If you have an Oculus Rift and are looking for a new experience that is out of this world, here is literally the best option: Red Rover is a game that uses real images of Mars so you can explore the surface of the red planet aboard a space vehicle.
There are many virtual reality experiences that take you to Mars, but Red Rover is a game by independent developer Alan Chan that uses real images of the red planet to offer a surprisingly authentic experience. The game is a driving simulator that lets you explore the surface of Mars aboard the all-terrain land rover vehicle. In fact, the planet has been recreated using real images captured by the HiRISE Mars camera on a NASA satellite. Chan himself has been using the application for years as a personal project that allowed him to explore Mars, but now he brings it to Steam with a virtual reality mode that brings him even closer to the distant planet.
Nine Recreations of the Red Planet
Red Rover features nine recreations of the surface, each with approximately 25 square kilometers of area. There isn't much gameplay per se; you'll mostly be driving to see the views, knowing that this is what Mars actually looks like. And it's not just a barren red desert, as it includes sites like the Becquerel crater and the southern Olympus Mons, among others.
Features and Future Plans
However, there are some interesting features, like a controllable day and night cycle that can make the scene look quite dramatic (as seen in The Martian). The vehicle is also equipped with boosters for jumping, making the trip from one side to another less monotonous. Chan also hopes to add more maps to the game as NASA publishes more data about the red planet.
Is This Game for Everyone?
Without a doubt, this is not a game that everyone will enjoy; the first five minutes can be exciting, but without much interaction and objectives to accomplish, many will leave it aside. But if you are an astronomy lover, this title invites you to explore Mars from the comfort of your home. Developed by Alan Chan, Red Rover is compatible with Oculus Rift and is already available on Steam.
