what makes mars seem realistic and fantastic ?

Previously inhabited by native Martians, the planet was once a hot, yet thriving planet, with native plants, animals, seas, and landscape. However, Mars has now been colonized and virtually wiped of any remaining Martian culture by settlers from Earth. Bringing with them their plants, machinery, and materials, Earthlings have reconstructed the landscape into a near copy of their original planet. While several ancient Martian cities remain, the Earthlings are slowly destroying those as well.