Mars Attracts is a theme park management sim, but with some very exciting and interesting caveats. First of all, the game is set in the Mars Attacks universe. Yes, the film from over 30 years ago that’s actually based on the 1960s Topps card collection. I didn’t get it either, but it works – trust me. Secondly, this is an Irish game, developed by Outlier, a game studio with bases in Belfast and Dublin.
So let’s get to it.
What is Mars Attracts?
I’ve played a bit of Mars Attracts and already know the exact itch it scratches. If you like Theme Hospital game play and humour, with Theme Park management and sci-fi spins – this is perhaps the best game in the world for you.
The game sees you take on the role of park manager for the aliens from Mars Attacks. Your job is to abduct humans from across history to display in customisable habitats. You can keep them happy and fed, but ultimately your job is to display them for Martian visitors.
How you entertain your guess is up to you. You can put on shows of culture or cruelty, all depending on how you look after or “look after” your humans.
Alongside the human exhibitions, you look after the regular aspects of a park; water supply, food, electricity and, of course, roller coasters and other rides.
Is Mars Attracts Worth Buying?
I met the game’s developers at Gamescom in Cologne last month. I have to admit, I didn’t really get the idea or the draw of the game’s mechanics with Mars Attacks lore.
But I was so wrong.
I totally get it. The idea of humans being abducted for Martian pleasure is beautiful. It’s a finger point towards how horrid humans can be, but done so in such a playful manner. The game itself is also just enjoyable to play (speaking as a massive Theme Hospital, City Skylines, general sci-fi fan).
The game, currently with a Very Positive rating and over 5,000 page follows, is now available to buy on Steam in Early Access. According to the developers, the Early Access version includes the game’s core systems, such as construction, financial and staff management, human abductions, attractions, and guest satisfaction mechanics. The game has been tested and localised, though Outlier says it will continue to monitor and address any technical issues that emerge during Early Access.
Planned updates include new maps, enclosures, amenities, and additional features shaped by community feedback. Outlier will use its Discord server to gather input from players, with the studio describing its development approach as player-guided.
The game is well worth a purchase, especially in Early Access. I can tell I’ll sink a few hours into this for sure.
About Outlier
Normally, I probably would see the need to go into specifics about Outlier, but they are Irish. Outlier Games is an indie studio based in Dublin and Belfast, known for crafting quirky, strategic games that keep players coming back for more.
Founded in 2018, this small but mighty team combines tech wizardry, creative flair, and a love for insight-driven design to deliver innovative, replayable experiences like “This Means Warp”. With a hands-on approach that values fan feedback and big ideas, Outlier Games is all about making strategy fun, fresh, and full of surprises.
Save 10% when you buy Mars Attracts now on Steam, for less than €25.
