On Mars

1-4

Players

150

Minutes

14+

Age

2020

Published

Designer Vital Lacerda
Publisher Eagle-Gryphon Games , Angry Lion Games , Arclight Games , Delta Vision Publishing , Giochix.it
Illustration Ian O'Toole

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What to Expect

You act as chief astronaut for a private company, developing a Mars colony from Earth-dependent outpost to independent settlement. Play alternates between Colonization and Shuttle phases: on Orbit you manage blueprints, tech and supplies; on the surface you build, upgrade and explore using your rover. Water, air, power and food are essential and buildings have interdependencies.

Who Is This Game For?

On Mars targets experienced gamers (gamer/enthusiast to expert) who like complex economic and engine-building systems. It supports 1–4 players so a solo mode exists. With a playtime around 150 minutes, expect a long, focused session.

How It Works

Core mechanics include Contracts, Delayed Purchase, End Game Bonuses and a Hexagon Grid for surface development. During Colonization players take actions based on whether they are in orbit or on the planet; during the Shuttle Phase players move between the Space Station and Mars. Income and Movement Points influence resource flow and mobility.

Contracts Delayed Purchase End Game Bonuses Hexagon Grid Income Movement Points

What Makes It Special

Designed by Vital Lacerda, On Mars couples a dense economic engine with a spatial hex grid. It won the Golden Geek 2020 award for Best Board Game Artwork & Presentation and received several nominations in 2019–2020. The interplay of territory building and contract-driven economics is a distinctive feature.

Awards

Winner
2020

2020 5 Seasons Best Portuguese Complex Game — Nominated
2020 5 Seasons Best Solo Mode — Nominated
2020 Board Game Quest Awards Best Strategy/Euro Game — Nominated
2019 Cardboard Republic Architect Laurel — Nominated

Pro

Deep, thematically linked engine-building (mechanics: Income, Contracts).
Structured play with distinct Colonization and Shuttle phases.
Includes a solitaire option (1 player).
Awarded Golden Geek 2020 for Artwork & Presentation.

Contra

Long playtime (~150 minutes) demands commitment.
High complexity; requires learning time.

Setting & Atmosphäre

The theme is Mars colonization after establishment of Mars Base Camp and D.O.M.E.; you run a private firm's efforts to create a self-sustaining colony. The setting is hard sci-fi/space exploration with emphasis on infrastructure and survival needs.

Tipp für Einsteiger

Focus first on mastering the two phases (orbit vs surface) and the dependency relationships between buildings rather than tactical minutiae.

Häufige Fragen

Can I play this solo?

Yes. Player count is 1–4, so a solo game is supported.

How long does a game really take?

Playtime is listed at about 150 minutes; expect longer with setup and initial explanation.

What prior experience do I need?

The game suits experienced gamers; prior familiarity with economic and engine-building mechanics helps.

How does this compare to similar games?

On Mars combines hex-based territory building with economic Contracts and Income mechanics, distinguishing it from simpler colony builders.

Is this suitable for families?

With a minimum age of 14 and high complexity, it's better for experienced family members than casual family play.

What mechanic makes it special?

The Hexagon Grid combined with Contracts and Income-driven economy shapes the core gameplay.

Fazit

A demanding strategy title for players who enjoy long, detail-rich games. If you appreciate complex engine- and economy-focused gameplay and have ~150 minutes, On Mars is recommended.