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Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition (2021) Board Game

Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition is a standalone card game in the Terraforming Mars universe. It was released in 2021 by FryxGames and designed by Sydney Engelstein, Jacob Fryxelius, and Nick Little. The game is set in the 2400s, where corporations are working together to terraform Mars and make it habitable for humans.

Game Components of Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition

  • Player Boards: Each player receives a board to track resource production, phases, and standard actions. The boards feature slightly depressed tracks for resource cubes.
  • Mars Board: Used to track the terraforming status of Mars, including temperature, oxygen levels, and terraforming ratings.
  • Corporation Cards: Provide unique abilities for each player.
  • Phase Cards: Five phases that players can choose from each turn, influencing the actions available.
  • Project Cards: Over 200 beautifully illustrated cards that players use to build their engine.
  • Ocean Tiles: Nine tiles that offer bonuses when flipped over.
  • Resource Cubes: For tracking Mega Credits, heat, plants, steel, and titanium.

    How To Setup Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition

    Setup involves placing cubes in the “0” slots on the resource trackers on the player boards. Each player draws a Corporation Card and adjusts their production board accordingly. Players set out cubes on the Mars Board and place the nine Ocean Tiles in their designated spaces. Each player receives a set of five Phase Cards and four Project Cards to start their hand. In solo mode, an additional set of Phase Cards acts as a dummy hand to allow for two actions per turn.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Engine Building: Players build an engine using cards to generate resources and terraform Mars.
  • Hand Management: Managing cards to optimize resource production and actions.
  • Simultaneous Action Selection: Players choose a phase each turn, with the selecting player earning a bonus action.
  • Income: Managing Mega Credits and other resources.
  • Game Objective: To fully terraform Mars by maximizing temperature, oxygen levels, and placing all Ocean Tiles. The player with the most points, earned from terraforming milestones and played cards, wins.

    Player Experience

    Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition offers a streamlined and faster gameplay experience compared to its predecessor. The game is engaging, especially for science and space enthusiasts, with a strong focus on strategic card selection and building a cohesive card tableau. While it may seem complex initially, it becomes enjoyable once the basic mechanics are understood. The game supports various play modes, including solo, cooperative, and competitive play.

    Pros

  • Faster Gameplay: Compared to the original Terraforming Mars, the game is quicker to set up and play.
  • Interactive Mechanics: Players can influence each other’s choices, adding a meta layer to the game.
  • Useful Unwanted Cards: Unwanted cards can be converted into Mega Credits without using an action.
  • Compact Design: Despite some small components, the game is well-designed for its size.
  • Replayability: High replay value due to the variety of cards and strategies.

    Cons

  • Luck Factor: The game has a higher luck factor due to card draws.
  • Small Board Components: Some components, like the Terraforming Rating track, are small and can be fiddly.
  • Limited Downtime Reduction: While simultaneous action selection reduces downtime, it can still occur.

    Personal Thoughts on Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition

    This game is ideal for fans of the original Terraforming Mars who are looking for a more streamlined experience, as well as new players interested in engine-building and strategic card play. It is particularly suited for science and space enthusiasts who enjoy the thematic elements of terraforming Mars. With its quick setup, interactive gameplay, and high replayability, Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition is a great addition to any board game collection. However, players who prefer games with less luck and more control over their strategies might find it less appealing.

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