Onward to Venus

Treefrog Games · Board game · 2014
2–5 · best 4 90–120 min Weight 2.6/5
7.9 rating Ludopedia
6.9 rating BGG
Buy
7.9 rating Ludopedia
6.9 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Love a space race with a retro theme and a dash of chaos? Onward to Venus takes you on a fun, twisty trip through the Solar System!

Highlights
  • Fantastic art and unique theme
  • Interaction and chaotic events
  • Accessible rules, dynamic gameplay
Keep in mind
  • High language dependency
  • Luck can influence outcomes
  • Can get chaotic quickly
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Get ready for a mad dash across the Solar System in Onward to Venus! Inspired by the Doctor Grordbort comics, this game puts you in charge of one of the great powers of the late 19th century, competing to explore and profit from planets and moons. Forget the scramble for Africa; the new frontier is space, and the natives (who aren't too happy about colonization!) are just another obstacle in your pursuit of glory and wealth.

The game is divided into three intense rounds, where you'll use your movement points to zip around the solar system, claiming tiles and areas. Each tile can grant you valuable cards, resources to build factories and mines, a chance to hunt exotic creatures, or simply good old cash. But beware! Some tiles increase the crisis level on a planet. If you let chaos spread too much, brace yourself for Martian invasions, rebel robots, and space pirate attacks – events that can turn the game upside down.

With relatively straightforward rules and fantastic artwork reminiscent of retro-futuristic comics, Onward to Venus offers a space empire-building experience with a touch of humor and plenty of interaction. It's a game that demands planning, hand management, and a keen eye on your opponents' actions, as area majority and influence are crucial for victory. If you enjoy science fiction themes with a steampunk twist and don't mind a bit of cosmic chaos, this trip to Venus is well worth it!
BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 OK
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC
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Game details

Families

Creatures: Aliens / Extraterrestrials Space: Colonization / Extraterrestrial Colonisation Space: Venus Theme: Pirates Theme: Retro Theme: Robots Theme: Steampunk
Publisher Treefrog Games
Designer Martin Wallace
Artist Greg Broadmore, Peter Dennis, Warren Mahy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average playtime for Onward to Venus?
A game of Onward to Venus typically lasts between 90 and 120 minutes, depending on the player count and familiarity with the rules.
How many players can play?
The game is designed for 2 to 5 players.
Is Onward to Venus a complex game?
Its complexity is considered moderate (BGG weight 2.62/5). The basic rules are easy to grasp, but strategic depth increases with experience.
Do I need to know English to play?
Yes, the game has high language dependency, with text on cards and components that need to be understood for full play.
Who do you recommend Onward to Venus for?
We recommend it for those who enjoy space exploration games with a retro-futuristic theme, comic-inspired art, and a bit of unpredictability through events and player interaction.
Is there a lot of luck involved in the game?
There is dice rolling and event cards, which introduce an element of luck. However, hand management and strategic positioning are key to mitigating randomness.