When it comes to creating a theme park filled with the classic excitement of rollercoasters, swirling carousels, and delicious hot dog stands, it’s always a good time. Yet, the most captivating tycoon games and theme park simulators transport you to unique places that few others dare to explore. Take Jurassic World Evolution, for instance—it’s a thrilling twist on the genre with its prehistoric charm. Enter Mars Attracts, an intriguingly odd management game slated for 2025 that promises to push those boundaries, and you’ll get your first chance to check it out soon.
Announced at this year’s Gamescom, Mars Attracts delivered a surprise that had everyone raising an eyebrow. Imagine a game like Planet Coaster, but on Mars, and crazier still, it’s based on a largely forgotten intellectual property from a late ’90s cinematic flop. That IP in question? Mars Attacks—a star-packed, dark comedy about an alien invasion. It’s quite the head-scratcher, seeing it revived as a theme park simulation after all these years.
But hey, just because the original movie didn’t win any awards doesn’t mean Mars Attracts is doomed to the same fate. This game invites you to craft a theme park for swarms of Martian visitors. Sure, there’ll be rides to build, but the twist? Creating enclosures and themed displays starring abducted humans. In Mars Attracts, humans are the spectacle.
Your interstellar hunts will take you across iconic time periods, from Ancient Rome to the Wild West. Each human you capture is unique, which means your enclosures must be cleverly designed—let’s face it, a gladiator isn’t going to be stopped by a simple piece of Martian glass, right?
Then comes the moral conundrum: do you make your human attractions comfortable, or do you test the limits of Martian amusement with a bit of terror? You might even resort to probing—and yes, that’s just as mischievous as it sounds, appealing to the whims of your alien guests.
While you’re busy assembling the ultimate Martian amusement, managing the theme park keeps the game grounded in its tycoon roots. At this early stage, the gameplay looks familiar, echoing the essentials of the genre. However, with just one trailer released, who knows what unexpected elements might still be under wraps.
Keen on experiencing this strangely charming venture firsthand? The developers at Outlier are gearing up for their initial playtest, and they’re seeking players willing to dive in.
Mark your calendars: the Mars Attracts closed alpha playtest kicks off on Wednesday, December 4. Meanwhile, the game itself is eyeing an early access launch sometime in 2025.
If you have a knack for crafting and building, make sure to explore our guide to the best building games—it’s packed with options for fellow enthusiasts. For those who thrive on strategic gameplay, our collections showcase the best efforts in strategy games.
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