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.

In The Quest for El Dorado, players embark on an exhilarating journey through the dense jungles of South America in search of the legendary land of gold. Each expedition leader assembles a unique team, hiring scouts, scientists, and aborigines to navigate treacherous terrains and uncover hidden treasures. The ultimate goal is to be the first to reach El Dorado's golden border, securing all its riches for your team. Players start with a deck of 8 cards, each representing a member of their expedition. On every turn, you can use these cards to move through the hexagonal grid or hire new members by purchasing from a communal pool. The game introduces a race mechanic as players vie for supremacy, but strategic planning and resource management are key to success. Notable mechanics include delayed purchases, once-per-game abilities, and open drafting, which add layers of complexity and replayability. The modular board ensures each playthrough offers fresh challenges, while the variable setup keeps the experience dynamic and engaging.