Now that deserves a bit of an explanation. It’s not that McCord has created a game – at least among those that I have played – that would make say my top-25 maybe even my top-50 all-time list – but he is prolific in creating games which are pretty accessible in terms of rules and thus creates a rather fun experience at the game table.
That brings us to Mining Mars which fits the above criteria of simple rules and simple fun.
In this one two-to-four players are gathering minerals – different coloured cubes – to the processing plants (game board).
Collect enough and you have successfully processed the mineral which will give you an in-game bonus, and score you points at game 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 do. That tends to limit the interest in collecting the other minerals, and that detracts from a play a bit.
Initially I doubted there was an in-game comeback, 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 the impression of the game. There are in-game actions which can change outcomes.
The components work, but are not exceptional.
The game plays quick, has a certain charm, that would make Mining Mars a fine filler option especially if time in limited and you have new players to teach rules too.
Check it out at www.newventuregames.com
No comments:
Post a Comment