CosmoOdyssey: Trip to Mars

CosmoOdyssey: Trip to Mars is a sci-fi comedy simulation game set in the near future, where you play as a boy from Pavlovo Pole who embarks on a journey to Mars at the behest of businessmen from Kharkiv and Dnipro. The game offers a humorous narrative and a first-person perspective as you navigate the challenges of space travel and life on the Red Planet.

CosmoOdyssey: Trip to Mars: Review

Introduction

CosmoOdyssey: Trip to Mars is a unique first-person adventure that blends space simulation with Ukrainian culture. Released in August 2022 by BrenntKopf Studio Kharkiv, the game offers a refreshing take on the space travel genre by infusing it with the agrarian roots and humor of its protagonist. This review delves deeply into the game’s various aspects to determine its lasting impact and appeal.

Development History & Context

The game was created by a small team from Ukraine, with Vitaly Chizh handling the majority of creative roles (idea, screenwriting, art, voiceover) and Ilya Khudokormov responsible for programming and translation. Their use of Unity engine allowed them to bring a colorful, nostalgic vision to life despite possible budget limitations. The development took place during a time of political and social change in Ukraine, which likely influenced the game’s strong regional identity.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

The story follows a boy from the Ukrainian countryside who embarks on a journey to Mars. As the main character navigates spaceship malfunctions and performs mundane tasks, the game intersperses comedy with reflections on personal goals versus commercial interests. The agronomist subplot adds depth by introducing farming segments that feel both beloved and challenging. Key themes include dreams versus reality, cultural identity, and the quest for personal fulfillment.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

As a player, you’ll engage in direct control of the protagonist through a first-person perspective, solving tasks that range from cooking to fixing the ship’s systems. The UI effectively guides players through task completion, leading to new locations. The core gameplay loop involves exploration, task resolution, and agricultural production. While some players reported control issues (like mouse not working for camera), the game’s charm often mitigated these technical hurdles.

World-Building, Art & Sound

The visual style captures a retrofuturistic aesthetic with vibrant colors, while Ukrainian voiceover actors bring the characters to life with authentic dialects. The sound design enhances the space environment with subtle ambiances. The game’s setting alternates between spaceship modules and Martian landscapes, each contributing to the overall atmosphere of isolation and resourcefulness.

Reception & Legacy

The game received high praise from players, with Steam reviews touting its charm and unique premise. It has become a cult favorite, illustrating the potential for indie games to succeed with a strong cultural identity. Despite minimal critic coverage, its influence can be felt in subsequent projects from the developer, such as CosmoOdyssey 2: Comeback to Origin.

Conclusion

CosmoOdyssey: Trip to Mars stands as a gem in the indie landscape, offering an engaging narrative and cultural experience that transcends its budget constraints and occasional gameplay hiccups. It leaves players yearning for more stories from its universe. While not perfect, its unique blend of space adventure and Ukrainian flair makes it a must-play for fans of narrative-driven indie games and cultural exploration in gaming.