Hey folks! Today, I’m reviewing the deck-building dynamo that is Ascension. Get ready for an exciting ride through fast-paced gameplay, stunning artwork, and endless replay value. Grab your favorite beverage and see whether this game will make it to your next game night!
How It Plays
Ascension brings fast-paced deck-building to your table. Let’s break it down!
Setting Up
Start by shuffling the center deck. Place six cards face-up to form the center row. Each player gets a starter deck of ten cards (eight Apprentices and two Militias). Don’t forget to set aside Mystic, Heavy Infantry, and Cultist cards.
Gameplay
On your turn, draw five cards from your deck. Play cards from your hand to gain Runes (buy cards) or Power (defeat monsters). Acquire Heroes and Constructs from the center row to build your deck. Defeat monsters for immediate rewards. At the end of your turn, discard your hand and draw five new cards. Refill the center row as needed. Rinse and repeat until the honor pool is empty.
Winning the Game
When the honor pool is empty, finish the current round. Sum the honor points from your acquired cards and tokens. The player with the highest total wins and gets bragging rights until the next game!
Want to know more? Read our extensive strategy guide for Ascension.
Gameplay Mechanics in Ascension
Oh boy, where to start with Ascension? If you’re a fan of fast-paced, ever-changing gameplay, this game is right up your alley. Ascension is a deck-building game, but it puts a unique spin on the genre. Players start with a small deck of weak cards and aim to improve it by acquiring new, more powerful cards from a central row of six cards, known as the ‘Center Row’. But, here’s the kicker – the Center Row keeps changing, which means you have to think on your feet. You never know what will pop up next!
This brings me to the way Ascension handles player turns. Unlike many other deck-building games, where you have to wait for your turn to come around again, Ascension keeps you constantly engaged. Each turn, you draw five cards from your deck, play them, buy new cards or defeat monsters, and then add them immediately to your discard pile. Once your deck runs out, you shuffle your discard pile, which now includes any cards you’ve acquired, to form a new deck. This keeps things fresh and exciting.
Now, let’s talk about the different types of cards. Ascension features three main categories: Heroes, Constructs, and Monsters. Heroes and Constructs help you build your deck and score points, while Monsters are defeated to gain points and immediate bonuses. It adds layers of strategy and decision-making to the game. Do you invest in heroes and constructs to build a long-term strategy, or do you go after monsters for quick points and immediate rewards? Choices, choices!
But beware, not everything is perfect. Some cards can feel overpowered, and luck does play a role. It can be a bit annoying when the perfect card for your strategy pops up right after your turn. We’ll tackle the deck-building experience in the next section, so get those sleeves rolled up!
The Deck-Building Delight of Ascension
Ascension shines brightly with its deck-building mechanics. The game’s core revolves around building a powerful deck from scratch. I recall my first game of Ascension when I grabbed the Mystic card and felt like I unlocked a hidden superpower. You start with basic cards and slowly build a deck that can slay monsters and acquire powerful constructs. Each game feels fresh and exciting because of the variety of cards.
One of the coolest things about Ascension is how smoothly it plays. You draw cards, acquire new ones, defeat monsters, and manage your deck all in one turn. This keeps everyone engaged and reduces downtime. I’ve played other deck-builders where you could take a nap between turns. Not with Ascension! The need to balance between obtaining Runes for buying cards and Power for defeating monsters adds a neat strategic layer.
The game has a nice way of rewarding different strategies. Want to go heavy on constructs? Sure! Prefer focusing on monster hunting? Go for it! This makes every match different and keeps you on your toes. The random card draw from the center row can be a bit swingy, but that just adds to the charm. It’s a double-edged sword – you might end up with an undesirable card, but then again, that’s where strategic planning and adaptability come in.
An interesting aspect is the sense of progression. As your deck grows stronger, your turns become more impactful. The thrill of playing multiple powerful cards in a single turn is exhilarating and quite satisfying.
Up next, let’s take a closer look at the artwork and components that make Ascension visually splendid.
Artwork and Components in Ascension: A Feast for the Eyes
Let’s talk about the artwork and components in Ascension. From the moment you crack open the box, you’re greeted with stunning visuals. The card illustrations are like mini masterpieces, each telling a story of its own. If you appreciate pretty pictures in your games, Ascension won’t disappoint. The fantasy-themed art pulls you in and keeps you invested in the game world, even when you’re drawing a card that makes you groan.
The game board is another high note. It’s sturdy and well-laid-out, making it easy to follow the action. The card slots are clearly marked, which saves you from having to squint and fiddle with the layout mid-game. Trust me, nothing kills the flow of a game faster than a confusing board.
What about the components, you ask? The cards themselves are of good quality. They’re not too flimsy, and they shuffle well, even after multiple games. Now, I do have a small gripe. The card backs could be a tad more durable, especially if you’re as aggressive a shuffler as my buddy Dave. Protective sleeves might be a good investment if you plan to play often.
Overall, Ascension nails it in the aesthetics and build department. Every piece feels like it’s part of a cohesive whole, making each game session that much more enjoyable.
Stick around for the next section where I’ll break down the game’s replay value.
Replay Value in Ascension
When it comes to replay value, Ascension hits a sweet spot. My friends and I have lost count of the number of times we’ve yelled at each other over who snagged the last Mechana Construct! The key to its enduring charm lies in the smart mix of randomness and strategy. Every game feels fresh.
One thing worth mentioning is the variety of cards. Ascension boasts numerous expansions and promo cards that spice up gameplay. This variety means you can play ten games in a row and each session will present new challenges and opportunities. Who doesn’t love discovering new combos?
Another aspect that keeps us coming back is the interplay of different strategies. Whether you’re focusing on heavy card draw or trying to dominate with Constructs, every game offers several paths to victory. This keeps you engaged and thinking on your feet, which is way more fun than just rolling dice and praying for sixes.
Beyond the mechanics, the social element can’t be ignored. Ascension has become a staple in our game nights. The highs and lows of each turn, the inevitable trash talk, and the sweet taste of victory make for memorable experiences. You always find yourself saying, “Just one more game!”
Lastly, the solo play is surprisingly strong. I’ve spent a few lonely afternoons honing my strategy against the AI. It’s not quite the same as beating your best friend, but it scratches that itch.
With all this in mind, I can confidently say Ascension is worth your time and money. The replay value is off the charts. You won’t regret adding this gem to your collection.
Conclusion
Ascension stands out with its fast-paced, strategic deck-building mechanics, stunning artwork, and solid components. The game offers endless replay value, making it a great addition to any game night. Just be aware of potential balance issues. Overall, Ascension is a must-have for board game lovers. That concludes my review!
