Mission: Red Planet*
Mission: Red Planet is a strategic board game set in the year 1888, where Steampunk technology has enabled mankind to reach Mars. Designed by Bruno Faidutti and Bruno Cathala, this game immerses players in a competitive race to colonize Mars and exploit its valuable resources: the explosive element Celerium, the dense material Sylvanite, and water from Martian glaciers, which could potentially terraform the planet.
Gameplay Overview
- Resource Competition: Players represent mining companies vying to control Mars' resources.
- Strategic Deployment: Utilize special agents to fill rockets with astronauts and secure regions on Mars.
- Area Majority: Gain score tokens by dominating regions to control the majority of astronauts.
Key Features
- Resource Management: Strategically gather Celerium, Sylvanite, and Ice to gain an advantage.
- Agent Abilities: Leverage the unique abilities of special agents for strategic plays.
- Discovery and Bonus Cards: Enhance your strategy and score with additional bonuses.
Game Mechanics
- Character/Action Card System: Blend of majority control mechanics with character-driven actions.
- Dynamic Scoring: Score tokens are awarded after rounds 5 and 8, and at game's end for majority control.
- Thematic Design: Steampunk aesthetics and a strong Mars colonization theme enhance immersion.
Conclusion
Mission: Red Planet offers a richly thematic and strategic gaming experience, perfect for players who enjoy resource management, area control, and character-driven actions. With its engaging Steampunk theme and competitive gameplay, players are tasked with making critical decisions to outmaneuver opponents and secure the most lucrative regions of Mars. The game's blend of strategic depth and thematic immersion makes it a standout choice for those seeking a game that combines the thrill of space exploration with the intricacies of resource competition.
- 3 - 5 Players
- 60 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Easy to learn
We like Mission: Red Planet so much that we recommend it in the following board game recommendation lists 2024
- Position 17 in The best games from Bruno Faidutti 🇫🇷👨
- Position 6 in The best games in which the starting player is determined based on a role
- Position 8 in The best games presented at the Spiel 2005 game fair in Essen, Germany
- Position 11 in The best Steampunk games 🚂