game profile

On Mars

Lacerda's heaviest, two-board colonization

BGG · boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/184267

On Mars is a heavy game (weight 10/10). The decision tree is among the deepest in the hobby (10/10), with meaningful long-term planning every turn. Decision density is intense (8/10) — expect brain-burn and the occasional bout of AP. There's meaningful but indirect interaction (interaction 6/10) — shared resources, catch-up effects, or watch-and-react moments. Direct attacks are minimal (3/10) — the friction comes from contention, not aggression.

Of every game in our catalog, On Mars is closest to Lisboa (95% profile match) but scores higher on weight (10 vs. 9).

WeightDepthDensityInteractionConflictNegotiationInputOutputCatch-upThemeEngineNarrative
Solo8/10
Fiddly9/10
Players
3P4P2P1P5+P

The 12-axis profile

Every score is on a 0–10 scale. The rubric and methodology behind these numbers is documented in the README.

Thinking

how much brainwork?
Weight
10
Depth
10
Density
8

On Mars is a heavy game (weight 10/10). The decision tree is among the deepest in the hobby (10/10), with meaningful long-term planning every turn. Decision density is intense (8/10) — expect brain-burn and the occasional bout of AP.

Interaction

how multiplayer is the multiplayer?
Interaction
6
Conflict
3
Negotiation
2

There's meaningful but indirect interaction (interaction 6/10) — shared resources, catch-up effects, or watch-and-react moments. Direct attacks are minimal (3/10) — the friction comes from contention, not aggression.

Luck

where does luck live?
Input
5
Output
1
Catch-up
4

Variance is moderate (input 5, output 1/10). Catch-up is moderate (4/10).

Experience

how does it feel?
Theme
7
Engine
9
Narrative
5

The theme is well-integrated (7/10). The engine-building arc is strong (engine 9/10) — early-game investments pay off in explosive late-game turns. There's some narrative flavor (narrative 5/10).

Variance is moderate (input 5, output 1/10). Catch-up is moderate (4/10).

The theme is well-integrated (7/10). The engine-building arc is strong (engine 9/10) — early-game investments pay off in explosive late-game turns. There's some narrative flavor (narrative 5/10).

Games like On Mars

Ranked by weighted Euclidean distance across the 12-axis profile, using the default research-weighted lens. Click any game to see its full profile.

1LisboaBrain-burner · Engine-builder95%similar2Vinhos: Deluxe EditionBrain-burner · Engine-builder95%similar3The GalleristBrain-burner · Engine-builder94%similar4Kanban EVBrain-burner · Engine-builder93%similar5Inventions: Evolution of IdeasBrain-burner · Engine-builder93%similar6Gaia ProjectBrain-burner · Engine-builder90%similar

Frequently asked

Answers derived directly from On Mars's 12-axis profile.

Is On Mars good solo?
Yes — On Mars has an excellent solo mode (solo 8/10). Many players consider it a top-tier solo experience.
What player count is On Mars best at?
On Mars is at its best at 3P, 4P; with 2P also strong; 1P, 5+P are the weakest counts.
Is On Mars a heavy game?
Yes — On Mars is a heavy game (weight 10/10). Expect a serious rules teach and a multi-hour first session.
How much luck is there in On Mars?
On Mars has moderate variance (input 5/10, output 1/10).
Is On Mars confrontational?
On Mars is interactive (6/10) but not aggressive (conflict 3/10) — the contention is over shared resources, not direct attacks.

Want to overlay On Mars against a candidate game and see exactly where they diverge? Open it in the lens →