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Terraforming Mars

iOS, Android, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac • 2018

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Quick resume

The taming of the Red Planet has begun! Corporations are competing to transform Mars into a habitable planet by spending vast resources and using innovative technology to raise temperature, create a breathable atmosphere, and make oceans of water.

Global score

71/100

Genres

Strategy, Simulator

Pros

  • Faithful adaptation of popular board game
  • Streamlined gameplay and bookkeeping
  • High replayability with strategic depth
  • Active online multiplayer community
  • Regular updates and expansions planned

Cons

  • Bugs and ui quirks reported
  • Lack of drafting mode at launch
  • Rudimentary matchmaking and ranking
  • Ai opponents often weak or predictable
  • Long waiting times due to afk players

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have significant control over their actions and strategies, choosing corporations, cards, and play style freely."

  • Competence
    4

    "The game challenges players with complex strategy and resource management, requiring skill to optimize plays and overcome AI or human opponents."

  • Competition
    3

    "Multiplayer mode involves competing against others for highest terraforming rating and points, though matchmaking and ranking systems are rudimentary."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Players report long play sessions and habitual engagement, with many hours logged and desire to replay with different strategies."

  • Cooperation
    -3

    "Gameplay is primarily individualistic, focusing on personal objectives rather than team goals or cooperative play."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Players create unique engine-building strategies and customize play through card choices and corporation selection."

  • Domination
    -2

    "Interactions are competitive but generally respectful; no reports of trash talk or dominance behaviors."

  • Escapism
    3

    "Players use the game as a relaxing distraction and mental challenge, especially during social distancing or solo play."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and love for the board game; no pressure or obligation reported."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "High replayability encourages trying new strategies, corporations, and card combinations."

  • Exploration
    2

    "Some exploration through different maps and expansions, but largely familiar game environments."

  • Expression
    2

    "Limited customization mostly through card and corporation choices; no avatar or cosmetic personalization."

  • Fantasy
    1

    "The game has a sci-fi theme of terraforming Mars, but grounded in plausible science and strategy rather than high fantasy."

  • Fellowship
    2

    "Online multiplayer and community engagement exist, but social interaction is limited and often competitive rather than cooperative."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players develop strategic thinking and learn complex game mechanics over time."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity involved."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention during turns; idle players cause frustration and waiting times."

  • Intimacy
    -3

    "Social interactions are surface-level and competitive; no evidence of close relationships forming through gameplay."

  • Leadership
    -4

    "No leadership roles; players act independently without guiding others."

  • Progression
    4

    "Strong progression through resource accumulation, card acquisition, and terraforming rating increases."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Many players find the game relaxing and mentally engaging, though some frustration arises from bugs and waiting."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Visuals and music are pleasant but not highly stimulating; some players appreciate the aesthetic improvements over the board game."

  • Status
    1

    "Some social recognition through multiplayer and achievements, but limited ranking or visibility systems."

  • Story
    2

    "The game has a thematic narrative of terraforming Mars, but gameplay is largely abstract and strategic."

  • Strategy
    5

    "Core gameplay revolves around deep strategic planning, resource management, and tactical decision making."

  • Thrill
    2

    "Some tension and excitement from competitive play and close games, but overall a calm strategic experience."

  • Value
    3

    "Players feel the game offers good value for time and money, especially compared to physical board game costs."

  • Violence
    -4

    "Gameplay focuses on constructive terraforming and resource management rather than combat or destruction."

  • Survival
    1

    "Some resource management and risk avoidance, but low threat and failure consequences compared to survival games."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026