On Mars - Playthrough & Review

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We have reached the end of the Vital Lacerda series! This is "On Mars," published by Eagle-Gryphon Games released in 2020. This video includes a board game rules overview. Let us know what you think about the game in the comments section below!
JUMP:
0:00 - 38:20 - Overview/Rules Teach
38:21 - 2:12:58 - Gameplay
2:12:59 - 2:18:17 - Scoring
2:18:18 - END - Review
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[@BeforeYouPlay]

Have you played On Mars? What are your thoughts on the game?

[@TheNerdShelves]

We haven't yet, but we will for sure!

[@BoardGameGran]

Not yet, it's not something I would buy, but hopefully one of my friends will get it and I'll get a chance to play, because it certainly looks pretty.

[@mvbracing]

Hello guys, first of great channel, love your work. I have played on mars and It went straight into my top 5 boardgames. It is my first lacerda game but most likely not my last. Greetings from the netherlands.

[@Shoitaan]

Entered my top ten fast and soon to become my number 1. An incredibly cerebral and satisfying experience!

[@andersonbutilheiro]

I just played twice in a row, after watching this video. Thank you for doing this and for a great job with such a complex and profound game. The game is incredible. I love heavy games and I have several of them, but On Mars is certainly one of the heaviest. Maybe only Feudum is heavier. But On Mars has this thing that everything depends on each other, everything is organic and makes sense in the theme that you end up not feeling it so heavy. Time flies by.

[@ianotoolevideo]

Thanks so much for covering all of these games, you do a really great job with presenting a complex game :)

[@johnathanrhoades7751]

You do a great job of illustrating a complex game! Very much enjoy your design and art. I know you get paid for it, but it brings many of us a lot of joy to get to play beautiful games with clear graphic design.

[@zacdredge3859]

Thanks yourself for making games into works of art.

[@TheQrank]

@@johnathanrhoades7751 In which way do they get paid for it? Do you refer to KZbin income or any other source?

[@handledav]

ian o'toole

[@Darth3po]

At 1:36:44, when Naveen is taking his executive action to build a Greenhouse complex of 4, Monique's tech tile was only at +2, and he didn't moved a colonist for the missing tech needed. Also, the greenhouse LLS marker should have been moved up one spot without benefit. Haven't watched all the video yet so I don't know if this have been adressed later, I'm almost at the 2 hours mark

[@TheQrank]

This! I found out the same and Monique could have blocked that contract for ever if she just never upgrade that specific Tech Tile anymore.

[@HerrFinsternis]

I think it's incredible you can play a good game, talk us through it in an understable way and do it all in 1,5 hour. Hats of to you, I really enjoyed this.

[@iliaskokkotos-andreou5083]

I have been waiting for this one for so long! After having watched countless tutorial videos, I knew yours was gonna be the only one that could make me actually understand how this game is played. Cannot commend you enough on the amazing work you guys do, your love and passion for the hobby is inspiring! Keep it up!

[@theviper90]

It's been a while since I've watched one of your videos, but i just wanted to say that your on-screen chemistry and confidence has really grown! I really enjoyed this video. Looking forward to more videos from you guys, and hope your channel keeps growing!

[@ChrisCuly]

Thanks for the playthrough, really enjoyed it! You do a great job with your videos!

[@browe]

My clear favorite video of yours yet! Cheers for another engaging Lacerda play through + review

[@flamtzer]

I was already planning on getting the game for my birthday in September, now the hype is over the roof. Thanks for the playthrough, it is also really cool that you added annotations for mistakes midway!

[@kyledmellander]

Thanks for putting this out there. You all did an amazing job explaining it. The game seemed really daunting listening to other reviewers but your explanation especially with the play through made it a lot more intuitive. My copy is arriving Thursday and I’m so excited!

[@clovermite]

I really enjoyed this video/playthrough, thanks for posting! I have to say, y'all have really good camera placements, your audio is clear with good volume, and you keep a steady stream of engaging dialogue as you play. Excellent job all around! I love the theme and complexity of this game! Sadly, with all the other games/things I want to do with my time, I don't think I'd be able to fit it in. Especially so because I have so few friends who would be interested in playing it with me. So with that being said, it's great to see a good playthrough so I can enjoy the game vicariously!

[@trisalong]

I love the format, great review guys! Subbed! :)

[@roryparlin2414]

Thank you for all the hard work with this game. I love this game, and love it even more picking up finer point from your teachings!!!

[@timwanger4491]

First: Came here through Quackalope and I am really happy to have subbed! :) Second: Great review of On Mars! The time stamps help a lot and just the review in the end is really helpful. I will use the gameplay explanation part most likely before I play me first session.

[@lynnburke2266]

Your glasses look great 👍. Wow thank you for this.. ive been tempted to get this game for awhile but really had no interest in learning the rules cuz it just looked overwhelming to do so but it sure has great table presence. Thank you for all this hard work time effort in doing this video!

[@marinaherrero2833]

You guys are stars! Thank you so much for another great video! My husband loves space-themed games (his fav is terraforming mars), so I really appreciate you guys showed this one (might be a future present for hubby lol)

[@bgt2701]

Just started playing this today, this playthrough clarified so many questions we had. Thanks!

[@biodigs]

Thanks for the great play through! It finally got me over the hump and get the game played! What a great experience!

[@Dumpsta121]

My Dad and I game together on TTS (we live in different countries), and your videos have quickly become our go-to for rules. Ya'll are a joy to watch and find such a great way of making complex games easily digestible. Thank you!

[@martonferenci]

Thank you for the amazing Lacerda series and this playthrough - it really helped me pick On Mars as my Vital game to own (Lisboa, CO2 also available in my group. Your content is top of the class.

[@tankalisboa1692]

Thanks for your gameplay, we love see you and you solve our doubt about it... very good job.

[@angelsilva2191]

Marvelous job! Love the way you, guys, approach and teach this games.

[@caffeineandcardboard1536]

Guys, you two are literally making our play of this game possible. Thank you for this labor of love!

[@RobertHovakimyan55]

Been waiting for this one for a while now! Discovered you two when thinking about buying The Gallerist to play with my (recently turned gamer) partner. Your video was my favorite one I came across and have been hooked on the series since! You're an adorable couple and watching you guys play & talk about a game is both entertaining and informative. Keep it up!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Awwww thank you so much, really means a lot to hear that! Also very happy to hear that your partner has turned into a gamer. It's such a joy to be able to experience the hobby together =)

[@deejayfox1764]

Your channel is my favorite for teach and play KZbin videos. Thanks for making good, clean content.

[@mikefoster6018]

I bought this at the UK Games Expo today. I bumped into a guy who randomly met Vital Lacerda, and said Vital was so humble he just chatted and didn't say who he is. Apparently was a really interesting, engaging guy. The guy on the who stand (who wasn't connected to Vital or the company selling it) was such a fan after that. His favourite was Lisboa. He also suggested Underwater Cities as a similar, good game from a different designer. Personally I own four of Vital's games now and love the three I've played. I was hooked from the moment that, in Kanban (the first of his games I bought), I managed to turn m opponent's moves against him in several ways! Was just really satifsying to be able to perform real magic/trickery in a game through sheer force of will and devilish planning.

[@luiscarlosqg]

I usually do not watch playthroughs, but you two are so good I just watched this whole two and a half hour video! Keep on producing such good content. I loved On Mars, it is on my list now. Thank you!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Oh that's really nice of you to say that! Glad you enjoyed the playthrough!

[@helvard]

I just recently discovered your channel and you guys are great! At 44:42 when Monique got a tech tile due to turn order placement, she forgot to pay a battery. Keep up the good work!

[@walouyo3799]

True

[@savasyn]

I finally played On Mars for the first time today and I need to thank you so much for this play through. I read the rules, I watched the Gaming Rules! teach and was still pretty unclear on a number of things, but your teach and play through are so clear that it made getting through this first game possible. Thank you!!

[@spielmill1755]

This is so helpful. We haven't tried a game this heavy since Jayne's illness got severe and are struggling to learn. This play through really helped. We never used to bother with how to play and play through videos but they have been essential the last few years! Appreciate all the effort to be clear and precise!!

[@manoX1234567]

Guys, throught your videos i learned lisaboa. Tomorow i will get on mars. This video again will be great help to better understand game. Great work and hope tou are well in this times.

[@CollectorsDomain]

Thanks for the playthrough! I absolutely loved Lisboa, played it every week with my wife and she loved it too, but when we cracked this out, we instantly fell in love. The theme and the interweaving actions completely immersed us in the experience. And the feeling of building and upgrading this colony together really brought this up to the next level in a way that Lisboa didnt quite achieve. (both trying to build up cities that will generate income but the LSS system really enhanced that for us.) Cant wait to try out the Gallerist. Love the theme in that one. Keep up the great content!

[@amenaza1986]

I rarely comment on videos of the rule explanation of games but seriously, your video is a lifesaver!!! I have never seen any Vital Lacerda game explained this good!! Thank you soooo much for your work, this has made my life in explaining the rules to my husband sooo much easier, you got yourself a faithful subscriber :)

[@BeforeYouPlay]

That makes us so happy to hear!! So glad you were able to find the channel.

[@mattalevyatgmail]

I think this is my favorite Lacerda game. I love the orbit/planet divide; it requires a lot of planning. There are definitely a ton of rules, but I found that it began to flow pretty well after a few games. I’ve played solo more than multiplayer, and I will say that the solo mode is a bit of a bear to learn. Great teach as always!

[@BoardGameGran]

I like how basically you explained the rules, it was really clear. My family play a lot of games with me and a Lacerda game would just scare them. Hoping a friend will buy this, so I get to play it at some point.

[@ningaubleotse171]

That was awesome! Thank you for a great playthrough :)

[@NathanHBoardExplored]

You guys seem to be having such a great time playing this. You can definitely see your drive to win!

[@leosalcedo3384]

Hello you two! I got into board games during the pandemic. I started with Ticket to Ride and Pandemic, which my kids really enjoy. Then we went further down the rabbit hole. My wife and I are currently playing Gloomhaven JOTL. I also have Scythe, which I play with my brothers. Because of my new hobby I started watching KZbin videos. I came across your channel and I was instantly hooked! You guys seem like a fun, laid back, down-to-earth couple (much like my wife and me). You never cease to entertain. I'm also glad you teamed up with Rodney Smith! I love your content! It would be so fun to play a game with you guys some day (daydreaming). Keep up the great work!

[@alxabreu]

I came back to this playthrough after 2 years in preparation for my game tomorrow and I only now noticed that somewhere mid game you can feel the tension rising. On Mars really brought out the competitiveness in you :) Congratulations for the great job with the teach and the playthrough.

[@nerdington934]

That was a great series! Thank you both :)

[@pincao]

Great job. Thanks for covering all the Vital games !

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Thank you for watching!

[@jefflaflam7685]

I can't wait to see the ranking video...great video!

[@seanmorgan2257]

Thank you for another excellent video, much appreciated

[@astridw-b.7262]

Love your channel. I would love to see a ranking video of lacerda games (with your reasons for ranking it on which place). Big hug from Germany.

[@tylert.5357]

Again! Another fun video...yes this message is coming a year later (Oct '21). I had heard of this game AND the expansion as well (gonna watch THAT video next). I really love Vital's designs. Wish I had more people to play these games with.

[@grisellereyes8692]

Oh my Goodness I love you guys. Thanks for the times I enjoy 😊

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Our pleasure!

[@lorenzofama6043]

thank you for your clear explanation , For somebody who never played a Lacerda game i was sitting here and was like ok i get it, do this , get that, all the action were clear and the playtrhough was just realy helpfull. Now i'm gonna order me a copie of On Mars and i'm ready to play and explain all the rulles to my game group.

[@simon5666]

After i slept watching 2 other videos, i came across this one. Your explanation is very clear. i didn't sleep !!! Now i almost understood the rule. Thank you !!!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Ah that's great! I'm so glad we could help =)

[@DiarrheaWalrus]

This was such a fantastic overview, playthrough and review; it greatly helped us in preparing for our first game.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Thank you! So glad we could help =)

[@klaus3856]

After my first 9 solo On Mars games in the last week, I still caught a few oversights I have been making. Thank you. I missed that the taking of blueprints and upgrading of blueprints spaces ay level 5 in the laboratory can be boosted with workers. That is huge, as Monique demonstrated. Creating an engaging playthrough, played at an expert level, sets you apart.

[@IskandarStrategist1689]

Solo was fun? Im about to buy because just want to play solo.

[@xandermichael78]

Just played this again for the first time in a long time and then thought that I'd watch your rules explanation afterwards to see that I got all the rules correct, because the first couple of times I played I had one rule wrong that allowed my friend to grab up all the resources from the warehouse. This time I had two rules wrong!! I didn't realise the LSS markers go up for any building you build, I thought it had to be adding to a complex, but that's only about placing your progress marker. Second was that you can only use the executive action on someone else's blueprint if you have a scientist! Oops! Fortunately my friend is coming over this week for a rematch so we can get all the rules right for this play. Thanks for taking the time to go through all the rules! It's a doozy!

[@rcdguizi1]

Very excited about this game. Science fiction is my favorite theme by far. Hope to buy this one soon so it can be beside to Terraforming Mars, Underwater Cities, Gaia Project and The Artemis Project. Congrats for your videos. The most I watch, the most I like it!!!

[@robotore]

I was gonna buy spirit island at our local game store but after I found out they were out of stock I said yolo and bought this instead after seeing how high you both put it in your top games and am so glad I did! Just ran it with my main group of 4 and fell absolutely in love with this beast! Have you all played it at max player count yet? It’s a nightmare to move bots around since that board fills up so much, and I wasn’t ready for that after just running it with my partner and I. Thanks for introducing us to the wonderful world of vital games, this and the gallerist have risen up to my fav games in my collection thanks to you two!

[@terrytoriq]

Your end-video-commentary always makes me smile so wide: You: " This game is so long. And math-y. And complicated. My brain bleads. I don't know what to do. It's crazy! I can't see colors any more.... I LOVE IT SO MUCH!!!!!" Me: "Uh.... what??!" :D :D :D Awesome, awesome series!! (bow)

[@someone_named]

I love the content please keep it up you have a good channel here

[@UndeadPrezUK]

Amazing video, so clear. Going to crack this out and solo it again!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Rock on! Glad you liked it :)

[@sharingmatters]

Amazing video! Thanks to you, I am closer to buying this game :)

[@pixxelwizzard]

I'm looking to possibly get my 1st Vital Lacerda game, and On Mars looks like a great candidate. It's prettier than Lisboa and the sci-fi theme is an insta-win. I'm really enjoying your teach and look forward to the rest of the video. Thank you!

[@copelandwoodruff9810]

Love your content AND this game! One oopsie: 44:40 Monique should've paid one battery for the tech tile. Love you coverage of the expansion, too! Thank you for all you do for the community!!

[@bibleboardgames5199]

Thank you for showing us! Much appreciated. Still looking for my ultimate board game that has a great Mars theme (and can play with others). I thought Terraforming Mars had great potential but engine building is not my favorite mechanic. That took over and diminished the theme for me. On Mars integrates some more thematic elements but goes into orbit with engine building, so for me, the engine building seems to take over again. Great if that is what you are looking for. Incredible how it was designed. But puts it out of reach for my playing group. Thank you for the playthrough! I'll see if the 2nd time changes my mind later like it did for you.

[@henrywilliams543]

This is a great series. Thank you for doing these! I noticed a small error at 1:49:39: A boost to the 2x Tech Tile upgrades only adds on additional upgrade, not two. I may have missed something that enabled that result, I’m still learning...

[@walouyo3799]

Correct, easy to play it wrong (p11, for each colonist... develop any 1 Tech tile... once). Ty

[@sidhantchand]

I love how both of your faces are so tensed midway, even though you've to shoot the playthrough and keep dictating your turns, you are thinking steps ahead in the brain parallelly :D

[@dennissein2119]

Great playthrough!! I learned a ton....Thanks!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@marcusgsuniga]

Thank you for teaching the whole game!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Thank you for watching!

[@bane9179]

Thx to you guys i saw this pass on a second hand site and knew it was a gem .

[@TiagoRamosVideos]

Love your videos 🙏

[@tarik20]

Such a good explaination!

[@n.talbert]

I love this entire series and all of these games. I've never had a favorite designer until now. Bought On Mars, Kanban EV, and Lisboa so far, and The Gallerist, CO2, Vinhos, Escape Plan, Bot Factory, Mercado de Lisboa, Alien Invasion all up next in that order. Weather Machine jumps to the front of the line as soon as I can find a copy. I will probably even try to find a copy of Dragon Keepers.

[@d-rockthegreat]

Just received this game and started learning, thanks for your video. This game is brilliant, but it also seems easy to forget some little things. It's going to take a few tries to get this one down.

[@kevinmcinturf8976]

Such a good review!

[@LeRoi81]

Nice playthrough! Don't forget that you can boost your Casino action, so you can so to say exchange colonists to crystals. So it can be useful without using it with a scientist.

[@mondialcasataspetta]

I wanna be honest with you, I've purchased recently On Mars and I wouldn't have done that if I didn't check that you made a tutorial about it. I already enjoyed the tutorial of CO2 cooperative and competitive, and this one is absolutely terrific as well. I'd like Mr Lacerda knows that because of you, I'm more motevated into buying his games and because of you, he doesn't scare me anymore :)

[@elijahfuller9693]

This was my first Lacerda game. After a few plays it became my favorite game, but sadly its super hard to teach so I dont get to play it too much. Each play feels like a unique experience and with how every action effects all players the game has a tactical feel for me. Also the combos can have a very satisfying feeling too. I recently backed weather machine for my 2nd Lacerda, I hope its as good as this one but hopefully a little easier to teach.

[@sador42]

Great play through. Hoping to see you guys play Anachrony and Trickerion. Both complex games that would be awesome to see you guys play.

[@HarmWillem]

At 1:48 Naveen would've won the game if he went travelling and got the last tech.

[@mbrochh82]

Thinkiest Lacerda. Daaaaamn. Lisboa already broke my brain. I think I'll have to sell my copy unplayed 🙈 Great chemistry in this video, you both really seem to like this game!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

haha yes it is very thinky. If you own it already, i hope you are able to try it somehow before selling! You might love it. Thank you, we both really enjoy this one!

[@stevegeorge7773]

At 1:30:50 Sir N should have paid the two resources cost to take the tech. Brilliant game! It’s a 🤪of a game. The big downside is teaching and getting others to play with with Lacerda games, most of them. A 30-45 min teach, one can see their heads exploding,,,, before the game is played!

[@dougpinsonofficial7615]

Thank you for this playthrough!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@georgefothergill4858]

Thanks this was amazing!

[@kossowankenobi]

Surprised Vital isn't in here already with comments. ;) I may have to cave and collect this one too. I think I broke some friends with The Gallerist yesterday but I love his stuff!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

LOL we love his stuff too, so good! Hopefully your friends will recover and want to play again

[@vuullemuulle]

Hi! Love the videos and the energy! Quick question, can you take 2 christals every turn with the casino as an excecutive action with the scientist? 😎

[@NemoMangelk]

*SPOILERS* I do empathise with Naveen, Monique seems to have a significantly higher win rate in these playthroughs. It's just like when I play with my gaming group. I have a pretty low win rate, but I just enjoy playing the game, understanding mechanisms, enjoying the process and pursuit of trying to win.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Monique is just too damn good, she seriously wins about 80% of the time we play anything lol.

[@TheFroiyke]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Thank you so much for your support!

[@TheFroiyke]

@@BeforeYouPlay My favourite Lacerda is still The Gallerist, but on On Mars is close behind. I‘m already looking forward to your final Lacerda Ranking video.

[@chrisgoff6819]

Actually addicted to your channel

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Hey Chris! Thank you so much for the support! Hope we can help highlight games we enjoy.

[@morecoffee998]

thank you for explaining On Mars in such a patient and clear way. Now, even a moron like me, can play On Mars, well done :)

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Just make sure you've got your coffee ready when it's time for you to play! ;)

[@morecoffee998]

@@BeforeYouPlay before, during and after :p

[@2532robh1]

You guys are awesome.

[@Fissi0nChips]

Good job explaining this huge game.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Thanks! It was certainly a beast, but we really love it so it was a joy to do!

[@sador42]

“Wheeled...Beings..?” I love this quote. Lol.

[@par7me]

Once again wonderful video. No hate drafting on the earth contracts? Nice! But it could have been the difference in the final score. I love this game. Is it better than Lisboa? Hmmm the jury is still out.

[@LeRoi81]

The LSS Bonus for a Tech on the highest space is 6 points (Level 6). 9 points only for endscoring.

[@tankalisboa1692]

We have played today, so amazing game, thanks a lot for the review. Bye.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Hope you enjoyed your play as well!

[@aogorkowa8785]

I really love this game :)

[@dansites4333]

42:07 Naveen you could have taken an executive action! so you did not lose one gained crystal on last turn. You could have discarded one of your goal cards (Can only use 1 goal card in the game). That would have given you 2 crystals to do an executive action!

[@popgas3821]

Rewatching this for the second time, because my brain is in mush 😅🥲

[@mdcs1992]

Glad to have found your channel. Subbed and liked. Off topic compliment: Monique, you have beautiful hair. Hope you don't mind me saying. Thanks for the upload.

[@NikTheQuiet]

Hello from 2022, just bought this game and watching your playthrough. You did a so smooth gameplay for a such complex game, did you plan your strategy in advance or just improvise? 😉

[@walouyo3799]

1:28:20 Naveen, u could have moved ur rover to the discovery tile taking advantage of Monique’s tech. The value 4 it was in 😉

[@andraslibal]

I have to focus I will play this on Wednesday :)))

[@marduk3604]

4 player took us around 4 hours, including 40min teach, 3 of the 4 players have played before. IT WAS a long and a real brain burning experience, but what's nice about it is that even the non winners felt accomplished after the game. The first few games, one would think the actions were all over the place, but once you get how the engine puzzle ticks, the actions actually chain together.

[@brett232]

Quack Quack, I'm just starting this 2.5-hour journey as I need to wrap my head around this game and get it off my shelf of shame after my several failed attempts

[@TheQrank]

I fully agree with you that this game is just awesome even though it is hard to learn and hard to master. But at the end it is worth every minute after your first game.