I enjoyed playing the original CAT Interstellar that was released back in 2017, because I'm, 'sort of' obsessed with Mars. My desktop wallpapers feature images taken from various Mars missions and I tend to buy any game, or movie that features Mars. Also, the reference to Heinleins The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, which was one of the first books I ever read cover to cover in almost one sitting (after my English Literature teacher initially read another of Heinleins books during our last class of the week on a Friday afternoonS, called Space Cadet); I became obessed with Science Fiction (and later Science Fantasy) books; that have had a lasting impression over my life with respect to loving anything to do with space, space travel and other planets and moons.
I loved his books, so seeing a reference in the introduction to this game saying that the book inspired this short five chapter story was basically a done deal for me; thankfully I wasn't disappointed in the original and love this Recast version, especially as the graphic has had a big ovehaul and looks so much better than the original. (see the two images I've linked too below, both taken from the same spot):
CAT Interstellar:
https://i.postimg.cc/659wcrCF/CAT-Interstellar-02.jpg
CAT Interstellar Recast
https://i.postimg.cc/c170f9tQ/CAT-Interstellar-Recast-05.jpg
Also, it was 90% off when I purchased it :)
What I loved about the original; which is reflected in this remake was the ability to explore the surface of Mars. As others have mentioned, there is little to the actualy story, or for that matter, any meaningful game play, with just several tasks to complete like find some droids that disappeared down the mines and grab their data feeds; or, find the green house as well as a few others, all of which give you an achievent. Just starting one of the chapters will give you an achievement as well. Personally I thought the latter achievements just for starting a chapter were too easy; so, would you really call them achievments? I wouldn't
Also, there is little if nothing of Heinleins story reflected in this game; that said, I just loved wandering around the surface in the original game, so it was a forgone connclusion that I'd buy this remake eventually, especially as it was on a 90% off deal at the time of purchase (I bought the original for full price); and I will be buying the next iteration of this game CAT Interstellar: Episode II which is supposedly inspired by one of Heinleins other books that I read after A Moon is a Harsh Misteress, namely Starship Trooper ( I even purchased 'The Yes Album' by Yes when it was released in 1971 because one of the tracks was named Starship Trooper). Anyway, I digress too much.
If you enjoy walking sim's, or just plain exploring alien landscapes or like me you love anything to do with Mars, you can't go wrong with this reasonably priced sim' It is rather short, but for the money I paid, ( a fraction of the cost of a cup of coffee) it's a winner.
My only negative's are the view of Mars from the sky lift platform. The surface from above is very indistinct and could be so much better; otherwise graphically the game is excellent. Also, as already mentioned above the achievements are way too easy to earn and in my opinion make a mockery of the achievement scheme run by Steam
p.s. I didn't quite get the reference to A Frozen New York until the end scenes.
