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Ascension: Valley of the Ancients (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

Brief History and Background Information for Ascension: Valley of the Ancients

Ascension: Valley of the Ancients is a standalone expansion to the popular deck-building card game Ascension. Released in 2017, it introduces new mechanics and cards to the base game, adding more depth and complexity to the gameplay. Designed by Peter Wocken and featuring artwork by Stone Blade Entertainment, this expansion takes players on a journey to uncover the secrets of the ancient valley.

Game Components of Ascension: Valley of the Ancients

  • Rulebook
  • 200 cards
  • Honor tokens
  • Game board

How To Setup Ascension: Valley of the Ancients

  • Lay out the game board.
  • Shuffle the cards and deal out starting hands to each player.
  • Place Honor tokens in a central supply.
  • Begin the game with the starting player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Ascension: Valley of the Ancients, players take turns acquiring cards to build their deck and earn Honor points. The objective is to gather the most Honor by acquiring powerful cards and defeating monsters. Players must strategize and plan their moves carefully to outwit their opponents and emerge victorious.

Player Experience

Pros:

  • Engaging gameplay with strategic depth
  • Beautiful artwork and thematic elements
  • Replayability with different card combinations
  • Suitable for solo play as well as multiplayer

Cons:

  • Learning curve for new players
  • Luck of the draw can heavily influence gameplay
  • Limited player interaction

Personal Thoughts on Ascension: Valley of the Ancients

Ascension: Valley of the Ancients offers a compelling deck-building experience with its unique mechanics and immersive theme. The game’s components are of high quality, and the artwork adds to the overall aesthetic appeal. While the learning curve may be steep for newcomers, the game rewards strategic thinking and planning. The pricing and availability of both new and used copies make it accessible to a wide range of players.

For fans of deck-building games and fantasy themes, Ascension: Valley of the Ancients is definitely worth your time. It appeals to those who enjoy strategic gameplay and immersive worlds. However, players who prefer heavy player interaction may find it lacking in that aspect. Overall, I would recommend this game to those looking for a challenging and engaging gaming experience.

Game Components of Ascension: Valley of the Ancients

  • Cards: Hero, Construct, and Monster cards.
  • Runes: Used for acquiring cards.
  • Temples: Temple of Life, Temple of Death, and Temple of Immortality.
  • Player Decks: Each player starts with a basic deck.
  • Center Row: A display area for cards available for purchase or battle.

    How To Setup Ascension: Valley of the Ancients

    To set up the game, players begin by shuffling and dealing a starting deck to each player. The center row is populated with a mix of Hero, Construct, and Monster cards. Each player also starts with a set amount of Runes. The Temple cards 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.
  • Temple Control: Players can control temples (Life, Death, Immortality) to gain benefits like Runes or card banishment. Controlling temples earns Honor points at the end of the game.
  • Serenity Effects: Some Enlightened cards trigger if the player’s discard pile is empty.
  • Echo Effects: Triggered by having at least one Void card in the discard pile.
  • Card Interactions: Cards like Isla allow players to acquire any Hero or Construct in the center row and shuffle their discard pile back into their deck.
  • Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most Honor points by acquiring powerful cards, controlling temples, and defeating monsters.

    Player Experience

    Playing Ascension: Valley of the Ancients offers a dynamic and engaging experience. The introduction of temples and new card effects like Serenity and Echo adds a fresh layer of strategy. Players need to balance their deck-building with temple control and clever use of card effects to maximize their Honor points. The game is fast-paced and requires strategic thinking, making each game session unique and challenging.

    Pros

  • New Mechanics: The addition of temples and new card effects keeps the game fresh and exciting.
  • Strategic Depth: Players have multiple paths to victory, making the game highly replayable.
  • Quick Games: Games are typically short, lasting around 30-60 minutes.
  • High Replayability: Random card draws and variable player powers ensure each game is different.

    Cons

  • Learning Curve: New players may need time to understand all the card interactions and temple effects.
  • Luck Element: Random card draws can sometimes lead to unbalanced game states.
  • Complexity: The game can feel overwhelming with the introduction of many new mechanisms.

    Personal Thoughts on Ascension: Valley of the Ancients

    Ascension: Valley of the Ancients is ideal for fans of deck-building games and those who enjoy strategic card play. It is a great addition to the Ascension series, offering new challenges and strategies that keep the game engaging even for veteran players. If you’re looking for a game that combines depth with a manageable playtime, this is an excellent choice. However, new players may need to invest some time in learning the various mechanics and card interactions.

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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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