KeyForge: Age of Ascension (2019) Board Game

KeyForge: Age of Ascension is a unique card game that was released in 2019 by Fantasy Flight Games. It is designed by Brad Andres and Richard Garfield, the creator of the popular collectible card game, Magic: The Gathering. The game is set in a fantastical world where players take on the role of Archons, powerful beings who must forge keys to unlock hidden knowledge and powers.

Game Components of KeyForge: Age of Ascension

Decks: Each deck is uniquely printed, named, and shrinkwrapped, ensuring no two decks are identical.

Cards: 370 different cards, including 204 new cards and 166 cards from the previous set, Call of the Archons.

Houses: Seven houses – Brobnar, Dis, Logos, Mars, Sanctum, Shadows, and Untamed.

Card Types: Action, Artifact, Creature, and Upgrade cards.

Key Tokens: Used to track the forging of keys.

Æmber: The game’s resource, used to forge keys.

How To Setup KeyForge: Age of Ascension

Players start by thoroughly shuffling their decks. If trust is an issue, the opponent can cut the deck. A start player is chosen, who draws 7 cards, while the other player draws 6. The game is played in alternating turns.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Forge a Key: Spend 6 Æmber to forge a key if you have 6 or more at the start of your turn.

Choose a House: Declare an Active House for the turn, limiting card play to that house.

Use Cards from the Active House: Play, use, and discard cards only from the chosen house.

Action Cards: Resolved immediately and then discarded.

Artifacts and Creatures: Come into play exhausted.

Upgrade Cards: Played on creatures and move with them.

Creature Abilities: Include “Reap:” for Æmber and “Fight:” for combat.

Combat: Creatures deal damage equal to their power, with armor blocking some damage.

Player Experience

KeyForge: Age of Ascension offers a dynamic and interactive gameplay experience. The introduction of new keywords like Alpha, Omega, and Deploy adds complexity and strategy. Players must carefully manage their Æmber and card plays to outmaneuver their opponents. The unique deck system ensures each game is different, promoting adaptability and creative deck management.

Pros

Unique Decks: Ensures every game is distinct.

Strategic Depth: New keywords and legacy cards add layers of strategy.

Balanced Houses: Improved house strength balance enhances competitive play.

Interactive Gameplay: More board-based abilities and punishes/rewards for different actions.

Cons

Learning Curve: New players may find the rules and card interactions complex.

Luck of the Draw: The unique deck system can sometimes result in unbalanced matches.

Errata Issues: Some cards have required errata, which can affect gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on KeyForge: Age of Ascension

KeyForge: Age of Ascension is ideal for players who enjoy strategic card games with a high degree of variability. It is perfect for those looking for a game that challenges them to adapt to different deck compositions and strategies each time they play. While it may have a steep learning curve, the reward is a deeply engaging and unique gaming experience that sets it apart from other card games.

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