On Mars

About this board game

On Mars is a highly strategic and immersive board game that transports you to the intriguing red planet. It’s a game filled with scientific discovery, economic strategy, and the captivating challenge of making Mars habitable for humanity. Designed by Vital Lacerda and brilliantly illustrated by Ian O’Toole, On Mars is a game that promises an engaging experience full of intense decision-making.

The game is set in the not-so-distant future where mankind has taken the first steps towards colonizing Mars. You are a Chief Astronaut working with private space exploration companies to establish a sustainable colony on the surface of Mars. The game board presents a detailed layout of the Martian surface, complete with potential building sites, resource deposits, and scientific objectives.

The core mechanics of On Mars revolve around resource management, tile placement, and strategic planning. Players switch between an ‘Orbit’ station and the Martian surface. In orbit, players can gain new technologies or upgrade their existing ones, take on new mission cards, and buy resources, all of which are essential to make the colony thrive on Mars. Meanwhile, on the Martian surface, players can construct buildings with the resources they have, produce resources, and develop the colony based on their strategic plans.

• Resource Management: Players must carefully manage resources such as water, plants, minerals, and energy, required to build and maintain structures. Ensuring a steady supply of these resources is crucial for the success of your mission.
• Tile Placement: Building structures will require placing tiles on the board. The placement of these tiles not only impacts your production capabilities but also affects the overall development of the colony.
• Strategic Planning: The game is a fine balance between cooperation and competition. While players must work together to ensure the survival of the colony, they also compete for the best reputation and contribution to the Martian society.

What makes On Mars unique is its deep integration of theme and mechanics. The game presents a realistic and scientifically plausible scenario of what colonizing Mars might look like. Each action and decision made in the game feels meaningful and impactful, creating an immersive experience that captures the challenges and excitement of space exploration. Additionally, with a dynamic game board that evolves with each play, On Mars offers a high replay value, ensuring a fresh and engaging experience every time.

For those who are captivated by the mysteries of space and enjoy a complex, strategic challenge, On Mars is a board game that promises an unforgettable journey to the red planet.