At completexbox we are very much community driven, and welcome guest articles, opinion pieces and reviews. This Review is written by the very talented IM Dave Angel
Developed by QuByte Interactive, Mars 2120 review played on Xbox Series S “Mars to earth…. Where was I?”
Ok, Sum up the Game “Mars 2120” for me…
Mars 2120 is an action-adventure game offering a classic Metroidvania experience. Set in a Martian colony, players take on the role of Sgt. Anna “Thirteen” Charlotte, navigating through a series of challenges to uncover the mysteries of the colony.
How does this game play?
The game is set on a huge base which is split into various biomes. Progress is either directed in the earlier sections of the game, blocked to you until you have a required upgrade or simply dropping you into a hostile situation and leaving you to get on with it.
Anna’s abilities are basic at the start of the game, but you can augment her abilities with various upgrades found at some of the hardest to reach upgrades on any game.
Double-jumping and elemental upgrades are very much cookie-cutter and can open new routes. However, the backtracking typical of games of this type feels forced, sometimes forcing you to go from one side of the map to the other to work with your new, shiny upgrade.
How does Mars 2120 stack up Visually?
Mars 2120 is a throwback to classic sprite-based action games, with well-designed characters and massive, threatening bosses. The environments, while not groundbreaking, are serviceable and fit the retro aesthetic.
The sound design is decent, with battle audios and voice logs that add to the immersion, though the soundtrack could be more dynamic. On a side note, Mars 2120 played beautifully with Xbox Remote play via my Steam deck. The form factor and the level of polish on the game really suited each other and made it a joy to play.
How big is the map and how do you get about?
Fast travelling is cumbersome, requiring the player to unlock the tram stations in each area. Otherwise, traversal can be a real pain. I often found myself back tracking a control room (save point) because that appears to be the closest.
Does this game have a decent, compelling story?
The story is lacking, with minimal narrative development throughout the game. This might leave players wanting more in terms of plot and character depth, but if you know what you will expect then you will not be too disappointed.
The presentation, while nostalgic, may not appeal to everyone, especially those looking for a more modern visual experience.
Combat and Challenges.
Combat in Mars 2120 is a mixed bag. While the elemental upgrades and twin-stick shooter mechanics are fun, the enemy AI can be inconsistent, leading to frustrating encounters. Boss fights, although visually impressive, often lack the challenge and complexity seen in other games of the genre.
Final Thoughts
Mars 2120 has its moments, particularly in its exploration and upgrade mechanics. However, it falls short in control, storytelling and enemy design, making it a solid but not exceptional entry in the Metroidvania genre.
Overall
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CX Score - 65%65%
Summary
Pros
- A decent Metroidvania entry with good exploration mechanics.
- Bosses are varied and seem difficult, but studying their patterns soon means they are no longer a problem. They are a highlight of the game.
Cons
- Controls are very “loose” and can make precision jumping a nightmare.
- Combat can result in your character being ricocheted back and forth when you don’t have the
correct weapon types to handle them. - Fast Travel is cumbersome with the use of Tram stations which can only be used once you have
unlocked them.