Terraforming Mars game (Game of the Year edition)

Terraforming Mars (Game of the Year Edition)
Turn Mars into a habitable planet!
“Terraforming Announcement:
The Earth Government was established in 2174 and for almost 150 years has strived for global unity and peace. Our mission is to become a universal tool for shaping a better tomorrow for all humanity.

Earth is overpopulated, and resources are dwindling. Today we face a choice: regress civilization or venture into space to find a new home for our species. Our course is clear: we must terraform Mars into a livable planet.

Terraforming Mars is such a vast undertaking it requires humanity’s joint effort. The Earth Government will form a Terraforming Committee and impose a global tax. Corporations and enterprises assisting us will be generously rewarded. We believe our chosen methods will yield a new home for our descendants. Thank you for your attention!”

Levi Uken, World Government spokesperson, January 16, 2315

Humanity has begun solar system expansion. Several small colonies exist on Mars, isolated from the planet’s harsh, cold, dry, and nearly atmosphere-less environment.

Increasing immigration from Earth requires terraforming Mars to allow humans to survive without protective gear and minimize mortality from minor accidents. The Earth Government supports any organization contributing to this monumental task.

Generous funding attracts giant corporations seeking market share and influence in the terraforming project. Taming the Red Planet is a chance for dazzling success.

How it works:

In Terraforming Mars, players control corporations and, as management, buy and play cards describing various investment projects. Projects usually contribute directly or indirectly to terraforming but can also be other business ventures.

To win, a player must achieve a high Terraforming Rating (TR) and earn many Victory Points (VP). TR increases each time a player raises a Global Parameter (Temperature, Oxygen level, or Ocean count). TR determines basic income and score.

As terraforming progresses, players can undertake more projects. Additional VP come from anything increasing humanity’s solar system dominance, like founding cities, building infrastructure, or environmental protection.

Time is measured in Generations.
Players start each Generation with an order phase,
then a research phase to gain new cards,
an action phase where players take 1 or 2 actions in turn until all pass,
and a production phase producing resources and income based on TR.
The main board tracks Temperature, Oxygen, Terraforming Rating, and Generations. Players place Ocean, Greenery, and City tiles on the planet map. The board also lists basic projects available to all and titles and awards players compete for.

The game ends when Mars has enough Oxygen (14%), Oceans (9), and Temperature (+8°C) to support life, though still far from comfortable.

The winner is the player with the most VP, including TR, tiles on the board, awards, titles, and card points.