I will admit that my first real exposure to the Mars Attacks property was Tim Burton’s 1996 film. I had heard in various reports that it was based on a series of trading cards from the 60s but never did see any of the cards. I liked the film, and that was the end of it.
But no.
The cards would not only get rereleased (with more of them in the set) there would be more merchandise and tie-ins. One of those would be Mars Attacks: The Dice Game from Steve Jackson Games.
Mars Attacks: The Dice Game is rather fun, if a bit confusing at first. Players stack up cards (the total number depends on how many players there are) and roll the 10 dice. Depending on which cards are turned up players need to match the symbols on the dice to the symbols on the card. It may take a couple of turns to claim a card, but the first player to match the symbols on the card with their dice roll gets that card. Each card is worth a set number of points, and as you may assume, the player with the most points when all of the cards have been claimed is the winner.
Included in the box is a set of circular markers, four each of six different colors, for players to hold their place on a card in between their turns. This is really handy as players do not need to target one card at a time, but spread their focus on the four stacks simultaneously.
As for the dice, there are three different symbols, with each die carrying two of each – this means there aren’t any that are more difficult to roll (Zombie Dice players will understand). Players do need to be careful not to roll too many of the fallout/nuke symbols or the turn will end (though there are some cards that are gathered with those symbols).
I played the game with my 11 year old, 9 year old and 7 year old. The 9 and 11 year old children enjoyed the game, but it took a few rounds to get the hang of it. The 7 year old needed a lot more guidance navigating the game play and still left the game confused. It does need to be said though – we all enjoyed the game.
Apparently the game is selling quite well – it looks to be selling out. If you see a copy of it at your local game store don’t hesitate to pick it up. There is reportedly going to be another printing in the spring of next year, but that’s quite a ways away. If you’re looking for something fun to play that dice rolling itch, Mars Attacks: The Dice Game is certainly worth looking into.