Ashes Reborn: Rise of the Phoenixborn (2015) Board Game

Ashes Reborn: Rise of the Phoenixborn is a card game designed by Isaac Vega and published by Plaid Hat Games in in 2015. The game is set in a world where Phoenixborn, powerful individuals who can harness the power of nature and magic, battle for supremacy.

Game Components of Ashes Reborn: Rise of the Phoenixborn

Master Set: Includes six Phoenixborn characters, each with pre-built decks and assigned custom dice.

Cards: Over 200 cards, including spell cards, creature cards, and conjuration cards.

Dice: 40 custom dice, each with various power symbols.

Conjuration Cards: A separate stack of cards for summoning units.

Rulebook: Updated rules for the 1.5 version.

How To Setup Ashes Reborn: Rise of the Phoenixborn

To set up the game, players choose a Phoenixborn character and their corresponding pre-built deck. Each player starts by selecting their first five cards from their deck, a mechanic known as “First Five,” which allows for strategic planning from the beginning. Players also roll their dice to determine the first player, based on the number of generic symbols rolled. The game components, including the Phoenixborn’s life total and the number of spell and creature cards they can have on the field, are also set up according to the character’s specifications.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Dice Pool: Players use custom dice as resources to power spells and creatures.

First Five: Players choose their starting hand of five cards.

Player Turns: Turns consist of main actions (attacking, playing cards) and side actions (using dice powers, meditating).

Conjurations: Spell cards can be set on the field and triggered repeatedly.

Meditating: Allows players to manipulate dice rolls to reduce randomness.

Game Objective

The objective is to eliminate the opponent’s Phoenixborn by reducing their life total to zero.

Player Experience

Ashes Reborn offers a dynamic and engaging experience, blending the complexity of customizable card games with the simplicity of quick turns. Players can build their own decks or use pre-constructed ones, and the game’s use of dice as resources adds a unique layer of strategy. The “First Five” mechanic ensures that players start with a solid strategic foundation, while the conjuration system allows for creative play.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Allows for deep deck-building and strategic planning.

Unique Mechanics: The use of dice as resources and the “First Five” mechanic set it apart from other card games.

Quick Turns: Keeps the game engaging and fast-paced.

High Replayability: With billions of possible deck combinations and various Phoenixborn characters.

Active Community: Supports online leagues and community-driven content.

Cons

Limited Story Background: The game lacks detailed storytelling and background information about the Phoenixborn characters.

Initial Learning Curve: New players may need time to understand the unique mechanics.

Dice Dependency: The availability of specific dice can limit deck-building options.

Personal Thoughts on Ashes Reborn: Rise of the Phoenixborn

Ashes Reborn is ideal for fans of customizable card games, particularly those who enjoy games like Magic: The Gathering but are looking for something with a fresh twist. The game is great for both casual and experienced players, as it offers pre-constructed decks for quick play and extensive deck-building options for those who want to dive deeper. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a game with a rich narrative or those who prefer games with less complexity in their mechanics. For those interested in a dynamic, strategic card game with a strong community, Ashes Reborn is definitely worth considering.

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