strategic and know how everything works, if you got the wrong numbers, you've got no chance at all! So, all this leaves a biter taste in my experience and if there's one thing I realy hate: Spending time in something, that gives you in return constant frustration! And I couldn't finish the game once... thank you very much!    … Full Review »
  2. robottoman
    Mar 11, 2016
    8
    Lots of reviews claimed this game is just luck and randomness. After seeing the mechanics in action I was sceptical this was the case andLots of reviews claimed this game is just luck and randomness. After seeing the mechanics in action I was sceptical this was the case and decided to try it out, and I can assure you skill and strategy plays a huge roll. Although I had to try more than 10 times before beating the game (and it did feel very unfair at the beginning), I am now able to consistently win without much trouble. The core mechanics of the game is a lot of fun if you enjoy something like King of Tokyo. The game progression feels a lot like FTL, but progress feels slightly less rewarding (all steps and events are the same, the only difference is difficulty and size of impact). I think therein lies one of the problems with the game. From the first step you are exposed to all aspects of the game, nothing changes. The only thing to discover is a strategy that works. And while finding that strategy is challenging and lots of fun, once you have a solid strategy down it feels almost trivial. Presentation is very corny, the cut scenes and narratives are cringeworthy, but luckily they are skippable. Despite it's flaws if you are looking for a challenging game to scratch that FTL itch, this did it for me. With some very minor tweaks and an easy mode for casual players this could of been a cult classic.… Full Review »
  3. FriedConsole
    Jan 16, 2016
    8
    This game is like a cross between FTL and Yahtzee. The "tutorial" is a collection of a few tool tips that doesn't explain 10% of the game.This game is like a cross between FTL and Yahtzee. The "tutorial" is a collection of a few tool tips that doesn't explain 10% of the game. Luckily it isn't that complicated that after 4 or 5 attempts it starts to click. Once you do understand what is going on you realize your pass or fail is mostly determined by random draws. Random events are brutal and the game seems almost impossible even on normal. Very much like Klondike solitaire in that sometimes you draw a hand that is impossible no matter what you do. Everything about it is pleasing to the eyes. An undo button on dice placement would be very much welcome. Still very addicting and I keep trying despite never reaching the end of this game.… Full Review »
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