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Hirelings: The Ascent (2012) Board Game

ByMichail

Hirelings: The Ascent is a children’s fantasy board game released in 2012, designed by John Sauer and published by Prolific Games. The game is designed for 2-6 players, aged 7 and above, with a runtime of around 30 minutes. In this game, players take on the role of hirelings trying to climb the Tower of Evil to defeat the Dark Lord and claim the treasure.

Game Components of Hirelings: The Ascent

  • 1 game board
  • 6 Hirelings (used as pawns)
  • 2 six-sided dice
  • 2 eight-sided dice
  • 54 Item cards
  • 1 Flaming Fireball of Doom pawn

    How To Setup Hirelings: The Ascent

    To set up the game, place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a Hireling and places it on the START area, which is the dragon’s lair. Shuffle the Item deck and deal each player 8 cards face-down, which they should keep in front of them. Additional Item cards, equal to the number of players, are dealt face-down and placed by the treasure space on the game board. The remaining Item cards are removed for the duration of the game.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Game Objective:** The goal is to be the first player to escape the dragon’s lair.
  • Mechanics:**
    – Dice Rolling: Players use six-sided and eight-sided dice for movement and evading obstacles.
    – Item Cards: Players can use Item cards to gain bonuses to movement or evade monsters.
    – Path Selection: Players choose paths to take, including secret routes and shortcuts.
    – Obstacle Avoidance: Players must evade monsters and navigate through special rooms with unique rules.

    Player Experience

    In Hirelings: The Ascent, players take on the roles of Hirelings who must flee a dragon’s lair after the Heroes have fallen. The game is a race to the finish, where players navigate through a dungeon filled with obstacles, traps, and monsters. The use of Item cards adds a strategic layer, as these cards are limited and must be used wisely. The game includes humorous elements, such as the “Orc Jail and Knitting Parlor” and encounters with a Sasquatch, making it an entertaining experience for families and casual gamers.

    Pros

  • Easy to Learn:** The game has simple rules, making it accessible to a wide range of players.
  • Family-Friendly:** Designed for family gaming, it’s a great option for those looking for a fun, light-hearted game.
  • Strategic Depth:** The use of Item cards and path selection adds a layer of strategy.
  • Humorous Elements:** The game includes several humorous scenarios and characters.

    Cons

  • Limited Replayability:** With a fixed set of paths and obstacles, the game may become repetitive after several plays.
  • Luck-Based:** The game relies heavily on dice rolls, which can lead to variable outcomes.

    Personal Thoughts on Hirelings: The Ascent

    Hirelings: The Ascent is ideal for families and casual gamers looking for a light-hearted, fun experience. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy racing and adventure games with a touch of humor. While it may not offer deep strategic complexity, it provides an enjoyable and easy-to-learn gaming experience that is perfect for family game nights or casual gatherings.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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