This is an expansion of the base game and includes new cards that essentially help players start with better conditions. The cards have no usage cost but only the classic acquisition cost, so if you want to start dynamically, you can place them at the top of the stack to be selected first. Once these cards are finished, you will be able to continue the game with the remaining cards, but already having created a very good foundation of money and resource production.

The game is excellent and without the expansion, it simply becomes easier for the players, while remaining fair, as everyone benefits from the cards and essentially starts from the same base.

The title "prelude" refers to the 35 new cards that this expansion introduces to the game. These are cards that the player receives at the beginning of the game and provide them with bonuses in terms of resource production. Their goal is obviously to reduce playing time, which is probably seen as positive.
Five new corporations are also provided, as well as seven additional project cards that are shuffled with the other cards of the same type from the base game. Finally, there is a new solo variant, where the goal is no longer the terraforming of the planet, but for the player to reach a terraforming rating of 63 within 12 or 14 rounds, depending on whether they are playing with the prelude cards or not.
Highly recommended!