Mars Attracts is out now

To say that I’m surprised is one thing, but shocked might be a better word. Announced back in 2024, Outlier’s weird little movie tie-in game isn’t like anything else you’ll see within that weird section of gaming. Yes, I know about the Topps cards, but I think most would agree that to them, Mars Attacks is the 1996 film by Tim Burton, and I could be wrong, but I don’t think that film was about building a theme park on Mars. I wasn’t shocked because of the game’s idea, but rather the fact that it is out now in early access.

“The highly anticipated park management sim Mars Attracts launched today into Early Access on Steam,” notes the press release sent out yesterday. It also came with a release date trailer showcasing the very 90s tycoon-infused gameplay and attractions you’ve abducted– I mean, procured through totally normal Martian means that didn’t result in killing anyone in Nevada.

The press release continues: “Budding Martian park managers will have to abduct humans, conduct twisted experiments, delight their guests with both culture and cruelty, and contend with unexpected human escapes. Fans who already played the demo for Mars Attracts will find a host of new content in the Early Access release, including all new maps, missions, buildings[,] and characters.

Fans of the game will also have a chance to pick up a very special Supporter’s Edition, which includes an hour-long behind-the-scenes featurette, the game’s soundtrack, and [a] 56-page artbook packed full of never-before-seen concept art, illustrations[,] and character design. Supporters will also have access to a bonus human enclosure and special character – the Space Age!“

I’ll tell you why I was surprised by the release of Mars Attracts – I thought it would have been around Halloween, simply because of the sci-fi bent to it. That or the anniversary of the film’s release in December. Don’t expect the early access release to take so long that it will actually coincide with the film’s 30th anniversary next year, though, as the team notes, “Early Access for Mars Attracts is expected to last about nine months, with development following a player-guided approach.” The team at Outlier is inviting players to join the studio’s Discord to have a say on elements of development.

As the team at Outlier notes in the press release, “Mars Attracts combines the rich systems and in-depth management simulations familiar to fans of games like Roller Coaster Tycoon, Theme Hospital[,] and Zoo Tycoon with the retro futuristic, B-movie inspired style and darkly mischievous humor of this beloved IP.” So it is no wonder that another reason I was shocked by the almost sudden release was the fact that I had it on my wishlist, but didn’t find out until yesterday.

Announced the day before Steam was broken by some small Australian game, it is no wonder the news of Mars Attracts‘ early access launch was lost in the shuffle. Available now on Steam in that glorious B-movie pastiche via 90s management games, Mars Attracts has a 10% launch discount until the 22nd, dropping the price from $24.99 to $22.49, or in the UK £20.99 to $18.89, and in Europe €24.50 down to €22.05. The Supporter’s Edition is also available for $30.40, which gives you the aforementioned art book, soundtrack, and making-of film.