Surviving Mars: Relaunched

Surviving Mars: Relaunched is a re-release of the original 2018 game, incorporating all DLCs and migrating to a new engine. While it introduces some new features like a political system and UI improvements, the majority of players feel it is essentially the same game with minimal enhancements. Many longtime fans are disappointed by the game's numerous persistent bugs, some inherited from the original and others newly introduced. The asteroid mining and train systems are frequently cited as broken or frustrating to use. Performance issues, clunky UI elements, and lack of meaningful bug fixes further mar the experience.

Players lament the pricing strategy, seeing it as a cash grab forcing owners of the original game to pay again for bug fixes and minor updates. The removal of the original game from stores and abandonment of its support adds to the frustration. Despite the solid core gameplay and some interesting new mechanics, the game feels rushed, underdeveloped, and incomplete in its current state. Many recommend waiting for future patches or sales before purchasing.

Highlights

Players praise the core gameplay mechanics of Surviving Mars, highlighting its relaxing management and strategic depth. The new political system adds a fresh layer of strategy and replayability. Visual improvements and UI updates are appreciated by some, making the game run smoother on certain PCs. The inclusion of all DLCs in one package is seen as a positive for new players. The game remains a beloved city-building and colony simulation experience for fans of the genre.

Longtime fans enjoy the improved underground navigation and the reworked research tree, which reduces wasted research. The political mechanics and new buildings like retirement homes add convenience and variety. For newcomers, the relaunch offers a comprehensive package with quality content and a solid foundation.

Criticisms

The game suffers from numerous bugs, including citizens getting stuck or homeless despite available housing, broken asteroid landers prioritizing waste rock, and non-functional train systems. Performance issues like erratic FPS drops and crashes are common. The UI is criticized for being clunky, washed out, and lacking intuitive features such as clear building unlock indicators and adjustable notification settings. Many players find the new content underwhelming and poorly integrated, with expansions feeling like rushed add-ons rather than true reworks.

The pricing is widely viewed as excessive, especially for existing owners who receive only limited discounts. The removal of the original game and cessation of its support is seen as unfair. Players express frustration at the lack of promised bug fixes and the perception of a profit-driven rather than passion-driven release. Overall, the relaunch is considered incomplete and not worth full price at launch.