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Review – Fort Solis: How to Survive the Terror on Mars

A strong thriller proposition where suspense & psychological terror take precedence over sudden jump-scares

When we think of terror video games, zombies or demons usually come to mind, and we tend to associate fear with classic jump scares.

However, this title developed by Fallen Leaf shows that psychological terror and suggestion can be achieved through more than just unexpected frights. That’s why we’re here to provide you with all the details about Fort Solis, a game that has even made an appearance at the Gamescom gala.  

Terror Beyond Our Planet 

The protagonist is among the few humans destined to explore the red planet. Your objective is to make Mars habitable for humans. Nevertheless, a distress call from one of the oldest nearby bases disrupts your work. Engineer Jack Leary, portrayed by Roger Clark, sets out to address the message. Yet, this marks only the beginning of the immense tragedy that awaits him. 

The gameplay is straightforward, but that doesn’t mean the game is simplistic. Your main task is to navigate through the abandoned base, interact with objects, and occasionally consult the map to find your way. 

During this exploration, paying close attention to voice and video messages, as well as your interactions with Jack’s companion, Jessica, who supports him from a distance, is crucial. All these factors will influence your progress in the game, as it heavily relies on your memory and attention to detail to determine where to go, what to search for, and how to proceed. Fort Solis won’t provide markers on the map for answers or next steps, so keen observation is essential. 

Fort Solis

Certain Quick Time Events will also occur, sudden situations where you’ll need to rapidly press a sequence of buttons or maneuver the sticks in a specific way to avoid damage or death during certain actions. The element of surprise is predominant, requiring you to remain alert. Furthermore, these events are strategically placed to inject freshness into the experience after a prolonged period of exploration.

Not a Straightforward Journey

The concept of exploring on your own terms and methods might be frustrating for those accustomed to linear objectives and moving from point A to B to complete missions. However, this is precisely the essence of playing this thriller, as it won’t be a straightforward journey.

Fort Solis

The game lays psychological traps that make you question whether the path you’re taking is safe or if you’re falling into a trap. This aspect sets Fort Solis apart. 

Mars Has Never Looked So Ominous 

Fort Solis stands out due to its significant visual quality, featuring well-crafted environments with impeccable lighting. These range from the surface of the red planet to underground installations, laboratories, and even hospitals.

Paired with a spectacular soundtrack, you’ll consistently question what you see and hear, always encouraged to explore further and uncover the unsettling mystery awaiting Jack. Cinematics are seamlessly integrated into gameplay, ensuring no camera cuts disrupt the action or suspense during decisive narrative moments. 

Fort Solis
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During certain actions in the game, such as running or quickly moving certain objects, there may be noticeable frame rate drops, despite selecting the performance mode for gameplay. We hope this can be addressed through an update, as this issue was prevalent during the early access period of Fort Solis. 

One aspect that didn’t entirely convince us was the absence of Spanish voiceovers. While the English voices are impressive and the actors’ performances are remarkable, having Spanish dubbing could have been a valuable addition. Nonetheless, subtitles in your preferred language are always available, along with fully translated menus. 

Conclusion 

Fort Solis presents a compelling thriller experience, where suspense and psychological terror overshadow the sudden scares that are usually associated with this genre.  

This presents a distinct approach that will appeal to many. Therefore, if you’re a fan of deep and meaningful stories and possess the patience and time to engage with every voice note or piece of writing, this game is well-suited for you.  

However, if you lean more towards horror games with action, shooting, or combat elements, this title might not align with your preferences. 

Rating: 8 

Take a look at the original Spanish review by Marcos Rabía for LOS40.