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Description
Boldly go where no one has gone before. In Star Trek: Ascendancy — a board game of exploration, expansion and conflict between the United Federation of Planets, the Klingon Empire, and the Romulan Star Empire — you control the great civilizations of the Galaxy, striking out from your home worlds to expand your influence and grow your civilization. Will you journey for peace and exploration, or will you travel the path of conquest and exploitation? Command starships, establish space lanes, construct starbases, and bring other systems under your banner. With more than 200 plastic miniatures and 30 star systems representing some of the Star Trek galaxy's most notable planets and locations, Star Trek: Ascendancy puts the fate of the galaxy in your hands.
The great unknown lies before you; with every turn is a new adventure as your ships explore new space systems, encounter new life forms and new civilizations, make wondrous discoveries, and face challenging obstacles, all drawn from the vast fifty year history of Star Trek. Will you brave the hazards of Rura Penthe to harvest vital resources, race to develop Sherman's Planet before your rivals stake their claim, or explore the mysteries of the Mutara Nebula on an ever-growing, adaptive map of the galaxy. With an infinite combination of planets and interstellar phenomena, no two games of Star Trek: Ascendancy will ever play the same!
Year Published
2016
Featured Videos
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 12
This page: 12
Sentiment:
pos 9 ·
mix 0 ·
neu 2 ·
neg 1
Showing 1–12 of 12
Video JZL17bcpjEA
general_discussion at 1:22 sentiment: negative
video_pk 62510 · mention_pk 155148
Click to watch at 1:22 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
negative
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- 3-player faction asymmetry — asymmetric factions explore, combat, and manage resources across a galaxy map.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Trust us.
- Verify everything, trust nothing.
- The biggest lie board game companies tell might be the simplest. Trust us.
- You're buying version 1.0 that needs patches, but there's no disclaimer saying software may require updates.
- The app has potential for gamebreaking bugs, especially in stretch goal missions.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 8gIuZ-vcDJQ
Unknown Channel general_discussion at 16:55 sentiment: positive
video_pk 35392 · mention_pk 105668
Click to watch at 16:55 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- epic scope
- fandom appeal
Cons
- heavy and long to play
- complex rules
Thematic elements
- galactic empire exploration, conflict with Dominion
- Star Trek universe, DS9 era
- 4X, epic space strategy
Comparison games
- Eclipse: Second Dawn of the Galaxy
- Eclipse
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- 4X space strategy — Explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate across a galaxy map.
- Area Control — Control sectors and form alliances in space.
- Tech Tree — Research technologies to unlock new capabilities.
- Tech trees — Research technologies to unlock new capabilities.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Ding.
- Absolutely right.
- I went off of vibes.
- We both get a point.
- Star Trek.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video sZpPdWINZY0
The Discriminating Gamer top_10_list at 7:52 sentiment: positive
video_pk 13303 · mention_pk 118487
Click to watch at 7:52 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- strong Star Trek IP integration
- asymmetric play and space exploration depth
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- asymmetric space empire-building; exploration and conquest
- Star Trek universe with multiple races
- space opera with fleet-based conflict
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Asymmetric races — different factions behave differently (Federation, Klingons, Romulans, etc.)
- Resource and combat management — gather resources and engage in battles with ships
- Resource management — gather resources and engage in battles with ships
- Warp lanes and space exploration — laying down lanes to travel and discovering new planets
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Forbidden Stars is a great 4X game where you are the various factions from Warhammer 40k.
- The game is beautiful. You have these tiles that have the different planets and whatnot on there. You've got these minis that are these beautiful spaceships and tanks and forces.
- I love it. I think it's a fantastic game.
- this game more than anything, I would say is probably a take that game with the card playing stuff.
- it's a great civilization building game, but it would be a great civilization building game even if it wasn't Star Trek.
- it's absolutely 4X because again you are exploring.
- you are laying down warp lanes and you're actually laying down these like lanes that you do to travel to different planets and you're laying down the different planets and exploring them and then you're trying to take them over and build up your resources.
- Twilight Imperium is my number one.
- it's a grand epic space adventure. Again, you got a mountain of cards. You've got tons of plastic. I freaking love Twilight Imperium.
- this is a show. It's like a movie. It's like a book.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video TUs2rOuNL_s
Foster the Meeple game_review at 16:40 sentiment: positive
video_pk 12905 · mention_pk 114161
Click to watch at 16:40 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Strong Star Trek flavor; thematic and grand in scope
- Large box with substantial content and expansion potential
Cons
- Very heavy; long teaching and playtime
- Not as accessible for casual players
Thematic elements
- 4X empire-building with diplomacy and combat
- Star Trek universe; space exploration and diplomacy
- Epic space opera
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- 4x strategy — Explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate across a galactic map.
- asymmetric factions — Factions have unique abilities; multiple paths to victory.
- Diplomacy and victory tokens — Ascendency tokens and diplomacy influence outcomes; elimination as an alternate win condition.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I really liked it I love engine builder games and this definitely has a flavor of that
- Production is beautiful just like stunning
- Two player ramped really well
- This is the best bidding game we've ever played
- It's not complicated but there is a lot going on
- Live long and prosper my friends
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video dfCcLi9vSC0
Secret Cabal general_discussion at 50:50 sentiment: neutral
video_pk 12722 · mention_pk 37108
Click to watch at 50:50 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
neutral
Pros
- Thematic license is strong for fans
- Deep strategic layer for experienced gamers
Cons
- Can be heavy and long
- Iconography and factions can be intimidating to new players
Thematic elements
- galactic conquest and exploration
- Star Trek universe in space empire scale
- episodic-mission driven strategy
Comparison games
- Twilight Imperium
- Race for the Galaxy
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area control / exploration — Players expand, explore, and fight across a galaxy map.
- Role-based factions — Factions have unique abilities shaping play.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Artwork does have a big impact on my interest in playing the game.
- I bought games just for artwork that I've never played.
- Santorini doesn't turn me off, and Arcadia Quest doesn't turn me off exactly but I would prefer it to be more realistic in general.
- I think games with Xavier Colette his kind of artwork he did the a lot of the dixit stuff.
- I love getting up and coming down here and shooting a video and editing a podcast and developing content for the next show.
- quit drinking soda it's poison.
- Feast for Odin is a Viking-era title that rewards careful planning.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video qaIfKsQWA5I
Going Analog general_discussion at 10:12 sentiment: positive
video_pk 7473 · mention_pk 22167
Click to watch at 10:12 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- epic scope
- deep asymmetric play
Cons
- steep learning curve
- long playtime
Thematic elements
- galactic civilization building and conquest
- Star Trek universe
- space opera
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area control/tech progression — factions expand influence while managing tech and resources.
- area control/tech-tree — factions expand influence and manage resources across a galaxy map.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I am known for my channel Minimum Player Count mainly on YouTube but I first started on Instagram
- Welcome to the show
- we are not going to take it easy on you so maybe you should be a little bit nervous
- stop watching and go play a game
- you can also see some of my videos on board game spotlight
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video sL7NwkNOeC0
Foster the Mee Channel general_discussion at 9:18 sentiment: neutral
video_pk 6660 · mention_pk 19797
Click to watch at 9:18 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
neutral
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Star Trek universe
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area control / exploration — factions explore, expand, and exploit their quadrant to win
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- we will block you or we will hide your comments and you won't even know that you're commenting Into The Ether
- be kind to people and if you don't want to be kind or you don't agree with people that's okay just move on
- Shelf of Shame down to 50
- I would like to host another 24-hour gameathon that is better planned out
- I want to do more collaborations with friends
- we smashed that one smashed it out of the park
- we did 444 different games this year
- I want to play more war games
- the last 24-hour gameathon we did was amazing
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 9p8jjc6PaC4
Our Family Plays Games general_discussion at 59:40 sentiment: positive
video_pk 6209 · mention_pk 18392
Click to watch at 59:40 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- IP appeal
- deep strategic options
Cons
- complex rules
- long setup and playtime
Thematic elements
- exploration, conquest, and diplomacy across sectors
- Star Trek universe; space empire building
- episodic, lore-rich
Comparison games
- Twilight Imperium
- Federation and Empire
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — Control zones/regions on the map
- Campaign/story-driven play — Progress through arcs across sessions
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Shelf of Shame and Opportunity
- it's addiction show
- we're here to help
- the pencils are the dice
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video DNF4iV3F1Xw
Broken Meeple top_10_list at 54:16 sentiment: positive
video_pk 5851 · mention_pk 17322
Click to watch at 54:16 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Excellent faction theming
- Star Trek fans will love it
- Three player count works best
- Unique planet placement mechanic
- Hooked from day one
Cons
- Rigid player count (best at 3)
- Very heavy/complex rules
- Borg expansion adds even more intimidating rules
- Long play time (afternoon game)
Thematic elements
- Space exploration and faction conquest
- Star Trek universe
- Thematic
Comparison games
- Twilight Imperium
- Star Wars Rebellion
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Faction Asymmetry — Federation wants to make everyone happy, Klingons destroy, Romulan steal technology, Cardassian need occupation, Ferengi do other things
- Fleet Management — Build and manage starship fleets
- Planet Placement — Place planets freely within boundaries, can swivel until connected
- Space Lane Building — Connect planets with space lanes
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- we're basically saying that at some point during the first game of it we knew that this was a game we were gonna love and it stayed that way
- man i loved everything about ascension it was great
- you kind of had to play this game very tactically you cannot play this game strategically it's physically impossible
- everything in this game looks absolutely beautiful i could i could have that board as a poster on my wall
- it's just so many options you get in this
- not enough people give whistle mountain any credit at all
- pandemic was just really really good when that came out
- i love a good thematic game
- this is gonna be one i like isn't it
- street masters has really done me a good one here
- being effectively like a twilight imperium for star trek sounds cool
- i really really dig cargo noir
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 8RUQyvR45Kk
Three Minute Board Games general_discussion at 9:28 sentiment: positive
video_pk 2992 · mention_pk 116209
Click to watch at 9:28 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Thematic and flavorful factions
- Strong exploration mechanics that feel Star Trek
Cons
- Not perfectly balanced; can be variable in longer sessions
Thematic elements
- Distinct factions with flavor (Ferengi, Klingons, etc.)
- Star Trek universe; exploration, diplomacy, and conflict
- story-tinged, faction-flavored gameplay
Comparison games
- Twilight Imperium
- Dawn of Man (contextual reference)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- exploration/diplomacy — Exploration and interaction drive strategy; diplomacy affects outcomes
- Faction Asymmetry — Each faction has unique abilities and goals shaping play
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's not one for people who don't like dice rolls because it'd be very easy to blame the dice for you for bad play but there's plenty of mitigation in Final Girl
- Regicide is a very simple Cooperative or solo game that you can play and you can play it using just a standard deck of cards
- the crew 2 takes the original crew and just gets rid of all of the awkward parts of it and makes it a better game with more replayability
- Block by Block Uprising is a great game ... it makes a political statement a very blunt political statement and I kind of respect as honesty there
- Pan Am is a network building aircraft game but you initially expect to be a bit like Ticket to Ride where you just try to put down planes and and you know get long chains of them but it has a Twist where you're actively trying to get in the way of Pan Am as it expands so that they buy your networks off you
- unsettled is an excellent game it has some of the best writing of any game I've played
- Roll Camera it's a hoot track it down if you can go into it knowing that what you get out of it is what you put in
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video W9VLMc3iHjQ
Aotearoa NZ Board Games Channel game_review at 2:47 sentiment: positive
video_pk 2267 · mention_pk 130553
Click to watch at 2:47 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Fun exploration and evolving map
- Factions feel true to Star Trek
- Combat is streamlined for a 4X game
- Strong thematic integration with Star Trek
- Expansion options enable larger player counts
Cons
- Core box offers only three factions
- Player elimination can occur
- Expansions are needed for higher player counts
Thematic elements
- Exploration, empire-building, resource management, diplomacy
- Star Trek universe, various planets and systems across the galaxy
- procedural, evolving map with modular exploration
Comparison games
- Civilization: A New Dawn
- Twilight Imperium 4
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- ascendancy victory conditions — Achieve victory by ascendancy on worlds and resources
- build phase — Build control nodes, ships, and production/culture nodes
- Dice combat — Combat resolved with dice; fleets and technologies affect outcomes
- hidden victory points — Achieve victory by ascendancy on worlds and resources
- initiative bidding — At the start of rounds, players bid for initiative
- research and technology — Develop technologies; can steal tech by conquering nodes
- Resource management — Nodes produce color resources; culture and production costs
- tile placement — Explore the map by placing tiles and discovering worlds
- tile placement / exploration — Explore the map by placing tiles and discovering worlds
- Unique player powers — Each faction has unique rules, fleets, and technologies
- Variable player powers — Each faction has unique rules, fleets, and technologies
- warp travel / movement — Move ships via warp, out-of-board moves with warp markers
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Star Trek ascendancy is a 4X game that gets an awful lot right
- Best thing about this game is when you conquer someone else's research node you can steal one of their Technologies and develop it yourself, that's so much fun
- Three players with the core box is okay but I feel the game comes alive with four or five players
- Combat is refreshingly simple for a 4X game thanks to only one ship class and the special abilities on fleets, yet feels no less epic than comparable games for that
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 4Sp4cZCaKMM
Unknown Channel top_10_list at 1:03:10 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1268 · mention_pk 3683
Click to watch at 1:03:10 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- strong asymmetry
- thematic fidelity to Star Trek
Cons
- relatively long and heavy
- steep learning curve for new players
Thematic elements
- space empire conquest with asymmetry
- Star Trek universe with multiple factions
- grand strategy in a sci-fi setting
Comparison games
- Twilight Imperium
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area control / exploration — control sectors and explore the galaxy
- asymmetric factions — each faction has unique abilities and win conditions
- ship combat / fleet maneuvers — engage in fleet actions on a modular board
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- There are so many just different things about this game that it's hard to manage all the decisions
- the theme is extremely strong in this one, you can feel it in every action
- the app integration in Mansions of Madness is great and speeds things up
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
Showing 1–12 of 12