Are you torn between two of the most popular strategy games on the market? Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition and 7 Wonders are both excellent choices, but they cater to different tastes and player counts. As a seasoned gamer, I'll break down the key differences to help you decide which game is right for your next game night.
Engine Building vs Card Drafting
Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition (Ares Expedition) is a streamlined engine-building experience where players draft cards to generate resources, energy, and megacredits. This process accelerates throughout the game, allowing you to raise Mars's oxygen, temperature, and ocean levels to habitable standards while scoring points. The simultaneous card selection creates meaningful tension without punishing downtime.
In contrast, 7 Wonders (7 Wonders) is a card drafting game where each player develops one of the great cities of the ancient world across three ages. Players receive a hand of cards, keep one, and pass the rest along; everyone reveals at once, making it possible for seven players to resolve their turns in roughly thirty minutes.
Who Each Game Is For
Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition is ideal for:
- 1-4 player counts
- Medium-weight strategy enthusiasts
- Fans of engine-building mechanics
- Those seeking a more deterministic experience (although this can be a drawback for some)
On the other hand, 7 Wonders is best suited for:
- Groups of five to seven players
- Casual groups who have outgrown party games but cannot get heavier titles to the table at that count
- Fans of simultaneous drafting and local interaction
Who Each Game Is Not For
Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition may not be the best choice for:
- Players seeking narrative drama or sudden reversals (as the game is almost deterministic once you understand card values)
- Those who prefer heavier strategy titles with more complex rules
- Groups of three players, as the neighbor mechanics lose meaning at this count
Similarly, 7 Wonders may not be ideal for:
- Single-player games (it's designed for multiple players)
- Players seeking a deep strategic experience (the science scoring can be confusing, and icon language takes time to absorb)
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision between Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition and 7 Wonders depends on your group's size, preferences, and playstyle. If you're looking for an engine-building experience with simultaneous card selection, Ares Expedition is a great choice. However, if you prefer card drafting with local interaction and are part of a larger group (five to seven players), 7 Wonders might be the way to go.
Remember, it's essential to consider your player count and preferences when choosing between these two games. Happy gaming!