I admit I have a bit of a thing for games that allow you to deliver things from one point to another. So a game that combines that with building? Yeah, I’m absolutely down for that. Such is what Mars First Logistics, developed by Shape Shop, delivers. And with it being part of the Jingle Jam Games Collection, I couldn’t wait to start making crazy vehicles and delivering various things with them.

The designing and delivering of Mars First Logistics is the core of the game. Put onto the surface of Mars with a small starting rover, the games teaches the mechanics that drive it. Controlling the rover, accepting contracts, editing the rover to handle specific contracts, and navigating the world. Expanding the range I’m able to travel comes later, upon completing a construction project.

It is those construction projects that the main contracts build up. Around Mars are various facilities where things such as steel beams and boxes will be picked up. Traversing the surface of Mars to the delivery point, that object needs putting where directed. With the contract completed, payment is given. And sometimes new parts and even blueprints.

Within the editor, everything is easily found. The inventory, colours, controls, and blueprints. Using the editor is a very easy process, with the inventory section being where the build happens. Simply select a piece from the inventory, then use the cursor to choose where it will be placed. Until it is, it will be ghosted, allowing for it to be rotated to the correct position. The inventory is also where parts are bought, making it an easy process to gain more if ever I ran out of anything.

Since this is a physics-based game, there’s plenty to be aware of when designing the rover. It needs equal weight on both sides. But needs extra weight on the side that isn’t picking something up so the rover doesn’t simply tip over when trying to. One of the first things I tried to build is a telehandler. Across the playtime, as I unlocked new parts, I’ve been adding to it, trying to make it the best it can be.

Of course, I know that such a vehicle isn’t going to manage all these contracts, so I’ve also messed around with other designs, too. Including what I feel is best described as the trombone picker. Suitable for steel beams or larger objects, it does struggle at times with the rougher parts of terrain. But I’m confident that it can manage most of the journeys I’ll need it for.

But that is the brilliance of Mars First Logistics. It allows freedom to build whatever crazy design I could want. And should I ever want to go to creative mode, I can easily just mess around with everything unlocked and no limit to the amount of parts I can use. At present, I’m happy to stick with the current mode, as it is satisfying the logical part of me that wants to solve puzzles. And it means I can’t explore for days, as I have to build myself up to such a thing.

Not only is the terrain an issue, but there’s also needing to build signal towers to extend the range I can travel. Building them is free, but there has to be an unobstructed line between them, and a maximum distance of 5000 meters between them, too. But, there’s more facilities and more construction projects to be found out there, which I fully intend to reach in time.

Despite this being a game about delivering things, there’s no rush to do so. No being careful. Time limits aren’t a thing, and nothing ever gets damaged. The only thing to be careful of is things escaping from containers. But if such does happen, a reset puts everything back to where it came from. And with every facility allowing fast travel to them, there’s no trekking back to the start. Such a reset can also be used for the vehicle, too. And it will be needed.

Mars First Logistics is an absolute gem of a construction and delivery game. A nice, easy time when it comes to building. Challenges to overcome and build around. And that comic art style is absolutely lovely. As such, I can easily recommend playing around with Mars First Logistics.

If you want Mars First Logistics and 17 other games, the Jingle Jam Games Collection is one to support. For a minimum of £35, you too can support eight great charities and get some games for doing so. Alongside Mars First Logistics are games such as Wildfrost, Two Point Campus and Another Crab’s Treasure. The Jingle Jam runs through 14/December, so check it out.

Images Taken From:
Mars First Logistics | Steam