Ascension: Return of the Fallen (2011) Board Game

Ascension: Return of the Fallen is an expansion for the popular deck-building card game, Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer. It was released in 2011 by Arclight Games and designed by Gary Arant, Robert Dougherty, Ian Estrin, and John Fiorillo. The game is set in a fantasy world where players take on the roles of heroes battling to defeat monsters and gain powerful cards to add to their decks.

Game Components of Ascension: Return of the Fallen

120 cards: Includes 65 new cards for the Center Deck and 55 reprints.

40 plastic Honor tokens: Same quality as those in the base set.

New heroes, constructs, and monsters: Adds variety to the game.

Fate mechanic cards: Cards with immediate effects on the game when added to the center row.

How To Setup Ascension: Return of the Fallen

Setup is straightforward and quick. The game can be played as a standalone 2-player game or integrated with the base game for 2-6 players. Simply shuffle the decks, distribute starting cards, and lay out the center row. The expansion includes rules for solitaire and team-based play as well.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Deck-building: Players build their decks by acquiring cards from the center row.

Fate mechanic: Cards with Fate text have immediate effects, such as drawing cards or banishing adjacent cards.

Monster cards: Players can add monster cards to their deck instead of discarding them, providing additional attack power.

Objective: Accumulate the most Honor by collecting and strategizing with cards.

Player Experience

*Ascension: Return of the Fallen* enhances the original game with new cards and mechanics, particularly the Fate system, which adds a dynamic layer to gameplay. The expansion fits seamlessly into the existing game, making it feel like these mechanics have always been there. It introduces Samael the Fallen God, offering a final battle challenge. The game is quick, setting up in minutes and playable in under 30 minutes.

Pros

More variety: New heroes, constructs, and monsters expand gameplay options.

Fate mechanic: Adds dynamic and immediate effects to the game.

Easy integration: Can be played standalone or with the base game.

Amazing art: High-quality artwork enhances the game experience.

Quick gameplay: Setup and playtime are both relatively short.

Cons

Card quality: The card stock is thinner and weaker than the base set, suggesting the use of card sleeves.

Limited standalone: Can only be played as a standalone game with 2 players.

Personal Thoughts on Ascension: Return of the Fallen

This expansion is perfect for fans of the original *Ascension* game, adding just the right amount of complexity and variety without overwhelming new players. It’s ideal for those who enjoy deck-building games and are looking to enhance their *Ascension* experience. If you liked the original, you’ll appreciate the new mechanics and cards introduced in *Return of the Fallen*. However, if you didn’t enjoy the base game, this expansion might not change your opinion significantly.

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