Family movie night? There's an app for that
Download our new mobile app on iOS and Android.
The Martian: Bring Him Home
By Lisa Caplan,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Immersive real-time story adds to franchise, stands alone.
Add your rating
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this app.
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
The Martian: Bring Him Home
Community Reviews
There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What’s It About?
Players take on the role of a special NASA agent in THE MARTIAN: BRING HIM HOME. The player is the only person in contact with the lead character, and it’s your job to guide him to safety by helping him complete missions. You don’t need to have seen the movie or read the book to enjoy the game, though it makes it a richer experience. In addition to transmissions from Mark, you receive emails from other NASA personnel who give information about the next part of the adventure; what they say is often vital to the choices a user has to make. Players are also responsible for Mark’s health, and if you're playing on an Apple Watch, you can track Mark’s vital signs in real time.
Is It Any Good?
Though knowing the story from either the book or movie will deepen the experience, this text-based adventure can stand alone as an exciting, real-time game. Unlike other games of its kind, there are two streams of information: transmissions from Mark and emails from the NASA crew. This extra layer adds another dimension to gameplay and makes it even more realistic. One drawback, however, is that it's not always clear when the emails inform a player's choices and when they don't, so some choices end up feeling like a flip of the coin. That may be the intention, but because the stakes are meant to feel high, it would be nice to have a bit more consistency. Kids also might get frustrated with the "real-world" lag time when Mark sleeps or has to do a job, but it really does add to the illusion. More sensitive kids might not enjoy the feeling of responsibility, but most will enjoy the sense of empowerment and control. Consider having kids read the book first or using the app as a bridge to the book for more reluctant readers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the real recent NASA missions to Mars and read about what was discovered.
Talk about the differences among the book, the movie, and the game. Which medium is your kid's favorite for this story, and why?
App Details
- Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android
- Subjects: Language & Reading : following directions, reading, reading comprehension, vocabulary, Science : astronomy, geology, physics
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning : analyzing evidence, applying information, deduction, logic, solving puzzles, strategy, thinking critically, Emotional Development : empathy, perspective taking
- Pricing structure: Paid (Pay once, no in-app purchases)
- Release date: October 1, 2015
- Category: Adventure Games
- Topics: Adventures , Science and Nature , Space and Aliens
- Publisher: Little Labs, Inc.
- Version: 1.0.1
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 8.0 or later; Android 4.0.3 and up
- Last updated: July 12, 2020
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Download
Our Editors Recommend
Simulation Games and Apps
Best Outer Space Apps and Games for Kids
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate