Martian Chess (1995) Board Game

Martian Chess is an abstract strategy board game that was released in 1995 by designers Andrew Looney and Eileen Tjan. The game is published by Looney Labs and is suitable for 2-4 players, with a runtime of around 20 minutes. It falls under the category of abstract strategy games, with a focus on grid movement mechanics.

Game Components of Martian Chess

Martian Chess game board

4 sets of Martian Chess pieces in different colors

How To Setup Martian Chess

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Each player selects a set of pieces in their chosen color.

Randomly determine who goes first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Martian Chess, players take turns moving their pieces on a grid-like game board. The goal of the game is to capture the opponent’s pieces by moving onto their space. The game continues until one player has captured all of their opponent’s pieces.

Player Experience

Pros

Quick gameplay

Easy to learn for all ages

Strategic depth despite simple rules

Cons

Limited replay value

Lack of variety in piece movements

Personal Thoughts on Martian Chess

Martian Chess offers a fun and engaging experience for players looking for a quick abstract strategy game. While it may not have the depth of other games in the genre, its simplicity makes it accessible to a wide range of players. The build quality of the game is solid, and it is priced reasonably for the entertainment it provides. For those interested in abstract strategy games, Martian Chess is worth checking out. However, players looking for more complexity or variety may want to explore other options in the genre. It is a game that can be enjoyed by both casual gamers and strategy enthusiasts, making it a versatile choice for game nights.

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