Onward to Venus
- Players
- 2-5
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 120 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 13+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.6 / 5
- Year
- 2014
About the game
Onward to Venus is an empire-building game set in a steampunk vision of the Solar System, based on the Doctor Grordbort graphic novels. Players race across planets and moons claiming tiles that grant income, cards, factories, mines, or the chance to fight strange alien natives. Over three fast-moving turns, you'll balance expansion with the risk of triggering planetary crises like Martian invasions and robot rebellions. Designed by Martin Wallace, it delivers a complete game in about 90-120 minutes despite its rich pulp sci-fi theme.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's editorial team appreciates how Onward to Venus wraps a fairly lean area-majority engine in delightful, tongue-in-cheek pulp sci-fi artwork. The three-turn structure keeps the game tight without sacrificing meaningful decisions about expansion versus risk. It's a nice entry point into Wallace's catalog for players who find his heavier designs intimidating. The looming crisis mechanic adds welcome tension to what could otherwise be a straightforward tile-grab.
What we like
- Wraps a tight, fast-playing area-majority game in vivid pulp sci-fi artwork and theme.
- Three-turn structure keeps games from overstaying their welcome despite ample options.
- Variable tile draws and crisis escalation create tension and replayability.
- Accessible ruleset makes it a good gateway to designer Martin Wallace's other games.
Keep in mind
- Player interaction is largely indirect, which may disappoint fans of direct conflict.
- The steampunk-parody theme won't appeal to everyone.
- With up to 5 players, downtime can creep up during others' turns.
Who it's for
Fans of light-to-medium strategy games and pulp science-fiction themes, ages 13+, playing in groups of 2-5.
