Terraforming Mars is a fantastic game for space enthusiasts. The game is based on an organization driven by the desire to set up a project on the planet Mars. 

The organization also aims to make Mars a planet like Earth, equipped with all the necessities for sustainable life for all species. 

Now, making gameplay worthy also requires a lot of rules and regulations. It’s the same with Terraforming Mars. But don’t be fooled; this game is not as easy as you think. 

Since the idea of the game itself is complex, so will the other things following it. Therefore, please stick to the end to see what we have to say about the game. 

First, let’s start with the basic information of the game! 

1. Terraforming Mars: Overview 

1.1. The Basics

It’s a game with many different elements that are considered. But if you look at the rules, especially as a story, you will find it easier to understand and comprehend everything. Let us see it in this way. 

To make anything out of a given matter, we require several resources. Just as you’d require raw materials and money to build a house, you have resources like money, steel, titanium, greenery, energy and heat. 

Oxygen is the most essential element required to live. The curve depicting oxygen temperature is in the centre, almost at the top of the board. 

Temperature is another thing that keeps a person living; you will see something like a laboratory thermometer very visibly on one of the sides of the board. 

Plus, Mars contains water, so small blue tiles will symbolize the oceans on the planet. When you start the game, make sure that all the points are at zero or the point equivalent to zero. 

Some cards are present. Yes, you will have to play with cards in this game as well. The players will get to pick two cards; these are the corporation cards. 

Once you have the company, you will also have projects to work on. Players will be granted ten project cards for this purpose. 

You can choose whichever cards your cards and the corporation want to keep to move further in the play. 

The players who aspire to win will have to raise the essential elements of the planet; other than that, they can invest in the awards or earn the required points by completing certain conditions. 

This is only the base of the entire game. But if this is initiated successfully, only the rest of the game can be a delight. A lot of different things go into this game. 

It’s about the person and their ability to think about building life on a planet. You might have seen that money is one of the symbols on the boards that each player will be given. There will be cubes of three different colours: gold, Silver, and Bronze. 

They all have different values and represent money. The golden one is a 10, Silver for 5, and Bronze for 1.

2. How Long Does Terraforming Mars Take?

You will place them in the top spot on each resource (heat and greenery), and the further you get, the further you will move, proving how far you’re in production.

You also have to keep a keen eye on the strategies and tactics used by the other players to give yourself the win and make your own decision. In these cases, it’s best to do what is in your favour. 

You have to raise the essential elements of Mars in the ways mentioned in the article. Trading powers for extra cards is also allowed in the game.

Considering these factors, it is fair to say that the game will be extended. But how long have we been talking about it here? Generally, more players would mean the game would be slightly longer. 

According to different sources, the game can last around 100 minutes. However, this is just the average, and it is highly variable depending on the players and how quickly they execute their moves.

We also recommend checking out the video below for a greater understanding of the moves in the game. 

3. What Do We Think About Terraforming Mars?

3.1. Aesthetics and Components 

Terraforming Mars will require great detail. The game’s aesthetic is excellent, but don’t be fooled; the how-to-go-about is equally tricky, and players tend to get stuck.

Let’s start with the design and structure of the board. It is fantastic how the creators have included all the necessary elements to make the planet habitable and sustainable in the long run. 

Impeccable aesthetics and components aid in measuring a player’s success as well. 

The rest of the game is mainly about the cards you have. The only thing is that you have to pay for the cards. During each turn, whenever you play, you have to give some amount (the game money) to execute the action. 

This practice of paying at every step puts the player in a position where they have to ensure that every decision they make will significantly impact the long term, and paying for cards every time is intimidating. 

3.2. Difficulty Level Of Terraforming Mars

Due to the game’s difficulty level, learning the rules and regulations can be a bit of a headache, and managing the different aspects of it, such as counting and noting the production progress on Mars, can all be a lot to take in for a new player. 

Additionally, the number of cards in the game—around 443, each with a different theme—might seem a little daunting, and you’ll always be wondering whether you will succeed in the game or not. 

You understand that logic and decision-making power are prerequisites for game progress.

This, however, will depend on the person. It is essential to note that it can be easier once you’ve practised and gotten a note on every action you must perform. It will only be a matter of time and a deeper understanding of the game that you will succeed.

3.3. Is The Game Worth Your Time? 

Let’s investigate; we have studied the game and watched some of the included videos. This is one of the best management board games ever and has an excellent motive.

What do you get when you play the game? It comes with a competitive spirit. You will always be on the run to make your corporation the winner. It would be best to use logic, forcing your brain to think and sharpen it. 

Decisions matter a lot in this game, so it’s safe to say you will learn to make calculated decisions in the long term. Management of Resources given is also a great tactic of great value. 

The most important one is that it drives you towards your goal. You are on the run to reach your goal and constantly put brilliant work into it. 

To put this into the briefest sentence. It is worth every second you will put into the game. 

4. Conclusion

We have to say, this game is indeed remarkable. You can count on it for various reasons, starting with its motive and objective and ending with what you learn from it. 

It’s a great way to spend time with your friends while making something out of it for yourselves. 

Do give the game a try. It is also available online, and different game variations are introduced. We think you will for sure enjoy what the game has to offer. 

Last Updated on March 25, 2024 by Khushahal Malakar