This is almost the exact same game as Robinson Crusoe, made by the same author, only on Mars. It is a horribly complicated game to explain, but this is only due to many status indicators. In fact, very easy to pick and play, given some barebones instructions and expanding knowledge as you progress. The core point is the worker placement mechanic, the rest is just an exposure to a multitude of game levers and layers of mechanisms intended to ensure your demise, with which you grapple to try and tame their unpredictability and minimize the inevitable hurt. This game design, Robinson included, is essentially a "roguelike" block-puzzle worker placement against a set trouble scenario. It pretty much rolls on, phase by phase, however learning rules is necessary to understand how to book-keep it properly. The author is, frankly, notorious for being slow at figuring out how to remove excessive components, though the game design itself is neat and one of the best experiences of the boardgaming survival genre (at least as a Euro co-op).
This type of video is why you back Rodney. The time spent, the quality of video, and the simple joy that permeates from Rodney even when he is explaining a very complicated game makes me know I will be putting my money in the right place this July!
Especially when you consider how often he does a better job than even the designers themselves - this game being an EXTREME example of upping the quality and clarity!
After getting this game last week and attempting to play the first mission, there were so many unanswered questions. After trying, reading the forums and trying again. It got better with the second play, but still felt off. After this video, so many things became clear. Just how everything works together. It all clicks now, so thank you. Having someone just talk it out, made a huge difference.
Of course it is, sometimes games that are more complicated can cause some confusion. It sometimes takes another persons explanation to help clear things up, if you've played complex games you would know that they are not all as simple as monopoly. Some can be difficult to completely understand especially if the manual worded something in a strange way.
Yeah. The rulebook is horrible for learning how to play. Whoever wrote it had the rules in their head but failed to realise people aren't mind readers.
I think one of the most amazing moments was 4:12 when Rodney managed to place all the green cubes without bumping the facility templates around; makes for a nice dissolve transition. :)
The theme of the game was something I was instantly interested in so I played this video as soon as I saw it. I then saw the length of video... ho boy this is a complex and involved game. I usually don't mind that but maybe this is a case of a games creators overdesigning their game. I couldn't even get 3/4 of the way through the video before getting bored and stopping. Great job though with the video. Kept your usual sound of enthusiasm and clear wording throughout this beast of an explanation.
Thanks for the video. Played the game last Friday, had so many questions, and waited your video for the whole weekend. This video proved that it is worth for the wait since it answered all my questions.
Liked simply for an 8:52 "and that's the set up' knowing there was 40+ minutes to go of how-to content. I can already sense the immense time and dedication it took to create this full video. Not sure if this game is for me but I'm going to keep watching, the least because I admire the commitment to teach it!
Please please PLEASE do a playthrough! Your explanations are always very clear, but it really helps to see you actually go through at least a few rounds of the game.
ohthankgod. You're here. I'm not saying I've been refreshing your video list since it came in the mail and I attempted to read through the instructions myself, but... No, that's exactly what I've been doing.
Seeing a lot of comments about the length of this video and the complexity of the game. Just went to check Rodney's Robinson Crusoe video and it's about 45 min., so not much different. I'm loving this game's immersion so far. Yes it's complex, but in essence, very similar to Robinson Crusoe.
FANTASTIC!!!!!! Well done Rodney this was an excellent tutorial, you answered every query I had. Now I'm going to start a new game with no concerns as to whether I'm playing it correctly or not. Thank you!
I was able to purchase the game in a charity auction at Dice Tower Con and played through this scenario with Ignacey. It was awesome to play with him and two new friends... with Marc of Portal watching and enjoying the game with us. One thing I wanted to point out is that you said that an astronaut could not take an action he knew would wound him but just as you had here the first terrain you might move through would give you a wound. This must be an exception to that rule as my brave companion did this very thing to get us spare parts.
I watched this once when I first got the game. Now I've read the rulebook entirely and watched it again. Now everything makes sense and I think I'm ready! Thanks Rodney for a super fantastic video!
Thanks Nadian. This, like it's predecessor Robinson Crusoe are a bit complicated and you, as always, have done a great job explaining it. while Portal has been getting a lot better with their rule books I found watching this a great deal of help due to my current condition. For those having issues with the game I suggest playing a few solo games until you feel comfortable enough to teach it your own way. If this one is like Robinson Crusoe I'm sure the patients will be rewarding.
I remember your video from GAMA. I've never played Robinson Crusoe, but that presentation sold me on First Martian. Thanks for both that video and this one!
Thanks for this guide Rodney. I picked this up being a big fan of the related Robinson Crusoe. While those rules aren't too tricky I had heard the stories of FMs - so this guide is very welcome. Love your presentation style and the enthusiasm you have for teaching rules.
This video must have been a beast to do and edit. I think it may have been harder than seafall but maybe your knowledge of Robinson Crusoe helped you there. At least it's what I hope for your health!
Rodney, awesome video as always. I think you are the first channel to actually have a walkthrough of the setup and rules. Everyone else seems to be rather behind by just showing their unboxing. Cannot wait for your actual play through.
There's a LOT of stuff to get our heads around but this video makes it definitely easier. Once again, class, Rodney! Thanks so much for another amazing video! Gonna setup my first scenario now! :)
Finally got the game (overstock massively discounted in a store) and thank you so much for the indexed rule learning video ! I don't see myself teaching it to any of my friend for a while, but hoping to improve on my solo play time.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Even with the revised almanac, learning this game was a struggle. This video cleared it up so much that I absolutely love the game now!
Robinson Crusoe knowledge really helps. Tip for new players: play it with someone who knows this game or Robinson Crusoe first before playing it with new players. Enlisting all the rules is always boring, especially if there are a lot of rules. It might be better to watch a Game Play first before watching this video ;-) Here the explanation is done as complete as possible, which might scare people too much. A short overview should be better to persuade new players. This video is good for a thorough recap.
Fumi Downing this game is a great example of some of the overwrought crap in the hobby. Through the Ages is the only one that I play that's this heavy.
Thank you for making this video! There is no way I would have gotten my head around all of those rules in the rulebook in time to actually have it hit the table today, otherwise.
Going to play this for the first time tomorrow. Already love it! Looks rules heavy in the beginning, but I know my brain: I'll get used to it all. Thanks for the rules vid!
Thanks for this Rodney! Yesterday we gave the game a go and this video was invaluable in helping us learn how to play the game correctly. I actually don't go for games this involved or crunchy but armed with your video and a love of science and space I really got into the game and had a blast with it. We just about won our first time and that was playing easy mode! Next time we're going for medium :)
Seriously?! I mean, this video is almost one hour! Man, you should certainly get a award for this explanation. Seriously though, how much time did you take to make this?
Really nice video Rodney Smith. This may seem a minor quibble but I was really distracted by your use of conditionals. If something is likely then 1st conditional is If+present simple-> will/won't (e.g. if you run out of energy, you will need to...). If something is unlikely/imagined then 2nd conditional is If+past simple->would/wouldn't (e.g. if you ran out of energy you would...). Of course there's also 0 conditional for rules If+present simple -> present simple (If you do this, this happens...). The point is "would" never goes on the If side of the clause. Cheers though! :) I've been waiting for this game for ages but it looks devilishly complicated even after the first 15 minutes.
That'll be a tough one to correct, because I'm sure I'm not even consciously aware of myself doing that. I guess what you're saying is, I say" "if you run out of energy, you would need to..."? Is that the error?
Don't judge game after watching video only... BTW excellent :) In the movie you have all possibilities presented in 50 minutes. in reality it not so overwhelming. The truth is that if you watch it twice you will probably be able to play the introductory scenario without opening manual at all - thank you Rodney. And for sure there is lots of theme and immersion that game could give you, if you invest in it. I'm playing now Probe on the loose scenario and wow... it's excellent - all those signals emerging on the map, red and green control lamps flashing on the panels, and turn by turn there are more red than green, your supplies runs out minute by minute. You could fill this narrow, claustrophobic cage you are kept on hostile planet, without return-ticket. but be warned: This game is Science, Fiction is left with Robinson
Wanted to sincerely thank you for doing this video. Had a question too, for you or the viewership: You and the rulebook under production state that if there is a red cube next to Froggy, you roll to see if it becomes broken. Then you state on the action phase that we do not have to pay gear penalties in that phase. However, on the back of the rulebook, under Action Costs and Penalties, it states that whenever you USE Froggy while it has a red cube, you have to roll to see if it breaks down as well. So I am sort of confused. Do we roll during the Production phase and then again if we use Froggy (Providing it didn't break down in the Production roll)? Or is there a misprint somewhere? Thanks all!
There is a misprint. You roll the one time, not every time you use it. Keep in mind, that is my understanding - it could have changed since I last worked on the video and confirmed those rules.
Lol, I will be unloading my copy that I received today... this is not for me. Thanks Rodney. Your pace and attention to detail are always appreciated .
Holy Hannah!!!! Not only is the game complicated in its set up, but I feel half drowned in attempting to keep the status quo. I can see that this would be a good, long, fully cooperative game, provided that you have all night to play. I can also see that there might be a lot of pensive player moves... a lot of time between turns. When I began to play war board games, back in "the day"... it was nothing to set up a complicated game and hammer at it all day with around six people. It makes me wonder how many game groups have that kind of patience? Good game... probably, it seems well thought out, and the components are excellent, but how often a game like this would hit 'the table' is anybody's guess. My game group only has around 3 hours total to either learn a new game or crank out two shorter games... this wouldn't work so well. The set up would take at least 40 minutes. I think and hope everybody, who doesn't mind the game length will give this game some love... it seems as if the designer has really poured his heart into it. What I'm worried about is the new generation of gamers, who have such a short attention span, will RUN away from this game in a full sprint. Rodney, again thanks for the video... you nailed it!
Thank you so much Rodney for the explenation of this really advanced game. I did get my used copy a few weeks ago and this video helped a lot. I wonder how long time it took to make this video. And how many people are involved.
Knowing nothing about being a youtube content creator and how difficult this is - any chance to get time stamps in the notes for this mammoth instructional video Rodney? Love your work as always and happy to support another year.
In case you have questions, I know Rodney's good for answering, but there's a thread on BGG too. boardgamegeek.com/thread/1813626/general-rules-questions-and-errata-official-answer also, for tutorial mission: boardgamegeek.com/thread/1812180/make-yourselves-home-official-answers
Sorry for the confusion I'm sure this created when you compared what I'm saying to what you're seeing. The challenging thing for me, is that I don't want to call out a change like this in the video as: "Hey, this is a rule change from what you see in the rules, but don't worry, I've confirmed this with the publisher", because that kind of comment doesn't age well. In a later printing the rule book might be different, or the app might be different, etc. According to my discussions with Ignacy about this scenario, you are meant to start with one less greenhouse/plant than the number of players. This is not stated in the rules, or in the app - but it is what your storage of food in the General Supply is for - it will get you through, in the meantime.
Thanks for the clarification. Just to be clear, in general it's greenhouses equal to number of astronauts but for the "make yourself at home" scenario it's 1 greenhouse less?
According to the newest author's comment on the official Portal site configuration presented on the video is outdated. It should be as many greenhouses as players. Anyways great video Rodney! It REALLY helps understanding rules of the game! Thanks!
Sorry for the confusion I'm sure this created when you compared what I'm saying to what you're seeing. The challenging thing for me, is that I don't want to call out a change like this in the video as: "Hey, this is a rule change from what you see in the rules, but don't worry, I've confirmed this with the publisher", because that kind of comment doesn't age well. In a later printing the rule book might be different, or the app might be different, etc. According to my discussions with Ignacy about this scenario, you are meant to start with one less greenhouse/plant than the number of players. This is not stated in the rules, or in the app - but it is what your storage of food in the General Supply is for - it will get you through, in the meantime. Apologies for any confusion. I understand the desire to have things confirmed officially, so hopefully this will help.
Hi. I hope to see a playthrough as well. It would show how the game feels. When there are a lot of rules to explain the game might feel boring/over complicated and else. The playthrough would help immensely! Thanks :)
This game looks very interesting. I hope there will be a localized german version of it soon since my wife does not speak english. I wonder if you would be willing to do a tutorial video for Twilight Imperium and Mage Wars Academy. I know that there is a Mage Wars video on the chanel already but it is more of a commercial than a tutorial. Thanks a lot for all of your videos :)
I’m on lockdown in England and got this game to while away the hours. Thanks once again for a clear concise rules explanation. And how are people voting this down? Sadists? Stay safe Rodney
Well done Rodney! It's a lot to take in, but I think it's clearly explained here. What would be nice would be a list of times when certain things are explained. Like an index in the comments
I "was" so excited about this game. Watching this gave me a headache with all the rules. Thank you for this video because now I know I don't want the game.
Learning a new game can be tough. I can remember hours spent learning RPG systems and then they change them and you have to read all new books and spend sometimes hours recreating/tweeking characters and keeping the new rules straight between 2nd and 3rd edition. That being said, I spent sometime this past weekend with First Martians and, while this is a hefty teach, each of the rules are serving a thematic purpose. That is a heck of a lot more than I can say for a lot of board games. I personally really appreciate that each rule seems tailored to the theme of First Martians, and that portal games makes an effort to respect the players who really want to immerse themselves in a thematic game. That also being said, this game is not for everyone. I think you have to like the theme and be willing to learn and keep those rules straight in your head. This is a game for a convention, or for a dedicated group of gamers who love the theme. It is not for the casual gamer who is usually unwilling to sit through a rules explanation.
Excellent points. Still, Might cancel my pre-order. I'm not sure why, but the theme doesn't come out like it did in RC. I'll have to actually see a full game play through to make my final decision. As much as I love RC, I don't see this taking it's place. I had High hopes for it. I'm sort of glad that for the pre-order back in January, my payment got cancelled for some strange reason. I have it pre-ordered through CSI though. As you mentioned, it may not be for everybody. You mention theme...I don't see it.
Fighterfan69 i will say that the theme comes through in gameplay and I hope that Rodney and Pep have time for a play through video so that you can make a really good choice on whether this game is for you. RC is an awesome game and this game is much different. But I think if you like games that really immerse you in the theme, and you don't mind interacting with an app, then, in my humble opinion, you should give this game a try.
Fighterfan69 it depends on what theme means to you. If by theme you mean that it has a strong narative, then RC is definitely stronger. For example last game my wife became the snake queen by being attacked by vipers 2 events in a row and much amusement was had. So far nothing like that have happened to me in first martians. The narrative is much more low key, the theme is more tied to the mechanics rather than narrative exposition. The events are presented as personal logs rather than "this is what happened" as it is told in RC. Both are good and arguably the theme is actually stronger in first martians. But it doesn't have the same wow factor as it is more realistic.
Thanks Rodney! Immensely helpful. I know it's a lot to ask after making such a lengthy video, but will you and Pep be heading to Mars for play through?
In the Garage Hall, do you roll the green wound die anytime that area of the facility has a red damage marker or only if you used Froggy in the Garage Hall? The quick reference for that icon says "Whenever you use Froggy, roll the green Wound die. If you roll a [wound], Froggy is damaged - put a Blocked Modifier token on the Froggy x space."
Hi Rodney, thanks for the video. Just to be clear: is the change to the greenhouse set up scenario specific or should the general setup section of the rules read x-1 greenhouses?
It would be for the scenario. This particular rule was something I discussed with Ignacy as it's not in the app or rule book, but was how he had intended the scenario at one time (which is why you get the extra food in the General Supply to survive), but I'm not sure what their final decision will be about this, so I guess keep an eye on the app for future instruction :)
Thanks Patrick! It might be a little hard to see depending on the size of your monitor and resolution, but the red cube is by a +1 Stress symbol, not a Malfunction symbol (and don't forget, the gear symbols on the Working Block only resolve during the Production phase).
Question concerning wilting due to red marker in Oxygen and/or Energy. Based on the "Almanac" published by Portal, it seems that using energy/oxygen to compensate the red marker would just stop wilting as you say. However, growth won't happen.Thus, neither wilting nor growth occur. I am assumign the Alamanac is correct, right? It probably was another rules change.
Yikes! I was really excited for this game but after watching your excellent video, I'm convinced I need to cancel my pre order. It looks way too fidlly with rules and iconography. I though the theme would shine through a little more as well. it just looks like a grid where cubes move up and down. Thanks for the excellent Vids Rodney!
Played our first two games. The first mission was a success. The second was an abysmal failure. I don’t think my wife really liked the game. Too much reliance on my bad memory for the rules, which I messed up, and which was part of why we did not succeed. I was not playing the mission parameters correctly. I think i will try solo play for a while to get more familiar, then try to play with my wife again. I really messed up on the mission parameters, because I missed a crucial step in the mission briefing. Didn’t matter, I died and so I was the one who was eventually made to pay!!
I want to see a playthrough, really. The rules are apparently complex but rated 4 out of 5 in difficulty. I think out of the several martian games this could be the best one as far as mechanics and thinking/choices are related. Your opinions?
I know well the question was not directed at you but at those who already have the game (I'm thinking of buying it). I know you can't express an opinion. :-) One thing is sure, the way you explain the game is extremely well done. Comprehensible, comprehensive (you could just skip reading the manual if you keep in mind your explanation), exhaustive, absolutely perfect. I'm not sure but I think the first video I saw with your "how to play" was great western trail and I got very impressed by your skills. Then lately I saw Corleone's empire (I'm a fan of E. Lang who I consider a genius and I think I also saw you with XCom) and I said to myself... this guy is better than the game manual. With this First Martians, I see a pretty much increased complexity in mechanics (the mechanics of XCom are very easy but the game is so hard with 20 matches we've yet to win one with Evolution as we play with custom rules that make it much harder) but the explanation is still very very clear. Kudos, man. :-) Now you just hand your video to the other guys and they're ready to play and show us a playthrough. hahahaha I really hope you do it. :-)
