Ascending Empires (2011) Board Game

Ascending Empires is a board game released in 2011, designed by Chechu Nieto. It is a sci-fi themed game that combines elements of action, city building, civilization, and space exploration. The game is published by Z-Man Games and is suitable for 2-4 players aged 10 and above.

Game Components of Ascending Empires

Game board

Player boards

Planet tiles

City tokens

Research cards

Ship tokens

Flicking disks (for space battles)

Resource tokens

Victory point tokens

How To Setup Ascending Empires

To set up Ascending Empires, start by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a player board and places it within reach. Shuffle the planet tiles and place them face down on designated spaces on the board. Distribute the starting resources and ships to each player. Each player also receives a set of research cards. The flicking disks are placed nearby, ready for use in space battles.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Exploration: Players explore new planets by placing planet tiles on the board.

Expansion: Build cities on newly discovered planets.

Research: Draw and play research cards to enhance abilities and resources.

Combat: Engage in space battles using flicking mechanics with the disks.

Victory Points: Earn points by building cities, researching technologies, and defeating opponents in battles.

Objective: The game ends when all planet tiles have been placed or a player’s empire reaches a certain size. The player with the most victory points wins.

Player Experience

Ascending Empires offers a dynamic and interactive experience, blending traditional 4X elements with a unique flicking mechanic for battles. Players must balance exploration, expansion, and research while preparing for potential combat. The game requires strategic planning and a bit of luck, especially during the flicking battles, which add a fun and unpredictable element.

Pros

Unique Mechanics: Combines 4X gameplay with flicking battles, making it stand out.

Strategic Depth: Offers a rich experience with multiple paths to victory.

Interactive Battles: Flicking disks add a fun and engaging combat system.

Replayability: High variability with random planet tiles and research cards.

Cons

Learning Curve: Can be complex for new players due to multiple mechanics.

Battle Luck: Flicking battles can be unpredictable and sometimes feel luck-based.

Setup Time: Initial setup can be lengthy.

Personal Thoughts on Ascending Empires

Ascending Empires is ideal for fans of 4X games and those looking for a unique blend of strategy and physical interaction. It’s particularly suited for players who enjoy games with deep strategic layers and are willing to invest time in learning the rules. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a quick, simple game or those who prefer games without elements of luck. If you’re up for a challenge and enjoy mixing strategy with a bit of flair, Ascending Empires is definitely worth checking out.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.