Mission: Red Planet (Second Edition)

Mission: Red Planet (Second Edition) is a game that I find myself reaching for again and again. It's got a great mix of mechanics that I love – character drafting, mission cards, area control, and even some "take that" elements. It's like a bunch of my favorite games all rolled into one, but it doesn't feel like a jumbled mess. Everything works together surprisingly well.

One thing I really appreciate is the chaotic element. It keeps things interesting and can lead to some truly surprising twists, especially in the final round. My group and I have had some hilarious moments where someone's carefully laid plans are completely blown up by a last-minute action. It's definitely not for everyone, but I love that it's so dynamic.

However, I do wish the game was a little longer. Sometimes it feels like it ends just as things are getting really exciting. I would have loved to see a few more rounds to allow for more strategic play.

Another thing to keep in mind is that there's a bit of a learning curve, especially if your group isn't familiar with the kinds of games it borrows from. But once everyone gets the hang of it, it's a breeze to explain.

Overall, I'd highly recommend Mission: Red Planet (Second Edition) to anyone looking for a fun, fast-paced game with lots of replayability. Just be prepared for some "take that" moments and be aware that it's not the deepest strategy game out there. But for a light to medium weight game with great theme and components, it's hard to beat.