Ascension: Rise of Vigil (2013) Board Game

Ascension: Rise of Vigil is a deck-building card game that was released in in 2013. Designed by Justin Gary and published by Asmodee, it falls into the fantasy genre and has received positive reviews for its engaging gameplay and unique mechanics. The game is set in the world of Vigil where players must recruit heroes and defeat monsters to gain honor points and ultimately emerge victorious.

Game Components of Ascension: Rise of Vigil

100 new cards, including heroes, constructs, and monsters from the four established factions

30 Energy Shards

Modified starting decks containing an Energy Shard, 8 Apprentices, and 2 Militia

Center Deck combining the new cards and Energy Shards.

How To Setup Ascension: Rise of Vigil

To set up the game, players create the Center Deck by shuffling together the new cards and Energy Shards. Each player starts with a modified starting deck that includes an Energy Shard along with the standard Apprentices and Militia. The game is designed to be played either as a standalone or integrated with other sets in the Ascension series.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Deck Building: Players acquire cards from the Center Deck to build their decks.

Three Currencies: Runes, Power, and the new Energy currency, which requires a different strategy to manage.

Card Effects: Cards have various effects, including drawing, destroying, or acquiring other cards.

Hero and Construct Acquisition: Players buy heroes and constructs to enhance their decks.

Monster Defeat: Defeating monsters earns players honor and other benefits.

Game Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most honor by the end of the game through acquiring and playing cards and defeating monsters.

Player Experience

Playing Ascension: Rise of Vigil offers a unique experience with the introduction of Energy Shards, which add a new layer of strategy to the game. Players must balance the three currencies effectively to succeed. The game maintains a simple and quick core philosophy, making it accessible to new players while still offering depth for experienced players. However, the game does retain the occasionally swingy nature of the Ascension series, which can be influenced by luck and the power of high-cost cards.

Pros

Unique Feel: Each block in the Ascension series has a distinct feel, making older sets still enjoyable after playing newer ones.

Simple yet Strategic: The game remains simple and quick, with a focus on strategic deck building.

New Mechanics: The introduction of Energy Shards adds a fresh layer of complexity and strategy.

Great Entry Point: It serves as an excellent entry point into the Ascension series for new players.

Cons

Luck Dependency: The game can be swingy, with luck playing a significant role, especially with high-cost cards.

No Change for Luck Concerns: If you find previous Ascension games too luck-dependent, this set may not alleviate those concerns.

Personal Thoughts on Ascension: Rise of Vigil

Ascension: Rise of Vigil is ideal for both new and experienced players looking to dive into the world of deck-building games. It offers a compelling and unique experience that builds on the core mechanics of Ascension while introducing new challenges and strategies. The game is particularly suited for those who enjoy strategic depth and are willing to adapt to new mechanics and currencies. However, players who are sensitive to the role of luck in games may find this set less appealing.

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