Terraforming Mars: The Dice Game (2023) Board Game

Terraforming Mars: The Dice Game is a spin-off of the popular board game Terraforming Mars, designed by Jacob Fryxelius. It was released in 2023 by FryxGames as a standalone dice game version of the original game. The game retains the theme of terraforming Mars, but simplifies the gameplay mechanics by using dice rolling and pool building.

Game Components of Terraforming Mars: The Dice Game

60 custom dice: Each die can produce three different resources (common, uncommon, rare).

159 unique project cards: Green cards for production boosts, blue cards for additional actions, and red cards for immediate effects.

Corporation cards: Starting corporations with special abilities and initial dice pools.

Hexagonal map of Mars: For placing forests, oceans, and cities.

Milestone and award cards: Variable goals and objectives.

How To Setup Terraforming Mars: The Dice Game

Players start by choosing a corporation, each with its own special ability and starting dice pool. They draw a hand of five project cards and discard one corporation before the game begins. The starting dice are rolled and placed ready for the game to start. Each player must weigh the options on their project cards to select the most beneficial corporation.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dice Rolling: No rerolling of dice, but faces can be changed using certain effects.

Resource Management: Manage dice to produce resources (common, uncommon, rare).

Project Cards: Play cards by spending matching die faces to perform actions like raising temperature, oxygen levels, and ocean coverage.

Support and Main Actions: Players take two actions per turn: one support action and one main action.

Terraforming Goals: Max out two of the three parameters (temperature, oxygen levels, ocean coverage) to end the game.

Milestones and Awards: Achieve variable goals and objectives for additional points.

Player Experience

Terraforming Mars: The Dice Game transforms the intricate strategy of the original into a quicker, luck-driven experience. Players must manage their dice and cards efficiently to outpace their opponents. The game demands tactical efficiency rather than long-term engine building, making it a “Race to Mars” rather than a meticulous terraforming process. Despite the randomness, players can manage their luck by making strategic decisions about which dice to keep, discard, or alter.

Pros

Accessibility: Simplified rules and faster gameplay make it easier for new players.

Quick Playtime: Games typically last around 45 minutes.

Variety: Incorporates milestones and awards for additional challenges and objectives.

Cons

Reduced Strategic Depth: Less emphasis on long-term planning and engine building compared to the original.

Randomness: Heavy reliance on dice rolls can lead to frustration with bad luck.

Less Satisfying: Some players may find the experience less satisfying due to reduced complexity.

Personal Thoughts on Terraforming Mars: The Dice Game

Terraforming Mars: The Dice Game is ideal for those looking for a lighter, more accessible version of the Terraforming Mars experience. It is a great gateway game for new players or families, offering a fun and fast-paced way to engage with the terraforming theme without the complexity of the original. However, fans of the original game may find it lacking in strategic depth and engine-building mechanics.

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