Game Description

In 2400, humanity prepares to colonize the Red Planet. In Terraforming Mars, a captivating scientific strategy board game, you will take on the role of a powerful corporation, sponsored by the terrestrial World Government, with an ambitious goal: to make Mars habitable. You will work to raise the temperature, increase oxygen levels, and create oceans, actively contributing to the terraforming process. Although collaboration is crucial for the project's success, competition for victory points is fierce. These are awarded not only for your direct contribution to terraforming, but also for the development of human infrastructure in the solar system and other commendable ventures.

• Players: 1-5
• Duration: Approximately 120 minutes
• Year: 2016
• Publisher: FryxGames

The core of the gameplay revolves around acquiring and managing unique project cards, choosing from over two hundred different options. By purchasing these cards, you can gain immediate bonuses and increase your production of various essential resources. Many cards have specific requirements, becoming playable only when Mars' temperature, oxygen, or ocean coverage reach certain values. Finding the right balance between purchasing new cards and their actual playability is a strategic challenge, considering that purchasing them has a cost. Standard Projects are always available to complement your options. Your base income and starting score depend on your Terraform Rating, but your income is boosted by production, and Victory Points are obtained from numerous other sources, making resource management crucial.

Each player manages their own player board, carefully monitoring production and the six types of resources: MegaCredits, Steel, Titanium, Plants, Energy, and Heat. On the main board, competition is fierce to best place your city, ocean, and greenery tiles, physically contributing to the planet's transformation. Additionally, you can aim to achieve various Milestones and Awards, which grant a significant number of Victory Points at the end of the game, encouraging players to diversify their strategies.

The game unfolds through a series of "generations," each composed of well-defined phases. Each generation sees players take turns performing a series of strategic actions: playing a card, claiming a Milestone, funding an Award, using a Standard Project, or converting plants into greenery tiles to increase oxygen. This turn-based structure and the wide range of available options ensure high replayability and require constant tactical decisions to overcome opponents and leave your mark on Martian colonization. Prepare for a deep and rewarding gaming experience that will keep you glued to the table!