Terraforming Mars: Amazonis & Vastitas

Arclight Games, Brädspel.se, FryxGames · Board game · 2024
2–5 · best 4 120+ min Weight 2.8/5
9.5 rating Ludopedia
8.4 rating BGG
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9.5 rating Ludopedia
8.4 rating BGG
Our Verdict

A must-have for base game owners looking for variety, especially for larger gaming groups.

Highlights
  • More breathing room for 5 players
  • Fresh objectives and awards
  • High strategic variability
  • High-quality components
Keep in mind
  • Requires base game to play
  • Increases total play time
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About the game
If you've already mastered the art of turning Mars into a lush green and blue paradise, it's time to expand your horizons—literally. Terraforming Mars: Amazonis & Vastitas introduces two new boards that completely shift the positioning dynamics and terraforming strategies. We're not just talking about 'more of the same,' but entirely new regions with unique geographical features that force you to rethink how you distribute your cities and greenery.

On one side, we have Amazonis Planitia. This map is a dream for those who love high-player-count games, as it expands the board with 30 additional hexes and longer global parameter tracks. This means 5-player games feel much more fluid and epic, providing more room for territorial disputes and more ocean tiles to place. It's the perfect choice if you feel the base map gets too cramped when the whole group gathers.

On the other side, we have Vastitas Borealis, where the challenge is to colonize the frozen wastes of the Martian north. Here, the struggle is against the Boreal Vastness, introducing new placement bonuses and objectives that shift the game's priorities. Each map comes with its own unique Milestones and Awards, ensuring that no two games ever feel the same. If you enjoy varying your strategy and want to test your corporation's resilience in inhospitable terrains, these new scenarios are essential. It's the breath of fresh air your base game needed to keep surprising you, adding layers of tactical complexity without altering the core essence that made the game a modern classic. Fire up your engines, plan your projects, and get ready to conquer new frontiers on the Red Planet!
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Game details

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Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Game: Terraforming Mars Series: Terraforming Mars
Publisher Arclight Games, Brädspel.se, FryxGames, Ghenos Games, Intrafin Games, Korea Boardgames, Lautapelit.fi, Maldito Games, MeepleBR, MINDOK, Rebel Sp. z o.o., Schwerkraft-Verlag, Stronghold Games
Designer Arnd Drifte
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the base game to play?
Yes! This is an expansion and cannot be played standalone. You must own the Terraforming Mars base game.
What is the main difference between the two maps?
Amazonis is larger and better suited for 5 players, while Vastitas Borealis focuses on specific geographical challenges of the Martian north.
Does this make the game more complex?
It doesn't change the basic rule complexity, but it adds new strategic layers due to the new objectives and placement bonuses.
Does the game time increase?
Yes, especially with the Amazonis map, as the global parameter tracks are longer.
Is it worth it for those who only play with two players?
Yes, as Vastitas Borealis offers a very different tactical experience from the original map, even with a small group.