MARS 2120

“Mars 2120 is a very interesting and fun experience, featuring beautiful graphics and innovative gameplay elements, although some are too innovative to be easily understood by the player.”

“Some interesting ideas attempt to revitalize a more cinematic and grand style in a metroidvania that stumbles where it matters most: gameplay.”

“Mars 2120 is an engaging game that features fast action-exploration backed by awesome controls. Its repetitive enemies and weak soundtrack hold it back. Good for genre fans, but far from exceptional.”

“A Metroidvania where you can feel the effort to make it good, but just has too many rough edges to stand out among titans”

“It's not enough to invoke the sacred monsters of the metroidvania genre to make a good game, and MARS 2120 is proof. QUByte Entertainment's game is a disaster across the board, with weak narrative, flawed gameplay, and outdated technical aspects.”

“Mars 2120 is a title that suffers from very serious shortcomings in every respect. Its gameplay is dreadful, and the glance and optimization do not help. Its narrative side is nonexistent; the basic story is simple and does not capture in the least.”

“With bad gameplay, null ambiance, forgettable characters and music, [this] is a title that I don't have the slightest idea of how it managed to get release in this state. Despair to get out in the market or disregard for the consumer? Only a ton and a half of updates to make the game more interesting.”

“While the effort that went into creating Mars 2120 can certainly be praised, this is not the kind of game that you would easily recommend to friends. It's never bad or outright awful, mind you, and playing it is a fairly easy-going experience. But at the same time, low enemy variety, poor bosses, generic story and uneven optimization means that this game will stay very far from the top of the charts.”

“While reasonably competent and made by people with a vision, Mars 2120 stumbles frequently in its execution of RNG heavy bosses, poor signposting, and many small irritants.”

“MARS 2120, despite its mishaps, is a valid first try for the Brazilian studio, even if it's too close to classic works of the past. Though there are traces of inexperience in animation and limited budget to make the environments more unique, the level design and exploration keep the campaign at least engaging. It's far from being a highlight in our country's productions, which has been in a very interesting high moment in recent years, but it shows the potential of a promising team.”

“I believe the game can deliver considerable fun for those who miss the rare releases in the classic Metroid series, as well as for players looking for a short and fun journey that expands on the roots of the genre that Nintendo's series helped establish in the industry. Many of its problems will disappear after proper technical optimization, allowing this Brazilian game to shine at what it does best, despite its flaws.”

“Mars 2120 undeniably borrows heavily from the progenitor of the genre it aspires to emulate. Metroid hallmarks are here--along with a few interesting twists and setpieces--but are held back by some finicky issues and a rushed power creep.”

“MARS 2120 is one of the odd titles that contradict itself with good promises but ultimately fails when it comes to execution, which happens to be controls and a sense of direction when it comes to later levels. However, it is still an enjoyable title, and as I mentioned, the developers are keen on listening to feedback. If you are interested in 2D metroidvanias with shoot ‘em up elements, MARS 2120 might be a title you should look up to get.”

“MARS 2120 has the potential for a good game and even succeeds in visuals and tool versatility, but execution problems and an early-looking release prevent it, in its current state, from reaching the average in a medium as prolific as today's metroidvanias.”

“For fans of the genre MArs 2120 presents a serviceable adventure with some flashy powers, but it still feels very much like an early access game.”

“We commend Mars 2120 for what it does do well. It gets a few things right: the general aesthetic is on point, the ambient music is pleasant, and some of the upgrades you’ll pick up in your journey are pretty cool. But failing to nail the basic traits that make a Metroidvania means that we can't recommend this one.”