There’s something inherently captivating about games that find a second life years after their initial release. Solstice Chronicles: MIA first launched in 2017 as a twin-stick shooter with a tactical edge, attracting a modest but dedicated following through its mix of action, sci-fi storytelling, and asymmetrical co-op gameplay. Now, nearly a decade on, it returns on PlayStation 5 with a native current-gen upgrade, bundled DLC, and the addition of the “Tactical Drone” expansion—an update that seeks to reshape the entire experience.
The result is a game that feels both nostalgic and unexpectedly ahead of its time—a blend of vintage arcade sensibilities and innovative mechanics that still feel fresh in 2026.
Alone on Mars (Mostly)
Set on a deserted Martian colony overrun by mutants, Solstice Chronicles: MIA follows a corporate marine stranded behind enemy lines. It’s a familiar premise, rooted in sci-fi horror clichés, but the game embraces its atmosphere with genuine dedication. The environments are gritty, industrial, and oppressive, with flickering lights and narrow corridors heightening a constant sense of peril.
On PS5, the visual improvements are quite noticeable. Better lighting revitalises the environments, creating deeper shadows and more dynamic highlights that boost the atmosphere. Coupled with a stable 60fps, the game feels more fluid and responsive than ever—an essential upgrade for a genre that depends on precision and timing.
Though it’s an older title, it still looks good—not because it tries to match modern AAA games, but because its art style is consistent and deliberate.
Twin-Stick Shooting with a Brain
At its core, Solstice Chronicles: MIA is a twin-stick shooter. You move with one stick, aim with the other, and launch a constant stream of bullets into swarms of incoming enemies. It’s a straightforward formula that’s easy to learn and immediately rewarding, especially when the screen fills with mutants and every second becomes a frantic dance of positioning and firepower.
What truly sets the game apart is its drone system.
Your AI companion drone isn’t just a gimmick—it’s the core of the game’s tactical layer. It can deploy abilities that significantly influence the battlefield, ranging from crowd control tools to defensive buffs and offensive boosts. Managing these abilities adds a strategic element that elevates the experience beyond mere shooting.
Then there’s the threat system—a mechanic that determines how aggressively enemies target you. Fire too much, and you’ll draw overwhelming attention. Play more cautiously, and you can influence enemy behaviour to your advantage. It’s a clever concept that requires you to think carefully about how you engage in combat, rather than just reacting to it.
Asymmetrical Co-op: A Hidden Gem
While the game can be played solo, its most fascinating feature is its asymmetrical co-op mode. One player controls the marine, while the other assumes the role of the drone, influencing the battlefield from a more strategic angle.
It’s an unusual setup, and one that still feels surprisingly underexplored today. The drone player isn’t merely a support role—they’re a partner, shaping the flow of combat in real time. Communication becomes essential, as both players coordinate abilities and positioning to survive increasingly tough encounters.
Unfortunately, this mode remains somewhat niche. Finding a dedicated co-op partner can be challenging, and without that dynamic, the solo experience—while still enjoyable—loses some of its distinctive identity.
The Tactical Drone Expansion
The inclusion of the “Tactical Drone” expansion is arguably the most notable addition in this PS5 version. It builds upon the original drone mechanics, introducing new abilities, upgrades, and strategic options that enrich the gameplay loop.
What’s especially effective is how these updates promote experimentation. Different drone loadouts can significantly alter how encounters unfold, enabling diverse playstyles. Whether you prefer a more aggressive approach or a defensive, control-focused strategy, the expansion provides the tools to adapt.
More importantly, it makes the game feel less like a relic and more like a dynamic system—one that has evolved over time rather than remaining static.
Progression and Repetition
Like many games in the genre, Solstice Chronicles: MIA depends on a cycle of combat, upgrades, and survival. You’ll earn resources, enhance your gear, and delve deeper into increasingly hostile territory.
This cycle is rewarding, but it has its drawbacks. Repetition can creep in, especially during longer sessions. Enemy variety, while adequate, isn’t broad enough to maintain the game’s pacing over time. Some encounters start to merge together, particularly if you’re grinding for upgrades.
That said, the tactical elements—especially the drone system—help lessen this issue somewhat. Even familiar encounters can unfold differently depending on your approach.
A Story Told in Fragments
Narratively, the game adopts a minimalist approach. Story beats are conveyed through environmental storytelling, logs, and occasional dialogue. This effectively creates a sense of mystery, but it never fully exploits its premise.
There are hints of something deeper—a conspiracy, a larger threat, a broader context to the colony’s سقوط—but these elements remain largely undeveloped. The focus is clearly on gameplay, and while that is not inherently a flaw, it does leave the narrative feeling somewhat incomplete.
Performance and Presentation
From a technical perspective, the PS5 version offers the best way to experience Solstice Chronicles: MIA. The 60fps performance guarantees smooth gameplay, while the lighting improvements add visual depth that was previously missing.
Load times are short, and the game runs reliably even during the most hectic fights. It’s not a major overhaul, but it is a meaningful one—refining the experience without changing its core identity.
Final Verdict
Solstice Chronicles: MIA is a captivating mix of classic action and innovative design. Its twin-stick shooting mechanics are reliable, but it’s the drone system and asymmetrical co-op that give it a distinctive identity—one that still feels fresh years after its original launch.
The PS5 version doesn’t reinvent the game, but it doesn’t need to. Instead, it refines and enhances what was already there, making it more accessible and enjoyable for a modern audience. The addition of the Tactical Drone expansion adds meaningful depth, ensuring the game feels more complete than ever before.
It’s not without flaws. Repetition can creep in, the narrative lacks impact, and the co-op mode—arguably its most innovative feature—relies heavily on having the right partner. But for those willing to engage with its systems, there’s a rewarding and distinctive experience to be found.
This is a game that may have arrived late to the current generation—but it hasn’t arrived empty-handed.
