One of the biggest problems with current VR offerings is there are so few games and experiences that warrant multiple visits. They’re cool for an hour or so, but they’re not compelling enough to keep audiences coming back for more. But Mars 2030 might have found a way to get players to stick around. The game simulates 40 square kilometers of Martian landscape, crafted based on NASA’s own satellite readings. There’s very little story, as the game rightly focuses on open world exploration of actual extraterrestrial locations. To enable that exploration, you’re equipped with your feet and a Mars rover that’s fairly close to the one we posted about not too long ago. To fully immerse the player, Mars 2030 includes day/night cycle simulations, realistic weather and gravity, a habitat base that holds close to NASA’s designs, and a score by the London Symphonic Orchestra. Right now, it’s only available on PC, but a Playstation VR release is in the works. Whatever you get it for, the experience will be unlike any you’ve had in VR.
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Huckberry’s Essential Holiday Gift Guide
Unzip your coat and have some mulled wine on the house—you’ve arrived at your final gifting destination: The Holiday Gift Guide. It’s like your friendly neighborhood one-stop holiday shop, except instead of balsa wood ornaments, ours is packed with thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list. Future heirlooms, small-but-significant stocking stuffers, and gear for getting out there (or staying in)—are all right here. There’s no music playing in the background though, so you’ll just have to hum Bing Crosby while you click around instead.
