The long-awaited space-based strategy game Tharsis is now available on the App Store

By , on June 27, 2019
Last modified 5 years, 6 months ago

After an exceedingly long wait, the iPad version of turn-based strategy game Tharsis is finally set for launch on the App Store. This one originally released all the way back in 2015 for PS4 and PC, and it was met with a fairly warm reception thanks to its layered dice-based decision making and high level of challenge.

The idea is that you’re in charge of humanity’s first trip to Mars. Surprising precisely no one, the trip takes a turn for the worse, and soon you and your crew are racing against the clock to keep everyone alive.

You have 10 turns to make it to Mars. Besides keeping the crew fed and watered, you’ll also have to contend with various ship modules going on the fritz. Electrical fires can start at a moment’s notice, the ship’s oxygen could become contaminated, and folk might starve if you're not careful.

In many ways it’s quite like 2012’s FTL: Faster Than Light, though Tharsis leans much more into board game randomness. The trailer below does a pretty good job of presenting the game’s desperate tone and many difficult decisions.

The iPad version of Tharsis is now available for download over on the App Store, so go check it out.