David McCord has become one of my favorite game designers.
Now that deserves a bit of an explanation. It’s not that McCord has created a game — at least among those I’ve played — that would make my top 25, maybe even my top 50 all-time list. However, he is prolific in creating games that are quite accessible in terms of rules, thus providing a rather enjoyable experience at the game table.
That brings us to Mining Mars, which fits the above criteria of simple rules and simple fun.
In this game, two to four players gather minerals — different-colored cubes — to deliver to the processing plants (located on the game board). Collect enough, and you’ve successfully processed the mineral, which will give you an in-game bonus and score you points at the end.
One bump in this one is that two of the minerals — “rarium” and the green stuff — seem to have far more game impact than the others. That tends to limit the interest in collecting the remaining minerals, and that detracts from playing a bit.
Initially, I doubted there was an in-game comeback possibility, but then Mark used some special cards, manipulated his scoring options, and frankly stole the win. That said, Trevor, who appeared destined to win, forced the game-end scenario and probably should have slow-played things while trying to overcome Mark’s moves.
That all actually improved my impression of the game — there are in-game actions that can change outcomes.
The components work but are not exceptional.
The game plays quickly and has a certain charm that would make Mining Mars a fine filler option, especially if time is limited and you have new players to teach the rules to.
Check it out at www.newventuregames.com.
About Author
Calvin Daniels is a Saskatchewan-born, self-taught journalist. He is currently Editor of Yorkton This Week, with 35-years in the newspaper business.
Mining on Mars can be fun
Now that deserves a bit of an explanation. It’s not that McCord has created a game — at least among those I’ve played — that would make my top 25, maybe even my top 50 all-time list. However, he is prolific in creating games that are quite accessible in terms of rules, thus providing a rather enjoyable experience at the game table.
That brings us to Mining Mars, which fits the above criteria of simple rules and simple fun.
In this game, two to four players gather minerals — different-colored cubes — to deliver to the processing plants (located on the game board). Collect enough, and you’ve successfully processed the mineral, which will give you an in-game bonus and score you points at the end.
One bump in this one is that two of the minerals — “rarium” and the green stuff — seem to have far more game impact than the others. That tends to limit the interest in collecting the remaining minerals, and that detracts from playing a bit.
Initially, I doubted there was an in-game comeback possibility, but then Mark used some special cards, manipulated his scoring options, and frankly stole the win. That said, Trevor, who appeared destined to win, forced the game-end scenario and probably should have slow-played things while trying to overcome Mark’s moves.
That all actually improved my impression of the game — there are in-game actions that can change outcomes.
The components work but are not exceptional.
The game plays quickly and has a certain charm that would make Mining Mars a fine filler option, especially if time is limited and you have new players to teach the rules to.
Check it out at www.newventuregames.com.
About Author
Calvin Daniels
Calvin Daniels is a Saskatchewan-born, self-taught journalist. He is currently Editor of Yorkton This Week, with 35-years in the newspaper business.
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