Mars Mission

Mars Mission is a 1982 action game developed by The Computer Room and published by Bubble Bus Software. The game challenges players to pilot a spacecraft on a daring mission to the red planet. The player descends a long Martian chasm to reach the inner caverns of Mars . The ship moves laterally and fires to the right while slowly descending, requiring players to avoid mines and incoming rockets . After reaching the bottom of the chasm, the mission continues through a series of tight tunnels where the ultimate objective is to destroy the underground Martian reactor . The game combines elements of space exploration and action, creating an immersive sci-fi experience for the home computer .

VIC-20

Released in 1982 for the Commodore VIC-20, Mars Mission requires a 3-kilobyte memory expansion to run, a common requirement for ambitious titles of the era that pushed beyond the capabilities of the unexpanded system. The VIC-20 version features graphics that utilise the system's colour capabilities effectively, with detailed illustrations of the Martian landscapes and spacecraft . Sound effects range from engine noises to laser blasts, adding another layer of excitement to the gameplay . The controls are simple and intuitive, with players using lateral movement and firing to navigate the treacherous chasm. Published in the United Kingdom by Bubble Bus Software, Mars Mission stands as an example of the early sci-fi action titles that populated the VIC-20's library during the system's commercial peak .