Until cloning technology evolves, we’re stuck in the unfortunate position where we can only play one board game at a time. Which raises the question – if could only choose one to play, what one would it be? Would you terraform a barren planet, create a thriving zoo, build an underwater utopia, or cultivate the perfect slice of nature?
Why Compare These Board Games?
This year, Earth has taken the board game world by storm, sparking excitement among players everywhere. Its gameplay taps into the same deeply strategic, brain-draining vibe as beloved classics like Terraforming Mars, Ark Nova, and Underwater Cities. These games are known for their intricate mechanics, challenging decision-making, and satisfying engine-building experiences.
What makes these games stand out is their ability to fully immerse players, often turning a single session into an evening-long or even weekend-spanning event. If you’re a fan of slow-burn strategy games where card management, tableau-building, and resource optimization are key, these titles are hard to beat.
Terraforming Mars: The Veteran Engine Builder
Terraforming Mars burst onto the board game scene in 2016 and has since become the go-to choice for fans of engine-building strategy. Its enduring popularity has led to multiple expansions, a streamlined version called Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition, and even a dice-based adaptation in the works.
In this game, you and your friends take on the role of space entrepreneurs tasked with turning the barren landscape of Mars into a habitable world. Over the course of 2–4 hours, you’ll transform the red planet – not into a lush, tropical paradise, but into a place where you can at least breathe the dusty air and drink the arid water.
The heart of Terraforming Mars lies in drafting cards, managing resources, and executing ambitious projects. From a small starting loan, you’ll build a powerful enterprise capable of melting ice caps, triggering meteoric explosions, and pushing the boundaries of science – all for the greater good of humanity.
Ark Nova: A Zoo Lover’s Delight
As the challenger in this lineup, Ark Nova has been making waves since its release in 2021. Its buzz carried into 2022, thanks to its exceptional mechanics and captivating zoo theme. With the upcoming Marine Worlds expansion slated for release later this year, the excitement around this game continues to grow.
While Ark Nova may not match the engine-building depth of Terraforming Mars, it more than holds its own with a unique action-selection system. Each turn, you choose one of five actions, with the added strategy that the longer you delay using a specific action, the more powerful it becomes when played.
Coupled with top-notch card management and stunning animal photography, Ark Nova offers a deeply satisfying gameplay experience. It’s a game that demands forward-thinking strategy while tempting you with immediate rewards – like the joy of adding a Red Panda to your zoo.
Because honestly, who could resist that adorable face?
Underwater Cities: The Underrated Gem
In the race to be the best engine-builder, Underwater Cities stands out as the dark horse. While it may not be as well-known as Terraforming Mars or Ark Nova, it holds its own with a unique blend of card selection, engine-building, and worker placement.
Each turn, you’ll play a card and place a worker. The real challenge comes from matching the color of your card with the color of the worker placement spot. When they match, you get the full benefit of both the card and the action space – a satisfying combo that feels like hitting the jackpot.
If they don’t, you’ll have to settle for the action alone.
This simple mechanic creates constant tension. Do you prioritize the card or the action slot? You can’t always have both, and every turn feels like a mini puzzle to solve.
All the while, you’re constructing a dazzling underwater metropolis. From domes to farms and desalination plants, your player mat transforms into a city fit for the king of Atlantis himself – Aquaman would be proud.
Earth: The Fresh Contender
As the newest contender, Earth faces the daunting challenge of carving out its place among heavyweights like Terraforming Mars and Ark Nova. Yet, the early buzz suggests this game has the potential to leave a lasting mark on the world of board gaming.
Similar to the other titles in this poll, Earth revolves around a massive deck of cards. Your goal is to craft the most point-rich patch of land by building a 4×4 grid of cards.
Each card you place activates abilities, grants passive bonuses, or triggers effects when another player performs a specific action. However, the order of activation is crucial – it always follows a top-to-bottom, left-to-right pattern. Strategic placement is key, as the layout of your grid can make or break your success.
Beyond that, you’ll be composting, nurturing sprouts, and growing trees that resemble charming wooden mushrooms. While the game’s inspirations are clear, the question remains: is Earth a shallow imitation or the next evolution of the genre?
Cast Your Vote!
Each of these games brings something unique to the table, from Terraforming Mars‘ expansive sci-fi strategy to Ark Nova‘s beautifully crafted zoo-building mechanics, Underwater Cities‘ clever card-and-worker synergy, and Earth‘s fresh take on tableau-building.
But the question remains: which one is the best engine-building game you’ve played? Is it the tried-and-true veteran, the dark horse, the rising star, or the innovative challenger?
We’d love to hear your opinion. Vote in the poll below and join the conversation by sharing your thoughts in the comments. Let’s see which game reigns supreme in the world of engine-building board games!
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