Ascension: Eternal (2020) Board Game

Ascension: Eternal is a standalone card game in the Ascension series, released in in 2020. Designed by Rod Mendez, Aaron Nakahara, Jakub Rebelka, and Eric Sabee, this fantasy-themed deck-building game is published by Stone Blade Entertainment. With a playtime of 30-40 minutes and suitable for ages 13 and up, Ascension: Eternal offers a unique gaming experience for 1-2 players.

Game Components of Ascension: Eternal

Cards: A vetted subset of cards from various Ascension sets and expansions, including some new cards.

Board: A tri-fold board that is compact and travel-friendly, though smaller than the boards in main Ascension sets.

Runes and Power Tokens: Used for acquiring cards and defeating monsters.

Honor Tokens: Red and white plastic gems used to tally victory points.

Rulebook: A well-written and visually appealing manual that includes the core rules.

How To Setup Ascension: Eternal

To set up Ascension: Eternal, players start by laying out the tri-fold board. Each player begins with a standard starting hand of cards. The central deck is shuffled, and the top six cards are revealed and available for purchase. The honor tokens are placed within reach of both players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Deckbuilding: Players spend Runes to acquire more powerful cards for their deck.

Card Purchasing: Players buy cards from a central deck using Runes.

Monster Defeat: Players spend Power to defeat monsters, earning Honor tokens.

Victory Points: Earned through purchasing cards, defeating monsters, and some cards providing points when played.

Game End: The game ends when all Honor tokens are earned; the player with the most Honor tokens wins.

Player Experience

Ascension: Eternal is designed as an introduction for new players, offering a simplified yet strategic deckbuilding experience. The game is accessible, with a 20-minute playtime for two players, making it ideal for those new to the genre or looking for a quick game. Players can employ various strategies, from slow and steady point collection to aggressive monster defeats, ensuring no two games are the same.

Pros

Accessible: Easy to learn and play, making it perfect for new players.

Compact: The tri-fold board is travel-friendly and takes up less table space.

Strategic Depth: Offers a good balance of strategy and depth despite its simplicity.

Quick Games: Matches are relatively short, lasting about 20 minutes.

Inclusive: Includes everything needed to play, with no additional expansions required.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed only for two players.

Smaller Board: Some players may find the smaller board less appealing compared to larger boards in other versions.

Card Placement: Cards may dangle off the sides of the smaller board.

Personal Thoughts on Ascension: Eternal

Ascension: Eternal is a great entry point for anyone new to deckbuilding games or the Ascension series. It’s ideal for those who want to learn the basics without feeling overwhelmed by complex rules or numerous expansions. The game’s simplicity and strategic depth make it enjoyable for both newcomers and experienced players. It’s particularly good for families or casual gamers looking for a quick, engaging game that can be played in a short amount of time.

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