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Ascension: Dreamscape (2015) Board Game

ByMichail

Ascension: Dreamscape is a deck-building card game released in in 2015. It is part of the popular Ascension series, known for its engaging gameplay and beautiful artwork. The game is designed by Justin Gerard, Aaron Nakahara, Eric Sabee, and David Wyatt, and published by Stone Blade Entertainment.

Game Components of Ascension: Dreamscape

  • Cards:** 214 total, including 4 starting decks (each with 8 Apprentices and 2 Militias), 1 Cultist, 20 Heavy Infantries, 20 Mystics, 98 center deck cards, and 35 Dream cards.
  • Counters/Tokens:** 50 Honor tokens (clear diamond for 1 honor, red diamond for 5 honor), and 30 Insight tokens (orange, with larger ones worth 5 Insight and smaller ones worth 1 Insight).
  • Game Board:** Included for organizing gameplay.
  • Rules:** Comprehensive rules for setup and gameplay.

    How To Setup Ascension: Dreamscape

    To set up the game, each player starts with a beginning deck of 10 cards, consisting of 8 Apprentices and 2 Militias. The central row is filled with a pool of cards from the center deck, including Heroes, Constructs, and Monsters. Players also have access to common cards like Mystics, Heavy Infantry, and the Cultist monster. Honor tokens and Insight tokens are placed within reach of all players.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Deck-Building:** Players spend Runes to acquire more powerful cards for their deck.
  • Resource Management:** Players manage two main resources: Runes for buying cards and Power for defeating monsters.
  • Card Types:** Heroes offer one-time effects, Constructs stay in play after being played, and Monsters provide rewards when defeated.
  • Insight System:** A new resource introduced in Dreamscape, Insight is used to access powerful Dream cards.
  • Game Objective:** The game ends when the pool of Honor points is depleted; the player with the most Honor points wins.

    Player Experience

    Playing Ascension: Dreamscape requires strategic planning and balance between gaining Insight, adding cards to the Dreamscape, and timing the purchase of Dream cards. The game feels like a return to the base game but demands a different style of play. It is tempo-oriented, meaning a single misstep can significantly impact the game. Players need to be careful with buying Mystics and Heavy Infantries, as these decisions can affect the game’s tempo.

    Pros

  • Strategic Depth:** The game requires thought and planning to win.
  • New Mechanics:** The introduction of the Insight resource adds a fresh layer of strategy.
  • Stand-Alone or Expansion:** Can be played as a stand-alone game or combined with other Ascension sets.
  • Beginner Friendly:** Simple rules but with depth that becomes apparent as you play.

    Cons

  • Compatibility Issues:** Mixing with too many earlier expansions can dilute the game, making it harder to gain Insight.
  • Limited Scalability:** Requires cards from other sets for more than four players.

    Personal Thoughts on Ascension: Dreamscape

    Ascension: Dreamscape is ideal for fans of strategic card games and deck-building mechanics. It is suitable for players who enjoy games that require planning and resource management. While it may not be the best fit for those who prefer highly swingy games, it offers a balanced and engaging experience that appeals to both new and experienced players of the Ascension series.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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