Description
After the success of unmanned rover missions, the United Nations set up the Department of Operations and Mars Exploration (D.O.M.E.). In 2037, the first settlers landed on Mars. Decades later, private exploration firms started building a self - sustaining colony. As the chief astronaut of one such company, you aim to be a pioneer in creating the largest and most advanced colony on Mars, meeting both D.O.M.E. mission goals and your company's private aims.
At first, you'll rely on Earth supplies and travel between the Mars Space Station and the planet's surface. As the colony grows, you'll focus on building mines, power generators, water extractors, greenhouses, oxygen factories, and shelters. Your main goal is to develop a self - sustaining colony free from any Earth - based organization, which means understanding the importance of water, air, power, and food for survival.
On Mars is played in multiple rounds, each with two phases: the Colonization Phase and the Shuttle Phase. In the Colonization Phase, players take turns to act based on their position on the board. In orbit, you can get blueprints, buy and develop technologies, and take supplies from the Warehouse. On the planet's surface, you can build buildings with bots, upgrade them using blueprints, recruit scientists, take new contracts, welcome new ships, and explore with a rover. In the Shuttle Phase, players can travel between the colony and the Space Station.
All buildings on Mars are interdependent, and some are essential for colony growth. Building shelters needs oxygen, oxygen needs plants, plants need water, water extraction from ice needs power, power generation needs mining minerals, and mining needs Colonists. Upgrading resource - providing capabilities is crucial. As the colony expands, more shelters are needed for Colonists to survive Mars' harsh conditions.
During the game, players strive to complete missions. The game ends after three missions are completed. To win, players must contribute to the first Mars colony's development, represented by gaining Opportunity Points (OP). The player with the most OP at the end wins.
How to play: On Mars is a multi - round game. Each round has a Colonization Phase and a Shuttle Phase. In the Colonization Phase, take actions according to where you are on the board. If you're in orbit, grab blueprints, develop tech, and get supplies. On the surface, build and upgrade buildings, recruit scientists, and explore. In the Shuttle Phase, move between the colony and the Space Station.
What to note: Remember that all buildings on Mars rely on each other. Make sure to upgrade the colony's ability to provide key resources like water, air, power, and food. Complete three missions to end the game.
Maintenance advice: There's no physical maintenance for this game. But you can keep track of your Opportunity Points (OP) and plan your actions to increase your chances of winning.
