Stranded: Mars Odyssey

You are a lone Mars rover operator stranded on the harsh Martian surface. After a catastrophic sandstorm damaged your communication systems, you are left with limited power and a ticking clock. Navigate the unforgiving terrain, scavenge essential resources, and repair the signal tower before nightfall brings deadly freezing temperatures.

Can you restore the signal and send a distress call home, or will you become another piece of debris on the Red Planet?

🕹️ HOW TO PLAY

The Objective

Complete all mission objectives before the timer hits zero:

1. Collect Resources - Gather 5 Scrap Metal pieces.
2. Find Power Cells - Keep your rover energized.
3. Repair the Tower - Fix the communications array.
4. Activate - Transfer power to the tower.
5. Transmit - Send the distress signal before nightfall!

Controls

• WASD / Arrow Keys - Drive the rover
• Mouse - Look around
• TAB - Open/Close Inventory
• F - Interact with Signal Tower
• ESC - Pause Menu

⚙️ GAME MECHANICS

Resource Management

Your cargo bay is limited! Manage your 24-slot inventory grid (6x4) carefully.

• Scrap Metal: Essential for tower repairs.
• Power Cells: Restores 20 power instantly.
• Tech Components: Advanced parts for secondary objectives.
• Cooling Units: Prevents system damage from overheating.

The Day-Night Cycle

• ☀️ Daytime: High visibility, standard power consumption.
• 🌙 Nighttime: Extreme cold drains battery faster; visibility is severely reduced.
• ⚠️ Failure Conditions: Running out of time, total power depletion, or critical overheating.

🛠️ TOWER REPAIR PROCESS

1. Locate: Use the HUD distance indicator to find the tower.
2. Repair: Approach with 5 Scrap Metal and press [F]. (Tower light turns Yellow).
3. Power Up: Ensure you have 50+ Power, then press [F] to activate. (Tower light turns Green).

💡 PRO-STRATEGIES

• Plan Your Route: Driving aimlessly wastes precious battery.
• Watch the Heat: Intense activity causes heat buildup; use cooling units before systems fail.
• Stay Close: Once you have the materials, stay within range of the tower to avoid a mad dash in the dark.

📋 GAME INFO

• Genre: Resource Management / Survival / Exploration
• Platform: PC (Windows/Mac/Linux)
• Engine: Unity
• Theme: Developed for BUET CSE Game Jam 2026 – Equivalent Exchange

Good luck, Rover Operator. Mars is counting on you. 🛰️🔴