Ascension: Deckbuilding Game (2010) Board Game

Ascension: Deckbuilding Game is a card game designed by Justin Gary and released in 2010 by Stone Blade Entertainment. It is a deck-building game set in a fantasy world where players take on the role of heroes striving to defeat monsters and gain honor points. The game has received positive reviews for its innovative gameplay mechanics and engaging theme.

Game Components of Ascension: Deckbuilding Game

Cards: Heroes, constructs, monsters, and basic cards.

Resources: Runes and power.

Victory Points: Represented by small plastic rocks called honor.

Central Deck: A pool of cards that are revealed six at a time.

Expansions: Over a dozen expansions available, each adding new mechanics and cards.

How To Setup Ascension: Deckbuilding Game

To set up the game, each player starts with a basic deck of ten cards. The central deck is shuffled, and six cards are drawn and placed in the center of the play area. Each player also receives a starting hand of five cards. The game is ready to begin once all players have their starting decks and the central deck is set up.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Deck Building: Players build their decks by purchasing cards from the central deck using resources.

Resource Generation: Cards generate runes or power, which are used to buy new cards or fight monsters.

Card Types: Hero cards provide temporary benefits, while construct cards remain in play and can be used repeatedly.

Monster Fighting: Defeating monsters earns honor and removes them from the game.

Central Deck: Cards are drawn from the central deck, offering a dynamic set of choices each turn.

Objective: Amass the most honor (victory points) by acquiring cards and defeating monsters.

Player Experience

Playing Ascension is a dynamic and engaging experience. The game combines strategic deck-building with the excitement of battling monsters and managing resources. Each turn, players must decide how to best use their resources to expand their deck or attack monsters. The game offers a solo variant where players compete against the board, represented by Samael, adding a layer of challenge and replayability.

Pros

High Replayability: With a large pool of cards and dynamic central deck, each game is unique.

Strategic Depth: Players must balance resource generation, deck building, and monster fighting.

Fast-paced: Games typically last between 30 to 60 minutes.

Expansions: Numerous expansions add new mechanics and cards, extending the game’s life.

Cons

Learning Curve: While the basics are easy to learn, mastering the game takes time.

Lack of Single-player Campaign: The digital version lacks a single-player campaign or story mode.

Platform Consistency: The PC version is similar to the mobile version, lacking platform-specific enhancements.

Personal Thoughts on Ascension: Deckbuilding Game

Ascension is perfect for fans of deck-building games, particularly those familiar with Dominion or Magic: The Gathering. The game’s fantasy theme, diverse card pool, and dynamic gameplay make it appealing to a wide range of players. It is ideal for players looking for a game that combines strategy with quick, engaging sessions. However, those seeking a rich narrative or a robust single-player campaign might find it lacking in those aspects. Overall, Ascension remains a staple in the deck-building genre, offering endless hours of strategic fun.

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