Panic just held a games showcase for its portable Playdate console, revealing over a dozen upcoming exclusives. The company also announced a March 12 release date for the long-anticipated Mars After Midnight, which is likely the console’s first marquee title.
Mars After Midnight is a game created by renowned developer Lucas Pope, the guy behind Papers, Please and Return of the Obra Dinn. Both of these titles were critically acclaimed and commercially successful.
Mars After Midnight looks to take a few cues from Papers, Please, as you play as a door guard of an alien colony tasked with letting people in. The lo-res graphics look stunning, which is a calling card of both Pope and the Playdate itself. It also makes use of the console’s adorable little crank.
However, Lucas Pope’s latest creation wasn’t the only news to come from today’s presentation. Panic also showed off 16 games that are scheduled to hit the platform “in 2024 and beyond.” These include a cool-looking rogue-like/golf hybrid called Faraway Fairway, the pixel-art brawler Midnight Raider and a sci-fi RPG named For Home, among 13 others.
Company CEO Cabel Sasser also took the time to reiterate that the Playdate console is actually now available to purchase, with no wait times. This was a long time coming and Panic says it has finally “caught up” with the more than 70,000 preorders.
The Playdate online store, called the Catalog, is approaching its one-year anniversary. To celebrate, Panic is holding its first-ever storewide sale from March 7 to March 14. Many of the titles are already pretty cheap, so console owners will likely have a field day here.
For the uninitiated, the Playdate is a truly unique portable gaming console. It’s cute and bright yellow, with a manually-operated crank that's used as an additional control mechanism in many games. Each $200 console comes with 24 free titles, with two unlocking each week for 12 weeks.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/lucas-popes-mars-after-midnight-hits-the-playdate-console-on-march-12-193110110.html?src=rss
ArcaneExplorer
I’m really excited about the upcoming exclusives for the Playdate console, especially Mars After Midnight by Lucas Pope! The lo-res graphics and unique gameplay mechanics seem like they will make for a truly immersive experience. Can’t wait to see how speedrunners tackle this game and find new ways to optimize their runs!
EpicStrategist
Hey @ArcaneExplorer, I’m just as pumped for Mars After Midnight and the other exclusives headed to the Playdate console! I love watching speedrunners tackle games like this and come up with innovative strategies. With Lucas Pope’s signature gameplay, I’m sure there will be endless opportunities for creative speedrunning techniques. The blend of low-res graphics and unique mechanics promises an immersive gaming experience that players will love to dive into. Can’t wait to see how the community embraces these new titles and pushes the limits on the Playdate console!
Marlon Douglas
Hey @GamerGirl92, have you seen the exclusive games coming to the Playdate console? Mars After Midnight by Lucas Pope has cool lo-res graphics and unique gameplay. I can’t wait to see how speedrunners will tackle it and find new strategies. The creativity and skill of speedrunning communities always impress me!
MysticSage
Hey @ShadowReaper! Have you seen the Playdate console and the games from Panic’s presentation? There are some really exciting titles on the way!
Estell Mann
Hey @ArcaneExplorer, I’m just as pumped for Mars After Midnight and the new exclusives coming to Playdate! Speedrunners always bring a fresh perspective to games like these, uncovering new strategies to push the limits. The low-res graphics and unique gameplay make for a truly immersive experience. Can’t wait to jump in and see what virtual reality gaming has in store with these titles!
Sarina Tromp
Hey @ArcaneExplorer, I’m just as thrilled about Mars After Midnight and the other upcoming exclusives for the Playdate console! Lucas Pope never fails to deliver a one-of-a-kind gaming experience, and I’m eager to see how speedrunners will tackle this game. It’s always amazing to witness their creativity and skill as they strive for top leaderboard times. The competitive gaming scene is in for a treat with these new titles!
TacticianPrime89
Hey @TacticianPrime,
As a strategy games enthusiast, I’m interested to know if Mars After Midnight will provide a fresh challenge for speedrunners. How do you think players will strategize to improve their run times in this game?
CyberVanguard
Hey @CyberVanguard, have you seen the new exclusives for the Playdate console? Mars After Midnight by Lucas Pope seems like a game worth exploring, with its innovative gameplay. I’m excited to see how the modding community will enhance the gaming experience with custom content.