Games like Waking Mars

This is a narrative adventure game where players explore alien caves, manage an ecosystem of creatures and plants, and uncover Mars' secrets. It features jetpack exploration and ecosystem simulation.

89% positive from 1,199 · 2012 · 20% finish it · Steam Deck Playable · $9.99 $4.99 -50% · Lowest ever $0.99 (2018-03-26)

Sci-fiAdventureIndieExploration Platformer Puzzle

Six games like Waking Mars

Lifeless Planet Premier Edition

77% positive from 3,608 reviews20144% finish itDeck Playable

Third-person action-adventure with a sci-fi story. Players follow glowing tracks left by a mysterious woman to navigate a barren planet.

What players likedPlayers praise its simple, challenging exploration of an alien world, reminiscent of classic adventure games.

The catchLong slow walks across empty terrain, with barely any real puzzles between them.

Both are tagged Sci-fi, Exploration and Action.

Games like Lifeless Planet Premier Edition →

Rochard

92% positive from 1,733 reviews201119% finish itDeck Verified

Side-scrolling puzzle-platformer with gravity manipulation. Players solve puzzles and fight enemies using a G-Lifter.

What players likedPlayers praise the fun, gravity-based puzzles, reminiscent of Portal, despite the out-of-place combat.

The catchThe puzzles stay easy and the gravity gimmick gets repetitive well before the end.

Both are tagged Sci-fi, Platformer and Puzzle.

Games like Rochard →

Supraland

95% positive from 4,925 reviews201927% finish itDeck Unsupported

First-person Metroidvania puzzle game. Explore a sandbox world, discover versatile abilities, and solve creative, unique puzzles.

What players likedPlayers praise Supraland as a metroidvania and puzzle platformer with rewarding exploration, clever puzzles, and charming humor.

The catchCombat is shallow and respawning enemies constantly interrupt puzzling and exploring.

Both are tagged Exploration, Action and Adventure.

Games like Supraland →

Omno

92% positive from 2,756 reviews202118% finish itDeck Playable

Omno is a single-player 3D adventure game featuring exploration, puzzle-solving, and platforming. Players use ancient powers to traverse diverse environments and interact with creatures.

What players likedPlayers praise Omno as a relaxing exploration and puzzle game, often compared to Journey and Abzu, with cute creatures and stunning visuals.

The catchPuzzles and core loop grow repetitive

Both are tagged Exploration, Action and Adventure.

Games like Omno →

Starcom: Nexus

90% positive from 2,302 reviews201947% finish itDeck Playable

This is an open-world space exploration and combat game. Players research technology, build ships, and interact with alien factions in a dynamic universe.

What players likedPlayers praise its interesting story and ship building, comparing it to Last Defense Academy and a star ship-based RPG.

The catchVague quests leave you combing a vast, empty galaxy for hours to find the next step.

Both are tagged Sci-fi, Exploration and Action.

Games like Starcom: Nexus →

Sketchy's Contract

85% positive from 1,319 reviews2024Deck Playable

Co-op sci-fi horror looter with survival elements. Players explore planets, fight aliens, and manage risk for better loot.

What players likedPlayers praise this addictive looting game with monsters and aliens for its varied collection, customization, and social co-op fun, similar to Lethal Company.

The catchEnemies are brutally overtuned from tier one, and nothing scales down for small groups.

Both are tagged Sci-fi, Exploration and Action.

Games like Sketchy's Contract →

More like this: Puzzle Exploration Sci-fi Platformer

More about Waking Mars

What players liked

Players praise its fun action-platforming with jetpacks and shooting, comparing it to other indie titles.

The catch

Planting seeds room after room turns into repetitive busywork and boredom sets in early.

Reviews: 89% positive from 1,199
Released: 2012
Finish it: 20% of players
Steam Deck: Steam Deck Playable
Price: $9.99 $4.99 -50% · Lowest ever $0.99 (2018-03-26)
Play: Single-playerFull controller support

It is here because it sits in the band this site looks at: well reviewed at 89% positive, but with 1,199 reviews, far fewer than the household names carry.

View Waking Mars on Steam

Or skip the lists entirely.

Describe what you feel like playing

This page was built automatically from stored Steam data. How these pages are made.