| Title | Terraforming Mars |
| Developer(s) | Artefacts Studio |
| Publisher(s) | Twin Sails Interactive |
| Release Date | Oct 17, 2018 |
| Size | 216.06 MB |
| Genre | PC > Strategy |
The demand for new and exciting board games has been on the rise in recent years, and with it comes a game that takes players to the outer reaches of our solar system – Terraforming Mars.
Published in 2016 by Stronghold Games, Terraforming Mars is a strategic board game where players take on the role of a corporation tasked with transforming Mars into a habitable planet for human life. With a combination of resource management, strategic decision-making, and a touch of luck, players will compete to be the most successful terraformers and score the most points.
The Setup
At the beginning of the game, each player receives a player board and their respective corporation, which includes a starting hand of cards. The main board is divided into three sections – the Mars board, the World board, and the Player area. The Mars board represents the planet Mars, with various regions and resources to be developed. The world board displays the global parameters that players need to achieve for the terraforming process to be successful. The player area is where players will manage their resources and place their cards.
The Gameplay
The game is divided into three stages – the Prelude, the Main Action, and the Generation. In the Prelude, players use their starting hand of cards to set up their corporation and gain an advantage for the rest of the game. The Main Action has players taking turns to perform actions such as playing cards, building infrastructure, and increasing global parameters. Finally, in the Generation stage, players will receive income, take maintenance actions, and pass the first player token to the next player.
There are three main types of cards in Terraforming Mars – project cards, global event cards, and standard project cards. Project cards are specific to each corporation and offer unique abilities and bonuses. Global event cards affect the entire game and can either benefit or hinder players. Standard project cards represent the everyday actions required for terraforming, such as increasing oxygen or water levels.
The Terraforming Process
To win the game, players must work towards three global parameters – temperature, oxygen, and ocean levels. These parameters must reach a certain level for the planet to be habitable. Players can increase these levels by playing cards or using their actions to build infrastructure on the Mars board. Once all three parameters reach their required levels, the game ends, and the players tally their points to determine the winner.
In addition to the global parameters, players can also earn points through achievements, played cards, and their corporation’s special abilities. The points system gives an added layer of strategy to the game, as players must balance between working towards the global parameters and earning points.
The Expansion Packs
Since its release, Terraforming Mars has gained immense popularity among board game enthusiasts, resulting in five expansion packs – Venus Next, Prelude, Colonies, Turmoil, and Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition. These expansion packs add new corporations, cards, game mechanics, and challenges, providing players with even more reasons to keep coming back to this thrilling game.
The Final Verdict
Terraforming Mars is an addictive and highly replayable game that offers a perfect balance of strategy, luck, and sci-fi excitement. With its stunning board design, challenging gameplay, and multiple expansion packs, this game is an excellent choice for seasoned players and beginners looking for an out-of-this-world board game experience.
“Terraforming Mars is a great example of how board games can offer a unique and immersive experience that cannot be replicated in any other medium.”
If you’re a fan of sci-fi, strategy, and endless possibilities, then Terraforming Mars is a game you definitely don’t want to miss out on.
System Requirements
Minimum:- OS: Windows 7 / Windows 8 / Windows 10
- Processor: Dual Core 3.0 GHz
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Storage: 250 MB available space