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

65-card Center deck

35-card Center deck

25-card Honor pool

50 deluxe Honor tokens

Rulebook

How To Setup Ascension: Return of the Fallen

Shuffle the Center deck and place it in the middle of the play area.

Shuffle the Return of the Fallen cards and place them face down on top of the Center deck.

Each player starts with a personal deck of 8 Apprentice cards and 2 Militia cards.

Place the Honor tokens nearby as a shared pool for players to collect.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players take turns recruiting heroes and constructs from the Center deck to defeat monsters and earn Honor points. The objective is to have the most Honor points by the end of the game. Players can also acquire cards that provide special abilities and bonuses to help them in their quest.

Player Experience

Pros:

Engaging deck-building mechanics

Strategic gameplay with a good mix of luck and skill

Beautiful artwork and thematic elements

Quick gameplay with a reasonable playtime

Cons:

Can feel repetitive after multiple plays

Limited player interaction

Some cards may be overpowered compared to others

Personal Thoughts on Ascension: Return of the Fallen

Ascension: Return of the Fallen is a solid expansion that adds new cards and mechanics to the base game. The artwork is stunning, and the gameplay is easy to learn but offers depth for strategic decision-making. However, the game may lack long-term replayability due to potential repetitiveness. Overall, it’s worth a try for fans of deck-building games, but it may not be for everyone. It’s best suited for players who enjoy fantasy themes and quick, competitive gameplay. If you’re looking for alternatives, games like Dominion or Thunderstone might be worth exploring.

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