Mission to Mars

Lore & Background

In the expansive world of theme park tycoons, the ambition to entertain never stops at Earth's atmosphere. The Mission to Mars scenario represents a corporate initiative by major entertainment conglomerates to prove that thrill rides can function in extreme environments. While no actual travel occurs, the simulation is so convincing that guests feel transported to another planet. The lore suggests that this park was originally designed as a prototype for future colonization efforts, blending tourism with scientific exploration aesthetics. Managers are tasked with maintaining high guest morale despite the harsh, simulated conditions. The success of these parks paved the way for more futuristic themes in subsequent expansions, proving that imagination is the only limit to where entertainment can go. Rumors persist among fans about hidden easter eggs within the scenario, suggesting secret alien encounters or special ride unlocks if specific construction milestones are met. Whether true or not, the mystery adds to the enduring legacy of this red-dusty challenge.

In Their Own Story

The manager adjusted his headset, staring at the holographic map hovering over the control desk. The terrain below was a sea of rust-colored rock, pockmarked with deep craters that looked like ancient wounds in the ground. 'Launch sequence ready,' the computer chimed. He watched as the first rocket coaster car ascended the launch track, screaming into the thin, simulated atmosphere. Guests cheered from behind safety glass, their faces illuminated by the glow of neon signage against the stark red landscape. It wasn't real Mars, but for a few hours, they believed they had left the world behind.

Reader's Guide

The Mission to Mars scenario presents a unique terrain challenge characterized by red soil and cratered landscapes. Players must utilize the Spaceport scenery set, which includes futuristic buildings, rockets, and alien statues. Unlike standard parks, the environment requires careful path planning around natural depressions. To maximize space, players often terraform craters into ride foundations or parking areas. The red terrain color is fixed in many versions, necessitating creative use of fences and walkways to define zones. Constructing vertical rides like the Space Shot fits the theme perfectly while saving ground space. Managing guest expectations is key; visitors expect high-tech thrills rather than traditional wooden coasters. Water features are rare due to the arid setting, so focus on dry landscaping techniques using rocks and artificial plants. Budget constraints often mimic high off-world construction costs. Players should prioritize high-capacity transport rides like monorails to move guests between distant sectors quickly. The scenario rewards thematic consistency, so placing generic medieval items will lower guest happiness.

Did You Know?

• This scenario is part of the original RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 base game campaign; it was not introduced in the Wacky Worlds expansion pack.
• The scenario uses the 'Martian' theme from the base game, which includes items like alien figures and rocket launch pads, but the set is not officially called 'Spaceport'.
• Guests often have higher expectations for ride intensity in this specific theme setting.
• Terraforming tools are essential to smooth out the natural cratered terrain for walkways.