In Terraforming Mars, players control corporations competing to transform the Martian environment by managing resources, playing project cards, and strategically placing cities and green areas on the map. The game emphasizes turn-based mechanics, where players must balance their production capabilities and technological advancements.

The storyline of Terraforming Mars revolves around the ambitious goal of making Mars habitable for human life, as players work to raise the planet's temperature, create oceans, and develop a breathable atmosphere to attract settlers from Earth.

Terraforming Mars stands out with its deep strategic gameplay, corporation rivalry elements, and the ability to play both solo and multiplayer modes, allowing for diverse gaming experiences against AI or human opponents.