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. Time
    Jan 11, 2016
    100
    If you like brutally exacting clockwork games with appalling dilemmas, you’ll adore Tharsis.
  2. Examiner
    Jan 27, 2016
    80
    With its ability to captivate, dual modes and easy to pick up gameplay, Tharsis is a great diversion from your Fallout 4, Destiny and Call of Duty romps. It's also a perfect game to get non-gamers interested in the PlayStation 4. While it's never going to completely steal you away from the AAA games on the console, it's a fun little title that's able to do some big things with old-school game mechanics.
  3. Game Revolution
    Jan 14, 2016
    80
    I'm sure the punishing difficulty and numerous unfair dice rolls will turn many gamers against Tharsis, and that's perfectly understandable. However, the reward of actually beating the game truly elevates my spirit. I can only hope that the developers will continue the story with another punishing round that occurs on the red planet itself.
  5. COGconnected
    Jan 12, 2016
    80
    While its random elements will surely turn some gamers off, there is a lot to like about Tharsis. From its toying with morality to the pure ecstasy it provides when defying the odds and having a successful flight, there really isn’t anything else like it. If you’re willing to overcome a substantial learning curve, then you’ll your haphazard trip to Mars.
  6. Gaming Nexus
    Jan 12, 2016
    80
    Tharsis, you hate me, but I like you. Your small and meticulous craftsmanship. Your board game sensibilities. Your dancefloor rhythms thumping out the soundtrack to my cyclical death. I couldn't stop myself from voyaging (and dying on the way) to Tharsis again and again.
  7. GamesBeat
    Jan 11, 2016
    75
    How you feel about Tharsis probably depends on how you feel about board games, soul-crushing challenges, and shorter gaming experiences. If you love tabletop games, repeatedly dying while learning, or heavily micro-managing resources, Tharsis is a worthwhile way to spend an evening.
  8. PlayStation LifeStyle
    Jan 7, 2016
    75
    If the thought of losing at a game over and over until you finally understand all of its nuances does not sound like a good time, then you can safely pass on Tharsis. If, however, you love tabletop games, or enjoy the challenge of micro-managing several scarce resources at a time in an almost vain effort against nearly insurmountable odds, then by all means buy Tharsis.

User Reviews

All reviews »
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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