Terraforming Mars (Winner Deutscher Spielepreis 2017)^*

Terraforming Mars is a strategic board game set in the 2400s, where players, representing giant corporations, embark on the colossal task of terraforming Mars. Sponsored by the World Government on Earth, each corporation competes to contribute most effectively to raising the planet's temperature, oxygen level, and ocean coverage to make Mars habitable. While players work together in the terraforming process, they also compete for victory points awarded for their contributions to terraforming, advancing human infrastructure throughout the solar system, and other notable achievements.

Gameplay Overview

• Project Cards: Players acquire and play unique project cards that offer bonuses, resource production, and other benefits.
• Resource Management: Balance the acquisition of cards with their execution, managing resources like MegaCredits, Steel, Titanium, Plants, Energy, and Heat.
• Strategic Development: Compete for optimal placement of city, ocean, and greenery tiles on Mars and achieve Milestones and Awards for victory points.

Game Phases

1. Player Order Shifts: Clockwise rotation of player order.
2. Research Phase: Purchase cards from a private draw.
3. Action Phase: Perform actions like playing a card, claiming Milestones, funding Awards, and more.
4. Production Phase: Gain resources based on terraform ratings and production levels.

Game End

• The game concludes when Mars reaches the set goals for temperature, oxygen, and ocean coverage. Victory is determined by counting Terraform Ratings and other victory points.

Conclusion

Terraforming Mars is an ideal game for those who enjoy complex strategy, resource management, and thematic gameplay. It offers a challenging and immersive experience of transforming a hostile planet into a livable environment. The game's combination of cooperative and competitive elements, along with its deep strategic mechanics, make it a captivating experience for seasoned gamers and fans of science fiction alike.