Question 1

Difference between the basic and premium versions besides price and seller?

Accepted Answer

Thad,

When you say the basic and the premium versions, I see now on Amazon the same as when I bought one each of the two "versions".
There is NO difference at all, except the price.
Both offers of this addition to the basic Terraforming Mars board game include the exact same things: 35 new Prelude cards to use at the start of the game, 5 new Corporation cards to add to the regular Corporation cards in the basic game, and 7 new project cards to add to the deck of project (playing) cards in the basic game.
If you visit Stronghold games web site, they offer their Terraforming Mars Prelude expansion for $19.95.
If you visit the Amazon.com website they are offering the same Terraforming Mars Prelude expansion for two different prices, one at $17.19 and the other at $14.00.
Pick the $14.00.
It is a great addition to the basic Terraforming Mars board game and worth the money.
But pay the lower price on Amazon.com and get the same great addition to the game.
By the way if you do NOT have the basic game it is cheaper on Amazon too. On Amazon it is $45.68 and at Stronghold games website it is $69.95.
Paul Hann

Question 2

How much does this speed up the game? Is the average playtime much shorter with this expansion?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no, you can control this with prelude. For example, my friends and I play 5 prelude cards before the game begins, I think the rules say pick only 2, but we deal 5 cards and play the 5 cards, this makes the game end around gen 6 for 5/6 players, it takes just a bit more for 2/3 players, gen 7 or 8. For me it's a matter of time and making the beginning of the game more fun than what it is, I couldn't live without this expansion, I love it.

Question 3

Can you play this game with just these cards (I just bought these without any knowledge of the game) ? Is there a good tutorial?

Accepted Answer

You absolutely can not play this game with only these cards. You literally don't even have the Mars game board. Lol

This is by far the best expansion, but you have to get the base game first.

Question 4

Can you point me to the original game on amazon? I am not able to find the right one for this expansion.

Accepted Answer

Hi I have attached a link here to the original game.  If you do get the game. I recommend getting the prelude expansion as well.  Its been great! Cheers.

https://www.amazon.com/Indie-Boards-Cards-Terraforming-Board/dp/B01GSYA4K2/ref=sr_1_14?crid=1KJB06TUTUVOP&dchild=1&keywords=terraforming+mars&qid=1616062566&sprefix=terrafo%2Caps%2C350&sr=8-14

ASIN	B07F4J9MFZ
Additional Features	Jump-start Terraforming Process, New Corporations and Project Cards
Age Range Description	Teen
Best Sellers Rank	#10,647 in Toys & Games ( See Top 100 in Toys & Games ) #252 in Board Games (Toys & Games)
Brand Name	Stronghold Games
CPSIA Cautionary Statement	Choking Hazard - Small Parts, No Warning Applicable
Color	Basic Pack
Customer Package Type	Standard Packaging
Customer Reviews	4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars (1,848)
Edition	Standard Edition
Educational Objective	developing strategic thinking and planning skills
Estimated Playing Time	90 minutes
Expansion For	Terraforming Mars
Game Mechanics	Engine Building
Genre	Strategy
Global Trade Identification Number	00653341720405
Included Components	Terraforming Mars Prelude
Indoor Outdoor Usage	Indoor
Item Dimensions	4.5 x 1.2 x 6.5 inches
Item Dimensions L x W	6.5"L x 4.7"W
Item Highlight	Engine-Building Card Module with Accelerated Start, Add Corporations and Projects, 1-5 Players Ages 12+, Requires Base
Item Type Name	board game
Item Weight	0.16 kg
Language	English
Manufacturer	Stronghold Games
Manufacturer Part Number	7202SG
Manufacturer Warranty Description	No Warranty
Manufacturer recommended age	12 years and up
Material Type	Cardboard
Minimum Age Recomendation	144
Model Number	STG07202
Number of Items	1
Number of Packs	1
Number of Players	5
Operation Mode	manual
Rulebook Availability	Printed Included
Set Name	Prelude
Size	Standard
Supported Battery Types	No batteries required
Theme	Mystery
UPC	801310114841 653341720405
Unit Count	1 Count

Prelude

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