Nearly 100 years ago (or something like that), Atari released a single-player shoot 'em up of sorts called Caverns of Mars on home computers. Caverns is relatively unknown due to not having been ported to the consoles of its era, but it was recently included in the robust Atari 50: The Anniversary Collection for modern platforms. Now, Atari and developer SneakyBox have capitalized on that increased recognition by releasing the all-new Caverns of Mars: Recharged on consoles and PC, complete with a unique 2-player local co-op mode.
Atari 50: Caverns of Mars
In the original Caverns of Mars, players piloted an awkwardly large ship down a subterranean cavern, collecting fuel along the way, planted a bomb at the bottom of the cavern, and then high-tailed it out of there before the bomb blew up. Recharged follows the same formula, but now the environments are fully destructible, and the controls are probably way better. The slick, silhouetted visuals and soundtrack by Megan McDuffee should also make for an improved experience.
As for local co-op, Caverns of Mars: Recharged has the first player piloting the main ship while a second player controls an indestructible, orbiting drone. The second player gets to help destroy enemies and obstacles without having to worry about piloting, so co-op should be a great mode for kids and significant others.
Caverns of Mars: Recharged co-op
Features:
- Destructible Environments: The environments in Caverns of Mars: Recharged are fully destructible — don’t hesitate to blast through any obstruction in your way, but be wary of fuel reserves. Each shot depletes fuel, but speedy travel grants time bonuses.
- Two Unique Modes: Traverse the depths of Mars in three stages in Arcade Mode, strategically choosing upgrades and power-ups that will make each run unique, or glide through 30 bite-sized levels in Challenge Mode.
- Perky Power-Ups: Collect weapons that will change your strategy on the fly for tactical maneuvering. Carve a new path with a well-aimed railgun shot or let the spread of a shotgun blast do the talking for you!
- Local Co-Op: Split the responsibilities of navigating and shooting in exciting local co-op. Divide and conquer to make it to the center of Mars!
Caverns of Mars: Recharged sells for $9.99 on Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, Steam, and Epic.