Not Bored Gaming - Episode 13 - On Mars - a SOLO Review

[@TonyAlicea]

If interested, I have created an alternative solo mode that uses Lacerda's solo deck. Its called "Pathfinder" and reduces complexity/management, has tie breaking rules for all decisions, and is win-by-points (no goals). Playtesting has gone very well. You can find it on BoardGameGeek: boardgamegeek.com/filepage/211160/pathfinder-unofficial-mars-solo-mode-w-curiosity-s

[@jimphilidor9031]

One major rule mistake I made at first was that I moved the mission cubes even when going through the solo deck for the first time, which you're not supposed to do. Now that I've played with the proper rules I feel it's a very satisfying game to play solo. Maybe the bot is not the best there is, but the special goals for the solo mode help bring extra challenge.

[@joevanfleteren6860]

Very nice job on the video!! I like all the rotating camera angles, makes it fun to follow along! :) Having played the solo many times I just wanted to point out some of the rules discrepancies I noticed. Lacerda has to pay crystals if there are colonists already present on the actions he wants to take. If he doesn’t have the crystals he moves his rover. Also, VL has confirmed that the mission cube does actually go down even if there is an X on the card - the X only prevents the Lacerda from traveling via the shuttle. It’s also important to note that when placing a building for Lacerda, the rules state that you should put the building wherever it will be most beneficial for Lacerda. Most times there is an obvious place that will benefit him (blocking your ability to make a complex, making his own complex, etc) And the timer really isn’t that fast honestly... it definitely makes it tight for the later levels but the tightness is what makes it really challenging.

[@NotBoredGaming]

Joe Vanfleteren hey there, thank you for clarifying some of the rules for me - I will make sure I incorporate them into my next game. I absolutely play Lacerda’s building to my dis-benefit and Lacerda’s benefit - I still think the rule of ambiguity is too “loose”. The mission timer going down just drags me out of the game too quickly but, if it works for you, that’s great. Once again, thanks for watching and commenting and - more importantly - clarifying those rules for me. 👍👍

[@OutOfCuriosity]

I agree on all your observations about the solo game / experience. It was exactly my feeling as well, that the solo game / szenarios train you some of the game strategies to recognize or utilize your game play. How can you push the game to a quicker ending, how to force the leveling of your mars colony, how expand a certain aspect of your own buildings etc. I cheated a bit to finally succeeded in the last solo szenario. I hand picked the mission cards before the game start for example. I too am looking forward to a good community solo variant, maybe we are in luck and someone finds a good variant. Anyway thx for this nice review.

[@mkrool]

my dream would be to design a game with ian o'tooles art he is one of the greatest sci fi artists i have ever seen when it comes to board games

[@boardgamerants]

I 2nd the notion of a David Turczi variant! I agree on your points here, and was also looking for something heavier with its current 4.62 BGG weight rating. This felt no where on par with a similarly weighted Trickerion solo. Perhaps it's because, as you say, the game is over before it really gets going...? Great review, thanks!

[@NotBoredGaming]

boardgamerants thanks. I enjoyed your take on the game also. 👍👍

[@MrPostm]

Just getting into this game myself after it has been sitting on my shelf of shame since it arrived from Kickstarter. I've been playing five solo games in the past week. One comment in regards to the solo game being accelerated too quickly by the AI cards; Lacerda doesn't start moving the Mission Cubes down their respective tracks until you have already been through the AI deck once. Check the rulebook on page 22 under "Colonization Phase".

[@mkrool]

oh nice first review from the new room

[@NotBoredGaming]

Haha - yup, just need to sort the lighting. Thanks

[@PierreCarette]

A coop expansion based on surviving mars is planned and should fix the solo experience IMO

[@Dimotion1]

I think with a better quality camera and better lighting , that tutorial would be top-notch. Nevertheless... excellent review. I;m kind of dissapointed from the Ai system too.. I think The Gallertist's AI still is the best from all Lacerda's games

[@DadGotGamez]

The Gallerist is just so predictable. Check out Kanban EV's new Solo mode. It's locked on.

[@marcolai9735]

Clearly that solo deck is just a placeholder for the solo expansion already planned for the game

[@NotBoredGaming]

Maybe - however, I wouldn’t say “clearly”. It’s not the best solo experience and could put off a lot of solo gamers buying the game or investing in any future expansions. It’s good but it lacks real immersion.

[@tredegar47]

There's a fan solo variant called "Pathfinder" that is heaps better than the one out of the box. The VL one had far too much ambiguity and unexplained rules to be found enjoyable in my eye.