Developer: Its Anecdotal
Publisher: Its Anecdotal
Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux
Tested on: PC
39 Days to Mars – Review
Thanks to the recent technological developments, getting to Mars and studying the planet closely is no fantasy anymore. These developments surely give a lot of fuel for amazing stories and futuristic plans. Of course, going to Mars yourself won’t happen probably, unless you could do it via a game. Two friends have a splendid idea, making that trip to that foreign planet a bit more feasible for you too. Hopefully you like tea though.
Story
Sometimes ideas pop in your head and plans are made during a cup of tea. This is exactly what happened in this game. Sir Albert Wickes and The Right Honourable Clarence Baxter are two buddies that tend to get some crazy ideas and now they want to go on an exotic journey to Mars, in 39 days. Together they build a suitable carriage, called the HMS Fearful, and on the day of their departure you’re able to control this duo. The hard work was already done, so now you can just enjoy this trip … or that might be the idea at least. During this journey, you’ll need to solve certain problems that pop up. Are you going to make it to Mars?
Overall, there are a few things you need to do but the story value isn’t that high. You have to tackle some puzzles while venturing space but there isn’t much else to it. In the end, you’ll get through in about an hour, depending on your skill set and how well you work together with your partner, if you’re not flying solo of course.
Graphics
39 Days to Mars might have one of the most atypical graphical styles as it really leans to the steampunk setting. Everything is drawn like some doodles that you scribbled during a boring moment in class. Don’t get it wrong though, it might sound negative but it’s rather refreshing. There are so many small details that are hidden in-between the lines. The color scheme mostly stays in the black, white and brownish tones so you have the feeling you’re watching an older video rather than playing a recent game. Everything gives it a really authentic feeling, which will take you into this strange journey.
Sound
Every move you make will be guided by some more classical piano-tunes, while there are more than enough sound effects for you to enjoy. Some of them are subtle while others really stand out, like the clinging when you connect certain parts or when moving aimlessly in the vast amount of space. The conversations are voiced and as you’re in the good company of two British chaps that like their cuppa tea, you’ll hear that awesome accent going through your speakers.
Gameplay
39 Days to Mars a co-operative steampunk puzzle-adventure game, meaning that it is meant to play with two in local co-op. Of course, it is possible to navigate the HMS Fearful on your own. If you go down this path, you’ll be accompanied by the computer-controlled cat (which you also need to control during puzzles by combining keyboard and mouse). The developers have foreseen several puzzles for you, that are meant to be solved with two people. You have to work together with your partner to tackle the issues that arise and get that airship to Mars. For example, during your flight there might be an issue with the engine, where more than two hands are needed.
The difficulty of the game lies in the fact that there is no explanation at the beginning of the game or when presented with the puzzles. This means that you have to figure out what you need to do before actually diving into the problem. This might take some time and even frustrate you if you don’t see what you need to do. Even more, the teamwork part might also give some stress, as you need to have the utmost precision sometimes and communication is key in this case.
One of the downsides of the game is that there were a lot of tea-moments. Before every new problem, be ready to dive into the stash of teabags to make that perfect cup of tea. As there are no clarifications, you have to guess what you need to do to get the perfect recipe and this could lead to some flying sugar or spilled milk. No worries though, the mess you make is no issue and there is an unlimited amount of supplies, but you do need to have the right cup or you can start all over again.
Overall, you’ll be busy for approximately an hour and a half, depending on how fast you can solve certain tasks and if you’re a good tea master or not. At the end, you might have the feeling you expected something more. It is a fun experience, especially if you can work together with someone, but it might leave you with a hunger for more.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for something atypical, where you need to work together with someone to get to that exotic planet, then 39 Days to Mars is something for you to consider. Go on a journey with Sir Albert Wickes and The Right Honourable Clarence Baxter to this unknown planet, with puzzles and tasks along the way. The graphics will charm you as it’s a steampunk setting, while the sounds will help you with getting into the story. Gameplay wise, you’ll be left in the dark and you might be surprised when you notice you’re at the end of the journey. A fun game to try, but it’ll only fill one night of puzzling fun.
39 Days to Mars - Review,
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