# Mission: Red Planet

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2005
- **BGG Rating**: 6.9
- **BGG Rank**: #1613
- **Players**: 3-5 (Best with: 4)
- **Duration**: 60 min
- **Weight**: 2.32 / 5
- **Designers**: Bruno Cathala, Bruno Faidutti
- **Artists**: Christophe Madura
- **Publishers**: asmodee
- **Categories**: Science Fiction, Space Exploration
- **Mechanics**: Action Retrieval, Area Majority / Influence, Area Movement, End Game Bonuses, Hand Management, Simultaneous Action Selection, Take That, Turn Order: Role Order

## Verdict
Steampunk fans and territory control lovers will enjoy this game – the race for Mars has never been so fun!Engaging territory controlUnique strategic resourcesCombining cards and simultaneous actionHigh average playtimeModerate complexityHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
In 1888, steampunk technology rockets forward: probes have landed on Mars and astronauts are ready to launch mining rockets.  What makes the red planet so enticing are three rare resources – Celerium, an element that could produce explosive energy; Sylvanite, an incredibly dense material; and massive glaciers that, if controlled, could make Mars more habitable.  "Mission: Red Planet" puts you in charge of a mining corporation competing against others to send astronauts, conquer areas, and rack up points.  Over 10 rounds, you choose a special agent to help load crew onto rockets while trying to stop rivals from doing the same.  Once landed, astronauts must dominate specific regions, each producing one of the three resources.  At critical moments (rounds 5 and 8) and at the end, majority control of areas earns score tokens, and discovery and bonus cards can turn the tide in your favor.  The game blends territory control à la "El Grande" with a card‑action system reminiscent of "Citadels", all set in a steampunk aesthetic that delights visually while keeping the pace dynamic.  If you enjoy influence games, hand management, and real‑time strategic decisions, you’ll feel right at home here.  Get ready to command rockets, plan area movements, and, above all, dominate Mars before your competitors do!

## FAQ
### What is the average playtime?
Around 60 to 70 minutes, depending on player experience.

### How many players does it work best with?
Ideal for 3 to 5 players, but can be played with 2 if you prefer.

### What is the complexity level?
Moderate – requires card planning and territory control, but not overly heavy.

### What are the main components?
Mars board, astronaut tokens, action cards, resource tokens, and score markers.

### Is it good for beginners?
Yes, though some familiarity with territory control games helps.

### Does playing in Portuguese give any advantage?
No gameplay advantage – only the translation of cards and rulebook.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 29.95 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=151072&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
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