85

Compete as corporations transforming Mars into a habitable world. Raise temperature, create oceans, and plant forests in this epic engine-builder.

85

The Verdict

based on 32 reviews

Positive 0%
Mixed 0%
Engaging and rewarding engine-building mechanics
Massive variety of unique project cards
Strong scientific and thematic integration
Meaningful strategic player interaction
High replayability value
Flimsy and uninspired component quality
Prone to lengthy and overextended playtimes
Fussy player boards that easily displace cubes
100
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Boardgame-News, Callan BondArticle

The reviewer praises Terraforming Mars for its deep card variety and engine-building mechanics, which provide an enjoyable experience and high replayability. Players take on corporations working to terraform Mars by managing resources, playing cards, and placing tiles to meet global conditions.

92
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Victory ConditionsArticle

Terraforming Mars is a celebrated eurogame with strong thematic integration and an exceptional, tightly balanced solo mode, though its physical components feel somewhat dated and uninspired.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Tabletop TycoonVideo

This review explores whether Terraforming Mars holds up today, weighing its complex engine-building and strategic depth against its dated components and lengthy playtime.

90
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Meeple Mountain, Andrew PlassardArticle

Terraforming Mars is fantastic. It’s rare to find a game with smooth mechanisms that ties an interesting theme tightly with gameplay.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
No Pun Included, No Pun IncludedVideo

No Pun Included reviews Terraforming Mars, praising its strategic depth, engaging engine-building, and rewarding card combinations while sharply criticizing its infamously poor component quality and frustrating player boards.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Man vs Meeple, Jeremy SalinasVideo

Man vs Meeple reviews Terraforming Mars, praising its strategic depth, card synergy, and engaging engine-building mechanics despite some production flaws.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Gideon's Gaming, Gaming GideonArticle

Terraforming Mars offers deeply engaging engine-building and strategic depth with fantastic table presence, though it suffers from frustrating player boards and a convoluted rulebook.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
3 Minute Board Games, Jessa and/or Bryant (3 Minute Board Games)Video

A concise overview and review of Terraforming Mars, detailing its card-driven engine building, global parameter tracking, and strategic gameplay.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Punchboard Party, Punchboard PartyVideo

The reviewers analyze Terraforming Mars as part of a top BGG series, evaluating its mechanics, thematic execution, and overall status as a modern classic.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Nerds on EarthArticle

The reviewer highly praises Terraforming Mars for its immersive theme and smooth, enjoyable gameplay, which they feel outweighs the disappointment of flimsy components and occasional lengthy turns. They recommend it despite these flaws.

90
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Joyful GamesArticleTop List

Terraforming Mars is a great package overall, from it base mechanics, to clever use of resources, to unique projects, to many possibilities each player can do.

See list
90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Quackalope, QuackalopeVideo

Quackalope dives into Terraforming Mars to examine whether its strategic engine-building and resource management hold up as some of the best gameplay in the hobby.

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