JCB Pioneer: Mars

Jan 3, 2019

Summary and quote unavailable.

Feb 20, 2019

JCB Pioneer: Mars is slow-paced and won’t be for everyone. There’s a lack of real excitement – this is more about the long game as you build up a base – very, very slowly.

Jan 27, 2020

Summary and quote unavailable.

Jan 21, 2019

There may be something here for you if you’re looking for a game that simulates the experience of planetary colonization so accurately that it includes every ounce of tedium that would come from a solitary life as a Martian colonist. There is also something to be said for being able to take this game on the go, if that’s your thing. However, for a product which fails to inspire a sense of mystery and wonder beyond its opening moments and which is still so rough around the edges, there are simply better, more enriching and more engaging options for your money on the Switch. In other words, don’t listen to Hauser; don’t get your ass to Mars.

Jan 14, 2019

In spite of a fairly interesting and unique set piece, JCB Pioneer: Mars never quite manages to take advantage of its Martian background. Detrimentally slow pacing, performance issues, and a shallow gameplay loop, all work to break down what should be a memorable survival title into just another piece of shovelware coasting by on a solid premise. Worst of all, it is incomplete as of its release, still being sold as an Early Access title on Steam. It's not impossible that it will have its (very) rough edges softened with time, but the possibility of playing a complete and well made game eventually hardly justifies a purchase.

Feb 4, 2019

The concept of JCB Pioneer: Mars, in isolation, is potentially interesting. The Switch version, however, presents so many obstacles to gameplay that I feel comfortable calling it unplayable. The release of games like this and ARK: Survival Evolved draw into question the existence of Nintendo’s quality control. Products like this are an embarrassment to Nintendo’s digital offerings.