Humanity has been at each other's throats since time immemorial. Now in another galaxy humans wage war amongst themselves again but this time with the aid of alien technology found on other planets. Ascending Empires offers a nice mixture of building exploring and development along with combat via a simple dexterity element. Ascending Empires is sure to sate the desire for a space empire building game that plays simply yet deeply.
The last survivors of the Human race have fled to a new galaxy in fear of annihilation at the hands of an unstoppable enemy. Now, having discovered the ruins of four long dead civilizations spread across the stars, the race to develop technology based on the alien relics has begun. Humans will once again ascend to the stars to claim the galaxy.
Players will colonize new worlds by building colonies, cities, and research facilities. They will develop new Technologies, and build up fleets of Starships. Ascending Empires is a fast paced game that utilizes a dexterity based Starship movement and combat system, and allows for many different strategies to be explored.
- dexterity component adds tactile excitement
- compact playtime described (< 2 hours)
- ad copy context lacks full rules/details
- not a deep critique within transcript
- Technological arms race, discovery of ruins and ancient relics
- Galactic expansion, humanity fleeing to a new galaxy
- Flick-to-move dexterity-influenced space exploration
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Flicking/dexterity elements — manual flicking of discs to simulate ship movement across a galaxy
- Resource/tech upgrade arc — arms race with new technologies and relics to advance humanity
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- it's not strategic it is uh it is literally just an experience of having some movement points
- Let kids be kids
- The production is topnotch
- the art on the video game cards I think they look cute
- the stories were entertaining we were having a lot of fun
- pencil fights were great
References (from this video)
- Fast-paced gameplay
- Unique dexterity mechanic
- Strategic depth
- Simple yet intricate rules
- Complexity of tracking multiple mechanics
- 4X space strategy
- Space exploration
- Civilization building
- Civilization
- Endless Space
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- 4X — Explore, Expand, Exploit, Exterminate
- Flicking — Players move ships by flicking discs across the game board
- Tech progression — Players can research and unlock new technologies
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Whoa, I forgot to claim that I had one!
- It's so fast, it's so fluid, there's a lot of really cool simple moves you can do
- In a four-player game, this would be bonkers!