Mars and Beyond Specification

Overview

Mars and Beyond! is a resource management and strategy game set in a near-future scenario starting in 2025, where humanity is racing against time to colonize Mars. Players assume the role of a mission director tasked with designing rockets, conducting R&D, and creating sustainable supply chains. The game progresses from launching initial missions to establishing bases on Mars and automating supply and development systems, all while balancing Earth’s needs and exploring the Red Planet’s untapped potential. This is a game about embracing A New Frontier while managing interconnected challenges on Earth and Mars.

Core Gameplay Features

• Resource Management:
  • Players must gather and manage resources such as metals, fuels, energy, and scientific data.
  • Balancing limited resources across multiple competing priorities (research, construction, testing, etc.) is key to success.
• Timeline Pressure:
  • The game’s progression, representing political and environmental pressures to reach Mars.
  • Milestones and events tied to the timeline (e.g., funding cuts, technological breakthroughs) add urgency.
• Rocket and Equipment Design:
  • Modular design system for rockets and equipment.
  • Players customize rockets for specific missions (e.g., cargo transport, scientific exploration, habitat delivery).
  • Includes trade-offs like cost vs. performance and risk vs. reward.
• Technological Development:
  • Research tree with advancements in propulsion, robotics, life support, and automation technologies.
  • Unlocking new technologies requires investment in R&D and collaboration with international or private entities.
• Mission Execution:
  • Players plan missions and execute them in phases: pre-launch preparation, launch, transit, and Mars operations.
  • Randomized challenges (weather, mechanical failures, etc.) during missions keep gameplay dynamic.
• Colony Building:
  • After reaching Mars, players shift focus to building and sustaining a colony.
  • Balance life support, resource production, and expansion under harsh Martian conditions.
  • Build relay systems to automate supplies and development, creating an interconnected Earth-Mars economy.
• Discovery and Exploration:
  • Uncover Martian secrets such as ancient geological formations, potential biosignatures, and resource-rich regions and mining.
  • Integrate discoveries into the colony’s development and expand scientific knowledge.

Key Mechanics

• Progressive Unlocking
• Dynamic Events
• Collaborative Opportunities
• Risk vs. Reward System
• Automated Systems

Art Style & Aesthetics

• Art Style: Semi-realistic with vibrant colors to distinguish Earth and Mars environments. Clean UI for a futuristic feel.
• Visual Themes:
  • Earth: Urban landscapes, bustling spaceports, and high-tech facilities.
  • Mars: Red deserts, towering Olympus Mons, and domed habitats.

Technical Specifications

• Platforms: PC (Steam, Epic Games Store), Potential future expansion to consoles.
• Engine: Unreal Engine or Unity for scalability and graphical fidelity.
• Gameplay Modes:
  • Single-player campaign.
  • Sandbox mode with adjustable parameters.
  • Potential co-op or competitive multiplayer (future roadmap).
• Sound & Music:
  • Soundtrack: Atmospheric and dynamic music that evolves with gameplay intensity.
  • Sound Effects: Realistic rocket launches, Martian wind, and subtle background sounds for immersion.
  • Voiceovers: Mission control communications, tutorial guidance, and occasional narrative storytelling.

Target Audience

• Gamers who enjoy strategy, simulation, and resource management genres.
• Fans of space exploration and science fiction themes.
• Ages 12+ (complexity is accessible but challenging).

Development Timeline

• Pre-production (3 months): Concept refinement, prototyping, and team assembly. Initial asset creation and technical framework setup.
• Production (6–9 months): Full asset development, coding core mechanics, and building the campaign. Iterative testing and balancing.
• Post-production (3 months): Final QA testing, polishing, and marketing. Launch preparations.

Post-launch Support

• Patches, additional content updates, and community engagement.

Monetization Model

• Base game purchase (one-time fee).
• Optional DLC packs featuring new missions, technologies, and storylines.
• No pay-to-win mechanics; monetization remains ethical.

Success Metrics

• Strong sales performance during launch month.
• Active community engagement on forums and social media.
• Expansion opportunities through DLC or sequels.