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Deliver Us Mars

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Deliver Us Mars
Item: Deliver Us Mars
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Third Person Perspective, Platformer, Single Player

AvailableFeb 2, 2023

PlatformXbox One, PC, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

DeveloperKeokeN Interactive

Overview

Deliver Us Mars is an atmospheric sci-fi adventure taking you on a suspense-fuelled, high-stakes mission to recover the ARK colony ships stolen by the mysterious Outward.

Elsewhere

7.5

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

A bold narrative praised for emotional depth, thematic ambition, and cinematic storytelling, yet hampered by uneven pacing, repetitive mechanics, and underdeveloped characters, leaving critics divided between admiration for its vision and frustration with its flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

46%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

51%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Deliver Us Mars receives praise for its emotional depth, thematic richness, and narrative ambition. Many critics highlight its exploration of climate catastrophe, family dynamics, and moral ambiguity, with IGN France noting a "strong narrative with family drama intertwined with the previous game's plot," and TheXboxHub praising its "absolutely stellar" emotional depth and atmospheric storytelling. The game’s focus on Kathy Johanson’s personal journey, including her relationship with her father and the consequences of human actions, resonates with reviewers like GamingBolt, who lauds its cinematic approach and well-written characters. Themes of hope versus extinction, as emphasized by GamingTrend, and philosophical reflections inspired by films like 2001: A Space Odyssey, add layers to the narrative. Additionally, GameGrin and Wccftech commend the layered storytelling, with flashbacks enriching Kathy’s relationship with her family and making the story more relatable. However, several critics criticize the game’s execution, pointing to pacing issues, repetitive elements, and underdeveloped characters. GameCritics and GameSkinny condemn the story as "depressing," "uninteresting," and "implausible," with static character interactions and forced drama overshadowing its themes. TheGamer and Xbox Achievements note uneven pacing, dull hologram logs, and pedestrian puzzles that detract from immersion. Softpedia and PC Invasion argue the narrative feels linear and lacks depth, prioritizing objective-driven progression over meaningful player interaction. Others, like Merlin'in Kazanı, point to issues with character animation, while GAMES.CH criticizes prolonged flashbacks and cutscenes as slow and meandering. The story’s reliance on prior knowledge of Deliver Us The Moon also frustrates some, as highlighted by But Why Tho?, which mentions that the emotive moments require familiarity with the first game to fully appreciate. Despite mixed reactions, the overall consensus leans toward acknowledging the narrative’s strengths while recognizing its flaws. Critics like Push Square and GamingTrend praise the story’s emotional engagement and character-driven moments, even as they note pacing issues in later acts. Meanwhile, GameStar and PlayStation Universe highlight the game’s atmospheric storytelling and philosophical undertones, though some find the exposition clunky. While Power Unlimited and SomosXbox celebrate the narrative’s epic scale and thematic depth, others like GameCritics and GameSkinny feel it falls short in originality and character development. Ultimately, Deliver Us Mars is seen as a bold, emotionally resonant story that improves on its predecessor but struggles with execution, leaving reviewers divided between admiration for its ambition and frustration with its shortcomings.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Deliver Us Mars balances inventive puzzles and atmospheric storytelling with tedious repetition, clunky mechanics, and underwhelming polish, resulting in an uneven and unpolished experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

80%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

16%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Deliver Us Mars receives mixed praise for its varied mechanics and narrative-driven exploration. Several reviewers highlight the inclusion of diverse elements such as environmental puzzles, traversal systems, and unique tools like the AYLA drone and MPTs (Mission Progress Tools). GameWatcher notes that puzzles escalate in complexity, blending logic and dexterity with satisfying payoffs, while PC Games appreciates the narrative depth and character-driven interactions. IGN acknowledges simple but effective puzzles, and TheGamer praises the game’s exploration-focused design, even if it leans into "walking simulator" elements. Additionally, some critics, like GameGrin, commend the laser-cutting mechanics and rover segments for adding novelty, suggesting that the game’s ambition to expand on its predecessor’s formula is evident. These positives often center around the game’s attempt to blend puzzle-solving with atmospheric storytelling, creating moments of engagement despite broader criticisms. However, the gameplay is heavily criticized for repetition, clunky mechanics, and a lack of innovation. Multiple reviewers, including GameSkinny and TheGamer, describe the puzzles as simplistic and monotonous, relying on overused mechanics like laser alignment and hologram reassembly. Climbing mechanics, in particular, are a recurring point of frustration: Oyungezer calls them "tedious and manual," while Player 2 and Push Square criticize their inconsistency and punishing difficulty. TheGamer and Games.cz also note that exploration feels more like a chore than an adventure, with repetitive platforming and disconnected narrative beats. Critics like New Game Network and GamingTrend highlight the game’s reliance on linear progression and underdeveloped systems, such as "boring rover segments" or "tedious climbing mechanics," which detract from immersion. Even positive aspects, like AYLA’s interactions, are overshadowed by issues with polish and responsiveness, as seen in IGN’s critique of unresponsive controls and awkward pacing. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Deliver Us Mars struggles to balance its ambitious design with execution, resulting in a gameplay experience that feels uneven and underwhelming. While some praise its narrative-driven exploration and varied mechanics—such as the AYLA drone or energy beam puzzles—these elements are frequently undermined by repetitive tasks, clunky controls, and a lack of innovation. The game’s focus on storytelling over interactivity is both a strength and a weakness, with reviewers like GameCritics and Hobby Consolas noting that its variety keeps it engaging but fails to deliver meaningful challenges. Despite occasional praise for its atmospheric design and incremental improvements over the predecessor, the majority of critics agree that Deliver Us Mars falls short of being a compelling or polished experience, with its flaws in mechanics and pacing overshadowing its creative aspirations.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Deliver Us Mars balances inventive puzzles and atmospheric storytelling with tedious repetition, clunky mechanics, and underwhelming polish, resulting in an uneven and unpolished experience.

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

"Deliver Us Mars" delivers breathtaking Martian vistas and atmospheric space environments, praised for their scale and detail, but falters with stiff character animations, outdated models, and technical glitches that clash with its sci-fi ambition.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

16%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

73%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

12%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Deliver Us Mars received mixed praise, with several critics highlighting its strengths in environmental storytelling and atmospheric detail. Many reviewers lauded the game’s Martian landscapes, space stations, and derelict spacecraft for their scale, texture, and immersive quality. IGN noted "stunning lighting" and "breathtaking landscapes," while GameGrin praised the "visually striking landscapes and detailed environments." TheGamer highlighted "beautiful sci-fi imagery and vistas," and Wccftech commended the game’s "impressive landscapes, lighting, and atmospheric effects." Specific locations like the frozen water processing facility (GamingTrend) and eerie space stations (GameSpew) were praised for their unique visual appeal. The use of Unreal Engine 4 also allowed for ambitious environmental designs, with PC Invasion noting improved character models and larger environments compared to its predecessor. These positives underscored the game’s potential to create a compelling sci-fi setting despite technical limitations. However, the negatives centered on inconsistent character models, animations, and technical flaws that undermined immersion. Critics repeatedly criticized human characters for "stiff facial animations," "plasticky textures," and "uncanny valley" appearances. GamingBolt called out "terrible draw distances, texture pop-in, and glitches," while MondoXbox described the visuals as reminiscent of "older-generation games." IGN criticized character models as "doll-like" and "unfinished," with "placeholder art resembling faceless crash test dummies." Issues like clipping, frame rate drops (Xbox Achievements), and poor facial animations (PC Gamer) were common complaints. Even environments on Earth faced criticism for "repetitive and drab" designs (Adventure Game Hotspot) and technical hiccups like screen tearing (Noisy Pixel) and inconsistent ray tracing (Vandal). These flaws created a stark contrast between the game’s environmental ambition and its character-driven shortcomings. Overall, critics agreed that Deliver Us Mars had ambitious visual design but struggled with execution. While environments were praised for their scale and atmosphere—particularly in space and Martian settings—the character models and animations were widely seen as outdated or poorly executed. The game’s reliance on Unreal Engine 4 allowed for impressive environmental details, yet technical issues like texture pop-in (GameGrin), stiff movements (Hardcore Gamer), and inconsistent frame rates (Xbox Tavern) detracted from the experience. Despite these flaws, many acknowledged the developers’ effort to create a visually immersive sci-fi world, with Worth Playing noting its "lived-in feel" and IGN Spain praising "detailed spacecraft designs." The consensus was that while the game’s visuals had moments of brilliance, they were often overshadowed by technical shortcomings and subpar character design.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics praise Deliver Us Mars's atmospheric, emotionally charged score by Sander van Zanten as a standout sci-fi achievement, evoking Interstellar-level cinematic grandeur—though some call it forgettable and plagued by technical inconsistencies, leaving a polarizing but largely glowing assessment.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

63%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

37%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The critical reception of Deliver Us Mars’s sound design and music is largely positive, with many reviewers praising its atmospheric depth and emotional resonance. Critics like GameSpew and Push Square highlight the soundtrack as "spine-tingling" and "wonderfully atmospheric," respectively, emphasizing how it amplifies tension and complements the game’s sci-fi setting. Softpedia and SpazioGames commend the high-quality, immersive audio that aligns with the game’s desolate and scientific tone, while COGconnected notes the effective blend of orchestral and electronic elements to evoke Martian environments. The score by Sander van Zanten, in particular, is frequently lauded for its emotional impact and cinematic quality, with Multiplayer.it and SECTOR.sk comparing it to works like Interstellar and praising its ability to enhance key narrative moments. Additionally, Noisy Pixel and GameCritics acknowledge the ambient sounds and audio cues that contribute to immersion and gameplay mechanics, such as directional feedback for navigation. However, some critics express reservations about the soundtrack’s memorability and technical execution. Adventure Game Hotspot finds the music "largely forgettable," with ambient tracks blending into the background and lacking distinct themes. Impulsegamer criticizes specific instances of "contrived and fake sounds" during a key scene, which they argue disrupt immersion despite an otherwise rich soundscape. While IGN Spain and INVEN acknowledge the audio as "great" or "strong," they note a lack of detailed analysis on musical composition or sound effects. Additionally, GameCritics points to practical issues like non-customizable subtitles, which may detract from accessibility despite the audio’s functional role in gameplay. These critiques suggest that while the soundtrack succeeds in creating atmosphere, it occasionally falls short in crafting enduring musical moments or maintaining technical consistency. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward appreciation for Deliver Us Mars’s sound design and music as a cohesive, immersive element that enhances its narrative and sci-fi themes. While there are scattered criticisms about memorability and occasional technical flaws, the majority of reviews emphasize its strengths in atmosphere, emotional depth, and cinematic quality. GameSpew, Push Square, and SECTOR.sk consistently highlight the soundtrack’s ability to elevate the experience, while even those with reservations acknowledge its contributions to immersion. The mixed feedback reflects a game where sound design is a standout feature but not without room for refinement in areas like musical originality or technical polish.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Voice acting in Deliver Us Mars is a standout, with Ellise Chappell’s performance praised as exceptional for its emotional depth and authenticity, while supporting roles and technical hiccups like poor lip-sync mar an otherwise strong narrative anchor.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

73%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

24%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Deliver Us Mars receives widespread acclaim, with multiple critics highlighting its emotional depth, nuance, and ability to elevate the narrative. Adventure Game Hotspot praises the cast for "strong performances" with "subtle inflections and emotional delivery," particularly noting Kat's journey as enriched by the vocal work. Dexerto and IGN Spain specifically commend Ellise Chappell’s portrayal of the protagonist, calling it "exceptional" and "excellent," respectively, while Noisy Pixel and GameGrin emphasize her ability to convey humor, sass, and authenticity. Critics like GamingBolt and God is a Geek highlight the "solid writing and acting performances" that make characters distinct and relatable, with TheXboxHub noting that lead voice-over actors deliver "nuanced and in-depth performances." These reviews collectively underscore the voice acting as a standout element, effectively anchoring the game’s emotional core despite technical or visual shortcomings. However, some critics point to inconsistencies and limitations in the voice acting. TheGamer criticizes the disconnect between facial animations and dialogue, arguing that "facial animations are less than stellar," which undermines immersion. XboxEra describes the voice acting as "fairly badly acted," particularly in interactions with unlikeable characters, while Xbox Achievements notes that "other characters' voices can be irritating" due to issues like poor lip-sync. Additionally, some reviews, such as those from SpazioGames and SECTOR.sk, mention that while the voice work is present, it’s not deeply explored, with limited dialogue for certain characters. These critiques suggest that while the lead performances are strong, supporting roles and technical execution occasionally fall short, creating a mixed experience in terms of vocal delivery. Overall, the consensus among critics leans heavily toward positive reception of Deliver Us Mars’s voice acting, particularly its ability to convey emotional weight and character complexity. While there are notable criticisms about inconsistencies in supporting performances and technical limitations (e.g., animation mismatches), the majority of reviewers—such as IGN Spain, Dexerto, and Noisy Pixel—highlight the vocal work as a key strength that enhances storytelling. The polarizing feedback from outlets like TheGamer and XboxEra reflects broader debates about the game’s technical polish, but the prevailing sentiment is that the voice acting is a critical component of the experience, with Ellise Chappell’s performance often cited as a highlight. This balance of praise and critique suggests that while not flawless, the vocal work significantly contributes to the game’s narrative impact.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

"Deliver Us Mars" stumbles under a mountain of technical glitches across all platforms—PS5’s frame drops and save issues, PC’s jarring cutscene fps drops, Xbox’s outdated engine and frozen NPCs—while half-hearted fixes and clunky mechanics drag down an otherwise ambitious design. Despite fleeting positives, its polish is glaringly absent, turning immersion into a frustrating chore.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

54%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

46%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Deliver Us Mars across platforms shows mixed but notable strengths. On PS5, IGN Spain praised the smooth execution of zero-gravity sequences and acknowledged that some technical flaws could be addressed via patches, while GameGrin noted that PC issues were mitigated by two post-launch patches. For PC, Multiplayer.it highlighted the game’s stability and visual impressiveness in key areas despite minor animation flaws, and IGN observed that gameplay itself remained generally stable despite optimization challenges. On Xbox Series X, Generación Xbox gave a 70/100 score for technical aspects, indicating functional performance with room for improvement, while TheXboxHub noted that clunky traversal mechanics were more of a design flaw than a critical technical failure. These positives suggest that the game’s core systems are viable, even if not fully polished. However, the negatives across all platforms are substantial and recurring. On PS5, critics like GameSkinny and GamingBolt highlighted persistent performance issues such as inconsistent frame rates, clipping through objects, and flawed save mechanics, while God is a Geek and SpazioGames cited glitches requiring reloads or chapter restarts. PC reviews were particularly critical: IGN reported frame drops below 10fps during cutscenes, and PC Gamer attributed visual shortcomings to budget constraints, with issues like unconvincing character models and static environments. On Xbox Series X, MondoXbox criticized the use of an outdated engine and unrealistic physics, while XboxEra called it the “glitchiest game” due to texture drops and frozen NPCs. These flaws—ranging from animation glitches to unstable save systems—were consistently cited as major detractors, with many reviewers noting that technical issues overshadowed the game’s narrative strengths. The overall consensus among critics is that Deliver Us Mars suffers from widespread technical shortcomings across all platforms, though some improvements exist. While PS5 and PC reviews acknowledged minor fixes or stable moments (e.g., IGN Spain’s zero-gravity sequences, GameGrin’s PC patches), the majority emphasized persistent issues like frame rate drops, texture pop-in, and unpolished mechanics. Xbox Series X critics were particularly harsh, with MondoXbox and XboxEra highlighting a lack of modernization and excessive glitches. Despite these flaws, some reviewers, like Multiplayer.it and TheXboxHub, noted that the game remains playable, suggesting that technical issues are not insurmountable but significantly impact immersion and enjoyment. Ultimately, the critical reception underscores a disconnect between the game’s ambitious design and its execution, with technical performance being a major barrier to a cohesive experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Deliver Us Mars crushes expectations with a bloated, repetitive experience plagued by a weak story, tedious mechanics, and minimal replay value—its fleeting collectibles and optional content barely offset an underwhelming core, leaving only die-hard fans to justify a second playthrough.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

20%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

80%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The reviewers who highlight aspects of replay value in Deliver Us Mars note some minor positives, particularly around collectibles and optional content. SpazioGames acknowledges that holograms and story depth provide a "moderate" level of replayability, while Hobby Consolas emphasizes re playable chapters and incentives for 100% completion through hidden content and trophies. These elements suggest the game offers slight encouragement for players to revisit it, especially for those seeking thorough exploration or achievements. However, these positives are framed as limited, with critics like SpazioGames noting that such features do not overcome broader issues like a linear narrative or repetitive puzzle mechanics. The presence of collectibles is seen more as a surface-level addition rather than a substantial driver for multiple playthroughs. The majority of critics strongly criticize Deliver Us Mars for its lack of replay value, citing repetitive tasks, unengaging storytelling, and short runtime as major drawbacks. GameSkinny and Impulsegamer both describe the game as "bland" and "barely above average," with the former emphasizing that the narrative fails to engage and the latter noting it’s only worth revisiting for fans of the predecessor. Hardcore Gamer and Vandal highlight the 8–10 hour runtime as unnecessarily long due to tedious mechanics, while Softpedia and SECTOR.sk criticize the game’s linearity and lack of variety. Critics like GameCritics and Xbox Achievements further argue that the sequel’s forced setup and dull mechanics fail to inspire repeat play, with many agreeing that the core experience lacks depth or innovation to justify multiple sessions. Overall, the consensus among critics is negative, with only a handful of minor positives. While some reviewers acknowledge limited incentives like collectibles or chapters, these are consistently overshadowed by criticisms of repetitive gameplay, unmemorable storytelling, and a short runtime that fails to justify repeated playthroughs. The game’s replay value is broadly seen as minimal, with most critics agreeing it lacks the depth, variety, or engaging mechanics required for long-term appeal. Only fans of the franchise or those drawn to specific collectibles might consider revisiting it, but even then, the experience is deemed underwhelming compared to expectations. This reflects a general disappointment in how Deliver Us Mars fails to build on its predecessor’s strengths or offer compelling reasons to return.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

26%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

72%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall reception of Deliver Us Mars highlights its strengths in storytelling, atmosphere, and visual design, which many critics praise as compelling elements. Reviewers like IGN note its "engaging story and voice acting," while TheGamer emphasizes "glimpses of an interesting story" and "visual appeal." GameSkinny acknowledges the game’s "moments of visual appeal" and brief gimmicks such as zero-gravity sections, and Push Square highlights its "compelling story, atmospheric soundtrack, and strong character work." Several critics, including IGN France and SpazioGames, commend the narrative depth, emotional resonance, and immersive sci-fi elements, with IGN Spain calling it a "step forward for the series" despite its flaws. The game’s ambition in expanding on Deliver Us the Moon’s foundation is frequently noted, particularly in its exploration of themes like human resilience and space survival, as seen in GamingTrend’s praise for its "thought-provoking story." However, the consensus also points to significant shortcomings that detract from the experience. Technical flaws dominate critiques, with multiple reviewers citing issues like poor optimization, clunky gameplay mechanics, and repetitive puzzles. Impulsegamer describes the game as "highly ambitious but fails to deliver a satisfying experience" due to "unmet promises," while Noisy Pixel and PC Invasion highlight "technical flaws," "inconsistent puzzles," and "poor optimization." TheGamer and Xbox Tavern criticize its "repetitive gameplay" and "clunky mechanics," with some calling it a "step backward" from the predecessor. Additionally, many note that the game’s narrative, while strong, is undermined by pacing issues, linearity, and unresolved plot threads—as pointed out by GameGrin and TheSixthAxis. Critics like IGN France and Hobby Consolas also mention underdeveloped characters and a lack of innovation, which prevent it from fully realizing its potential. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus leans toward a mixed but cautiously optimistic view. While most agree that Deliver Us Mars is flawed, many recognize its strengths as a story-driven experience worth trying for fans of the genre or series. IGN Spain and COGconnected acknowledge its "ambition" and "potential for future installments," while SomosXbox and Push Square highlight its emotional engagement and narrative depth. However, the game’s technical issues and gameplay shortcomings prevent it from reaching the heights of its predecessor or rivaling triple-A standards. Critics like Dexerto, who gave it a 4/5 rating, argue that it’s "a must-play for sci-fi fans" despite its flaws, while others, such as GameGrin and Xbox Achievements, express hope for future improvements. Ultimately, Deliver Us Mars is seen as an uneven but worthwhile entry in the space exploration genre, balancing ambition with execution challenges.

TL;DR

Deliver Us Mars dazzles with storytelling and atmosphere but stumbles on clunky mechanics and repetition, offering an uneven yet ambitious sci-fi experience.

MONSTER

Reviews

78 reviews found

Ragequit.gr

Feb 9, 2023