Exploration Games

On Mars is a strategic space exploration board game that challenges players to establish the first self-sustaining colony on the red planet. As chief astronaut for one of several private enterprises, your mission is to achieve both Department of Operations and Mars Exploration (D.O.M.E.) goals and your company's objectives. The game unfolds over multiple rounds, each divided into two phases: Colonization and Shuttle. During the Colonization Phase, players take turns performing actions based on their position—whether in orbit or on the Martian surface. In orbit, you can develop technologies, purchase supplies, and manage resources. On the surface, your focus shifts to constructing buildings, upgrading infrastructure, and exploring Mars with a rover. The Shuttle Phase allows for travel between the colony and the Space Station, enabling resource exchange and strategic planning. The game's mechanics are rich and varied, including contracts, delayed purchases, tech trees, worker placement, and tile placement. These elements work together to create a dynamic and engaging experience that requires careful management of resources and long-term strategy. The goal is to build the most advanced and self-sustaining colony on Mars, ensuring its survival through the completion of missions and the accumulation of Opportunity Points (OP). The game's complexity and depth make it appealing for both solo play and multiplayer sessions, offering a high replay value due to its variable phase order and multiple pathways to victory. On Mars is a compelling blend of space exploration and city building, making it an excellent choice for fans of science fiction and strategic board games. Its unique combination of mechanics and themes ensures that each playthrough offers new challenges and opportunities.

Maracaibo is an economic and nautical strategy game set in the tumultuous 17th-century Caribbean. Players navigate a round course, managing their ships to increase influence over three nations through four rounds. Each player's goal is to outmaneuver rivals by completing contracts, delivering goods, and securing end-game bonuses. The game’s narrative unfolds as players embark on quests that tell a story of adventure and intrigue. With its rich mechanics, Maracaibo offers a dynamic experience where each turn brings new challenges and opportunities. Players must carefully manage their resources, make strategic decisions, and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the Caribbean. The inclusion of La Armada mini-expansion adds depth and variety, making it a compelling choice for both solo play and multiplayer sessions.