Ascension: Dawn of Champions (2015) Board Game

Ascension: Dawn of Champions is a deck-building card game that was released in 2015 by Stone Blade Entertainment. It is part of the larger Ascension series, which is known for its unique blend of strategy and fantasy elements. In this particular installment, players take on the role of powerful champions vying for control of the world of Vigil.

Game Components of Ascension: Dawn of Champions

Starting cards for 4 players, including 8 apprentice and 2 militia cards per player

Mystics, Heavy Infantry, and a single Cultist card

4 oversized Champion cards, each corresponding to a different faction

Center deck cards for players to acquire

50 honor tokens (25 red and 25 white)

Reputation tokens

Rulebook with detailed instructions and examples.

How To Setup Ascension: Dawn of Champions

To set up the game, place the board on the table and position the Heavy Infantry, Mystic, and Cultist cards in their designated slots. Each player receives 8 apprentice and 2 militia cards, which they shuffle together and draw 5 cards from. The remaining cards form the main deck, from which the first 6 cards are drawn and placed face up on the board. Each player is given 30 honor tokens and a Champion card with its corresponding oversized card, either randomly or by choice. The first player is chosen randomly, and the game begins.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Deck Building: Players acquire heroes and constructs to build their decks.

Resource Management: Use runes to acquire heroes and constructs, and power to defeat monsters.

Combat: Defeat monsters to gain honor tokens.

Champion Cards: Each player has a Champion card that can be acquired by gaining reputation counters. When acquired, the Champion card can be played like any other card and unlocks a Rally ability when 8 counters are reached.

End Game: The game ends when the last honor token is earned. Players sum up the honor tokens and the star points from their deck to determine the winner.

Player Experience

**Ascension: Dawn of Champions** is designed to be a fast-paced and introductory game. It is simpler compared to other Ascension sets, making it perfect for new players or those looking for a lighter experience. However, veteran players might find it lacking in complexity and depth. The game introduces Champion cards, which add a new layer of strategy but can also lead to a somewhat predictable gameplay experience. When combined with other Ascension sets, such as Realms Unraveled, the game can offer more variety and complexity.

Pros

Introductory Friendly: Simple and fast-paced, making it ideal for new players.

New Champion Mechanics: Adds a new strategic layer with the Champion cards.

Combination Capability: Can be combined with other Ascension sets for more variety.

Well-Designed Rulebook: Detailed instructions and examples make it easy to learn.

Attractive Artwork: The cards and rulebook have a great look and design.

Cons

Limited Complexity: May be too simple for veteran players.

Randomness: Some players find the level of randomness to be a downside.

Limited New Content: Few distinct new cards compared to previous sets.

Game Length: Games can end quite quickly, which some players might find too fast.

Personal Thoughts on Ascension: Dawn of Champions

This game is perfect for those new to the Ascension series or deck-building games in general. It offers a straightforward and quick gameplay experience, making it an excellent introduction to the mechanics of the game. However, for players seeking a more complex and challenging experience, combining **Dawn of Champions** with other Ascension sets like Realms Unraveled might be the way to go. Overall, it’s a great addition to the Ascension family but may not stand alone as a satisfying experience for seasoned players.

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