Mars Attacks: The Miniatures Game

Mantic Games, Edge Entertainment, Heidelberger Spieleverlag · Board game · 2014
8.3 Ludopedia 7.2 BGG 2 · best 2 30–60 min Weight 2.2/5
Buy · from US$ 70.23
8.3 rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you're into miniatures, good tactical combat, and a dose of sci-fi humor, Mars Attacks: The Miniatures Game is a blast! It's the kind of game that throws you right into the action, with rules that are easy to pick up but offer plenty of tactical depth for those who enjoy planning their moves. Perfect for anyone looking for a lighter, more fun wargame experience without sacrificing strategy.

Highlights
  • Stunning, detailed miniatures
  • Easy to learn rules
  • Fun tactical combat
  • Classic humorous theme
  • Varied and engaging scenarios
Keep in mind
  • Miniatures may require painting
  • Best with 2 players
  • Additional components can be pricey
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready for an intergalactic invasion with Mars Attacks: The Miniatures Game, a tactical miniatures wargame that throws you into the hilarious and chaotic war between humans and Martians! Based on the iconic 1962 Topps trading card series, this game invites you to relive the battle for Earth's destiny. You and your opponent take on the roles of either the alien invaders or the fierce human resistance, moving your units across the board to achieve various objectives, whether defending your position or vaporizing your enemies with laser beams. The rules, crafted by veteran designer Jake Thornton, are super accessible and easy to learn, allowing even newcomers to the hobby to jump into the action quickly. The game shines with its high-quality Mantic miniatures, which can be used straight out of the box or painted for an even more personal touch. Prepare for wacky events and cinematic twists thanks to the Event Card deck. The action is driven by fun scenarios, like the Battle of Greenville, where you might need to eliminate the enemy, capture intelligence, or simply escape the Martian invaders. Gameplay is fluid, with a grid-based board where players activate their miniatures to move, shoot, or engage in hand-to-hand combat. Dice mechanics are straightforward: roll an eight-sided die to see if you hit or if your opponent manages to dodge. But don't be fooled, tactics are crucial! A wrong move can cost you a miniature, while flanking or using special abilities can be the key to victory. All of this is detailed in a comic-book-sized rulebook, packed with missions for you and your friends to enjoy, whether you're a wargame veteran or a curious newcomer.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

2 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Players: Games with expansions that add solo play Players: Two-Player Only Games Space: Mars
Publisher Mantic Games, Edge Entertainment, Heidelberger Spieleverlag
Designer Jake Thornton

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,391owners
174wishlist
35want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Is Mars Attacks: The Miniatures Game difficult to learn?
Not at all! The rules are quite intuitive and designed to be easy to pick up, even for those new to wargames. The rulebook is clear and straightforward, so you'll be vaporizing humans (or Martians!) in no time.
How many players can play, and what's the average game duration?
The game is ideal for 2 players, but some expansions or scenarios might allow for more. Games typically last between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the scenario and your play speed.
Do I need to paint the miniatures to play?
No, you don't! The miniatures come ready to use straight out of the box. However, if you enjoy adding a personal touch and diving deeper into immersion, painting them is a great option and significantly enhances the game's visual appeal.
Does the game involve a lot of strategy, or is it mostly luck?
It strikes a great balance! While dice rolling adds an element of luck, strategy is fundamental. Unit positioning, using cover, managing event cards, and special abilities are crucial for victory. It's not just about rolling dice and hoping for the best!
Who is this game recommended for?
It's perfect for fans of tactical wargames looking for a lighter, more fun experience, sci-fi enthusiasts with a touch of humor, and anyone who enjoys miniatures. It's also a great entry point into the world of wargames, being easy to learn yet offering tactical depth.
Does the game have expansions or additional content?
Yes, there are expansions that add new units, scenarios, characters, and even game modes, such as solo play. These significantly expand the replayability and tactical possibilities of the base game.

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