On Mars (2020)
(2020)hobbity.eu, Giochix.it, Lavka Games, Maldito, Angry Lion Games, Eagle-Gryphon Games
On Mars is a complex strategy game where players work to develop the biggest and most advanced colony on Mars by achieving DOME mission goals and completing private company agendas. Players alternate between being in orbit around Mars and on the colony surface, with different actions available depending on their location, connected by shuttle phases that allow movement between the two areas.
The Verdict
based on 17 reviews
The reviewer, despite usually preferring mid-weight games, highly recommends 'On Mars' for its exceptional depth, rewarding complex decisions, and outstanding production quality. They found the challenging, thematic gameplay consistently satisfying, making it a standout title for heavy strategy enthusiasts.
The reviewer, a playtester, offers a positive evaluation of On Mars, praising its refreshing take on the familiar Mars theme and detailing its complex action selection mechanics. He aims to help prospective players decide if this intricate game is for them.
This video from Drive Thru Games offers a comprehensive review of the physical board game 'On Mars'. It includes an overview of the gameplay and final thoughts on the game.
Chris and Wendy Yi review the complex board game On Mars, detailing its mechanics and various strategic paths. They offer personal insights and ultimately provide individual scores for the game.
This video by Before You Play features a comprehensive playthrough of the physical board game On Mars, including a rules overview, gameplay demonstration, scoring, and a dedicated review section at the end.
This No Pun Included review thoroughly examines 'On Mars,' noting its substantial complexity as a Vital Lacerda design. The reviewers praise its cohesive gameplay and integrated mechanics, highlighting how all elements interconnect to create a compelling experience.
Everything Dice provides a comprehensive review of the physical board game On Mars, highlighting its appealing visuals and component quality, along with its effective approach to easing players into its complexity. The reviewer notes challenges with the rulebook's navigability.
The reviewer enthusiastically praises "On Mars" for its outstanding mechanics, immersive thematic integration, and visually stunning production, noting that while the solo mode is enjoyable, it serves best as preparation for the main multiplayer experience.
Despite its punishingly heavy complexity and interconnected cascading effects, this grounded Martian colonization game stands out as Vital Lacerda's finest design.
If you love the Martian setting of Terraforming Mars, On Mars offers an even more detailed and immersive strategic experience.
This video from Never Bored Gaming provides a detailed review and personal insights into the board game 'On Mars'. It discusses the game's mechanics and overall player experience to help viewers understand its appeal.
On Mars is a brilliantly complex and deeply thematic heavy Eurogame that brilliantly intertwines worker-placement and tile-placement. It is punishing to learn and play, but offers an intensely rewarding strategic experience, particularly at higher player counts.
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