Terraforming Mars

January 8, 2025

Written by: Jonas Ståleker

The backstory

When I was first introduced to Terraforming Mars, it was through an outdoor gym program for fathers and kids. There, I connected with a few dads who shared my love for board games – and especially one game: Terraforming Mars. After years of playing it sporadically and never winning, I recently got to play it again. For the first time, it stuck in my mind long after the session was over. When I found it on sale, it felt like a sign. I ordered it immediately and can’t wait for it to arrive.

The Game

Terraforming Mars is about massive megacorporations competing to make Mars habitable for humanity. It’s a game about corporate greed but also innovation, technological progress, and hope for the future.

Despite knowing about the game for a long time (it was first released in 2016), a few things held me back from buying it earlier. First, the artwork – often compared to clip art – is not the most visually appealing. Second, I’m not a particularly competitive gamer, and Terraforming Mars can be unforgiving, with early mistakes snowballing into long-term disadvantages. Lastly, while the theme is unique and well-executed, space and sci-fi have never been my favorite genres in board games.

So why did I finally decide to buy it? The game has some amazing mechanics. The drafting and engine-building elements are incredibly satisfying, offering multiple paths to victory. Plus, the scoring system keeps things uncertain until the very end, so you never feel defeated halfway through a long session. Expansions add even more variety, and the strong connection between theme and mechanics makes you feel like you truly are transforming Mars.

Looking Ahead
I’m excited to own a copy of Terraforming Mars and share it with my friends. Whether we play to win or simply to enjoy the journey of terraforming the red planet, I know this game will bring us hours of memorable fun.