star trek ascendancy gameplay

• Here’s 9 Board Games You Can Blow $1000 On Instead Of Buying An iPhone X
• The Worst Board Game Box Art Ever
• [REVIEW] Dark Souls. Alone Against The Darkness… I Survived!
• 16 Gateway Board Games To Get Friends & Family Hooked
• [REVIEW] Marvel United

[REVIEW] Star Trek:  Ascendancy

Publisher: gale force 9 number of players: 3+ play time: 60 mins per player age guide : 14+ type: competitive mechanisms: action point allowance, modular board, dice rolling, asymmetrical.

• Make It So: Components
• Engage: Gameplay
• Earl Grey, Hot: The Low-down
• Just Pretty Pictures

There comes a time in the life of every self-respecting geek, when they must ask themselves the crucial question that defines their sense of self for the rest of their lives:

Star Wars or Star Trek?

For me it’s always been the former. In fact there was only one person that could compete with the likes of Peter Cushing, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher, and that was Patrick Stewart.

Ah, Patrick. Why did you have to tempt me with Star Trek: Next Generation ? I was doing fine. Until then even Leonard Nimoy’s effortless cool wasn’t enough to distract me from Shatner’s shit acting and the general B-movie quality of Star Trek ’s sets and effects.

Then Jean-Luc and his crew came along and made me doubt myself. I would forever be tainted by the Picard Manoeuvre and the Riker Straddle .

So when Gale Force 9 (GF9) asked me to review their game Star Trek: Ascendancy , I didn’t know whether to politely decline and ask them for a copy of Spartacus instead, or just face the fact that I’m a closet Trekkie, man up and do my job.

Make It So  : Components

When the game arrived from GF9 a few days later, the first thing that struck me was its size. In the distant past when most of my boxed games came from Games Workshop, I was used to it, but I guess these days I’m more accustomed to the “fit-comfortably-in-a-Kallax-from-Ikea” dimensions.

That said when you pop the top off, you can see that GF9 couldn’t have got away with anything smaller. In fact my only complaint is that with perhaps a little tweaking (like bringing the insert up level with the top of the box) they might have made room for the inevitable expansions, plus the box lid would have held things in place.

This was soon forgotten as I started sifting through the components: colourful transparent resource nodes for the systems; detailed ship models; unique player boards for each of the three races (with plastic sliders to keep track of weapons and shield levels); circular system/planet discs and the the space lanes to connect them printed on good quality cardstock.

Whilst the card decks aren’t tip-top fabric quality, they’re pretty good, although many of the cards have black borders so it remains to be seen how long they’ll look their best. Probably best to sleeve them if the game is going to hit the table regularly.

It’s all topped off by a rule book (looking like it may have been optimistically designed for a standard square box) that’s nicely illustrated and not too chock-full of images from Star Trek TV series. All the information that you need is in there, but it’s a little enigmatic at times on a first read-through and takes a while to find specifics during a game (and you’ll be referring to it a bit during your first game).

However it’s made of vinyl which means it can slide on a smooth table surface, and it’s rather reflective. I’d have preferred to cough up some extra cash for a neoprene version.]

Engage  : Gameplay

Ascendancy is a 4X game, which for the uninitiated stands for eXpansion , eXploration , eXploitation and eXtermination . They could have called them 4E games, but X has always been a cooler and more rad letter than poor old E. As such the game has to function in a vaguely sandbox way, allowing players to feel that they’re exploring unknown territories and, well, boldly going where no one has gone before.

This is achieved by players starting with just their home system disc and a cluster of starting resource “nodes” ( Production , Research and Culture ) that yield corresponding tokens at the end of each turn, allowing the expansion of capabilities and empires.

You also start with three ships which can travel down space lanes of three varying lengths (randomly generated by the roll of a custom die) that branch out from your home system and beyond into new uncharted territory. Players then draw and place new system discs yielding either Interstellar Phenomena or Planetary Systems.

Interstellar Phenomena are usually hazardous places that can easily destroy ships or even entire fleets, but yield valuable research material. Planetary Systems can sometimes pose similar hazards and also require a draw from the Exploration deck, which is colour coded:

• Red Crisis cards force ships to brave hazards the same as phenomena or dangerous systems.
• Blue Discovery cards usually offer some sort of bonus in addition to the opportunity to colonise the world.
• Green Virgin Worlds are ripe for immediate colonisation.
• Yellow Civilisation cards present a player with either pre-warp or warp-capable civilisations that require some sort of accommodation (or annihilation!) in order to gain control.

After resolving a Red, Blue or Green card’s effect, colonisation can take place by placing a Control node on the planet on your following turn and beginning the process of exploiting its resources. Encountering a Civilisation requires more effort and resources to gain control of, whether it’s by force of arms or cultural dominance/hegemony (the latter being your only option if you’re playing as the Federation, as you must adhere to the Prime Directive of non-hostility… however much you might like to ignore it).

Once you have control of a system you can start placing resource nodes there (unless you take it over from an existing civilisation, in which case it may have up to its full compliment already.) These are the bread and butter of your ability to do anything in the game, whether buildings ships, expanding your culture, upgrading your weapons and shields, or researching scientific projects.

Research is crucial as it dictates how powerful and well-defended your ships and systems are, and allows you to initiate Projects which in turn lead to Advancements. These might enable you to First Strike in combat, or add bonuses to hegemony when you try to exert cultural control — there are many advancements thematically tailored to each race. In addition some cards may grant permanent additional Commands (which you need to accomplish anything – you start with five) or increase your warp speed to enable fast movement across your expanding empire.

So you can see why players might wish to brave dangerous Phenomena or fight over systems with those lovely blue Research nodes. However, you ignore Production and Cultural nodes at your peril. Without them you won’t be building or colonising anything. There’s a nice balance here which means there’s no “super trump” node to monopolise. In fact the only time when nodes themselves might result in all-out conflict is if one of the players, through luck of the draw, lacks a certain resource in their initial systems. They’ll have no choice but to acquire it, by brute force if necessary.

Obviously at the start of the game and for the first two or even three turns, players will be exploring and building in their own little isolated sector of space. Sooner or later though they will make First Contact with each other. This can be mutually beneficial as players can then form trade agreements. It can also, of course, be catastrophically violent, resulting in system-wide conflicts that can often eradicate all planets life. Ho-hum.

Combat, whether ship-to-ship or by the invasion of colonised systems, is resolved by the roll of dice against a target number, usually modified by any advancement of weapons and shields. The same applies to a cultural takeover by hegemony, which sees a roll against the system’s resource nodes and tech level as a difficulty number, and is modified by the player’s Ascendancy level.

And that’s pretty much it. You’ll continue to carry out the four Xs until either one player has control of three home systems (including their own), or acquires their fifth Ascendancy token.

Earl Grey, Hot  : The Low-down

Like Earl Grey, I think folk are either going to love or hate Star Trek: Ascendancy . But if it’s the latter, then it’s probably because the entire 4X genre isn’t for them. Personally I found a lot to love about the game. The components are colourful and well-made. The expanding universe that you create around you is unique to each game and exciting to explore. There’s a tangible sense of danger out there in the void, where entire fleets can be snuffed out by some temperamental phenomena. The mechanics of warp travel are intuitive and thematically resolved and it’s satisfying to gradually build your colonies and capabilities.

On the other hand the rule book, as mentioned earlier, leaves a little to be desired as a game reference. It’s not terrible by any stretch of the imagination – the information is all there – but it wasn’t as well laid out as some of GF9s other rule books, and searching through it mid-game tended to slow things down a lot. I’d definitely recommend every player reads through the rules once before a first play, rather than leaving it to just whichever player bought the game.

Then there’s the downtime between turns. Obviously this will decrease with experience, but I always got the feeling that the turn sequence could have been optimised in a different way. Utilising some of the supplied alternate rules go some way towards making life better in this regard, but the downtime still seems to drag, particularly if you are first player one turn and then third player the following turn due to the way player order is chosen. What’s more, if a game requires published alternate rules to speed up play, then the core rules possibly should have been designed differently in the first place.

I have yet to experiment but I’d like to try a turn sequence where each player undertakes their building phase, and then everyone takes turns issuing one command. This would pretty much eradicate any excessive down time and also allow players to strategically react to the movement and expansion of rivals. This is much the way orders are implemented in another of GF9’s titles, Sons of Anarchy: Men of Mayhem , and it works well for keeping players engaged and encouraging responsive game play.  I may well come back to this review at a future date with my findings on that front. Watch this space!

However, I think the best thing I can say about Star Trek: Ascendancy is that, despite my misgivings, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed myself and more importantly I still want to play again. The game seemed very thematic without being overpowering to non-Trekkies such as myself. For example it must have been tempting to assign canonical races to the pre-warp and warp-capable civilisations that you discover during exploration, but by simply grading their tech levels it makes the game less confusing.

There’s no doubt it’s a long game (3–4 hours) and although the dreaded downtime dragged, I never felt the game as a whole did, and at least you have plenty of convenient time to get the drinks and snacks in and ponder your strategies while you wait!

As a footnote, despite my enjoyment of Star Trek: Ascendancy and rekindling of my brief fling with Next Generation , I remain a Star Wars fan at heart and “reports of my assimilation are greatly exaggerated.”

• Intuitive and aesthetically pleasing way to implement a 4X game.
• Thematic without being off-putting to those that aren’t hardcore Trekkies.
• Excellent components.
• Three asymmetrical player factions with two more coming in expansions.
• Turn order feels like it needs house-ruling or tweaking to lessen downtime.
• Not certain that the game will be as playable with four, let alone five (or more) players.

Star Trek Ascendancy Gallery

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

• View all by Dark Squid Interactive Creator
• Add To Collection Collection

Star Trek: Starfleet Ascendancy

A downloadable Star Trek RTS for Windows and Linux

Available Eras

• Enterprise Era
• Discovery Era
• Motion Picture Era

Starfleet Ascendancy is a thrilling real-time strategy (RTS) game set in the expansive and diverse Star Trek universe. This immersive gaming experience allows players to command Starfleet across all eras, from the iconic Original Series to The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and beyond. As an admiral, you have the power to control fleets, construct stations and shipyards, and engage in epic battles against the formidable Klingon Empire.

In Starfleet Ascendancy, you step into the shoes of a visionary leader tasked with preserving peace, exploring the unknown, and defending the values of the United Federation of Planets. The game offers a rich and dynamic universe, faithfully recreating the vastness and complexity of the Star Trek lore.

Key Features:

• Strategic Command: Assume control of Starfleet fleets, overseeing their operations and commanding them in battle. Plan strategic maneuvers, allocate resources wisely, and develop tactical approaches to outwit the Klingon forces. Promote skilled officers, each with their unique abilities, and lead your fleet to victory.
• Construct Stations and Shipyards: Build and expand a network of starbases and shipyards throughout the galaxy. Strategically position your stations to maximize their influence and support your fleet operations. Customize and upgrade your shipyards to construct a diverse range of starships, from agile explorers to heavily armed battleships.
• Engage in Intense Battles: Prepare your fleet for thrilling space combat encounters against the Klingon Empire. Utilize advanced tactics, employ various ship classes and abilities, and coordinate fleet movements to gain the upper hand. Experience visually stunning battles as starships unleash phaser barrages and photon torpedoes, all while dynamically shaping the outcome of the conflict.
• Era-spanning Campaigns: Immerse yourself in captivating storylines that span the entire Star Trek timeline. Relive iconic moments from the various series and movies, encountering beloved characters and engaging in pivotal missions. Your decisions and actions will have far-reaching consequences, shaping the destiny of Starfleet and the Federation.

Starfleet Ascendancy combines the depth of strategic gameplay with the immersive world of Star Trek, delivering an unparalleled RTS experience. Whether you're a lifelong fan of the franchise or a newcomer to the universe, this game offers a thrilling adventure that will captivate you from start to finish. Take command, build a legacy, and lead Starfleet to ascendancy in the face of Klingon opposition!

One of the standout features of Star Trek: Starfleet Ascendancy is its captivating cinematics. During critical missions or significant story events, players are treated to visually stunning cutscenes that bring the Star Trek universe to life. These cinematics showcase pivotal moments in Star Trek history and enhance the immersion, allowing players to witness the drama, heroism, and camaraderie that define the franchise.

Furthermore, the game integrates various lore events that pay homage to the Star Trek canon. Players may encounter memorable characters from different series and movies, participate in landmark events, and make decisions that shape the course of the Federation's history. Whether it's negotiating peace treaties with Klingons, fending off Borg invasions, or exploring mysterious anomalies, the lore events add depth and authenticity to the game, appealing to both devoted fans and newcomers alike.

As players progress through the game, they unlock additional eras, including the Motion Picture era, The Next Generation, and even the Picard series. This allows them to command iconic starships from different time periods, experience unique technologies and gameplay mechanics, and witness the evolution of Starfleet and its missions.

Star Trek: Starfleet Ascendancy is not just a game; it's a tribute to the enduring legacy of Star Trek. It offers a captivating blend of strategic gameplay, breathtaking cinematics, and rich lore events that will transport players into the heart of the Star Trek universe. With its attention to detail and commitment to authenticity, this RTS game is sure to satisfy the ambitions of any Star Trek enthusiast and provide countless hours of thrilling exploration, diplomacy, and combat. Engage and ascend to the stars with Star Trek: Starfleet Ascendancy!

Disclaimer: 

Star Trek: Starfleet Ascendancy is a fan-created game that pays tribute to the Star Trek franchise. All Star Trek assets, including characters, music, ships, and other copyrighted materials, belong to their respective owners, such as CBS and their respective creators.

The cinematics featured in the game may include content created by talented individuals from platforms such as YouTube. These individuals have utilized their skills to produce cinematic sequences that enhance the gaming experience. However, it is important to note that these cinematics are not officially endorsed or affiliated with the game's development team or the Star Trek franchise.

The models used in the game, including those obtained from platforms such as Sketchfab, CGTrader, and 3D Warehouse, are sourced from various creators who have shared their work under open licenses or permissions. The game's development team acknowledges and appreciates the contributions of these creators.

Additionally, the RTS template code used in Star Trek: Starfleet Ascendancy may include assets or code snippets obtained from the Unity Asset Store or other similar platforms. The game's development team respects the terms and conditions set by the original authors or contributors of these assets and code snippets.

Star Trek: Starfleet Ascendancy is intended for non-commercial, fan-made enjoyment and is not intended to infringe upon the intellectual property rights of CBS or any other copyright holders. The game's development team encourages fans to support the official Star Trek franchise by engaging with its official content through authorized channels.

If you believe that any content within the game violates copyright laws or infringes upon intellectual property rights, please contact the development team immediately to address the concern.

Please note that this disclaimer is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. If you have any legal concerns or questions regarding copyright or intellectual property rights, it is recommended to consult with a legal professional.

Click download now to get access to the following files:

Development log

• Wrath of Khan Update Jun 29, 2023
• Motion Picture Update Jun 29, 2023

Log in with itch.io to leave a comment.

The Gameplay is rather fun, can't wait for more missions and other Eras. just some bugs like going back to menu and such but glad i dont have to unlock missions to continue

• Board index
• Everything Else
• All Things Trek

Star Trek: Ascendancy

Star Trek: Ascendancy #356488

User mini profile.

•  Posts: 1328
•  Joined: Mon Dec 17, 2007 8:45 pm
•  Status: Off-line
•  Region: Andoria
•  Location: Rochester, MN

Re: Star Trek: Ascendancy #356559

Comicbookhero.

•  Rank: Ambassador
•  Posts: 2059
•  Joined: Tue Jan 18, 2011 4:19 am
•  Region: Deep Space 9
•  Location: Chicago, IL

Re: Star Trek: Ascendancy #356666

•  Posts: 20198
•  Joined: Tue Dec 25, 2007 4:55 am
•  Region: The Void
•  Twitter: DiscardCorbett
•  Location: Texoma

Re: Star Trek: Ascendancy #356735

Comicbookhero wrote: I demoed it at Gencon, and the demo was fun enough that I bought the game. I haven't had time to actually open the shrink on it yet though. In the demo, they really pushed the idea that the game has multiple layers of strategy, both in the way you build and amass your forces and also in the way you connect the spacelines. I really liked that little bit of 1E-ness so I picked up the game.

•  Rank: Director of Operations
•  Posts: 4298
•  Joined: Sun Aug 09, 2009 8:37 pm
•  Location: Chicago, IL, USA

Re: Star Trek: Ascendancy #356791

•  Posts: 1148
•  Joined: Wed Dec 19, 2007 1:56 am
•  Region: Romulus
•  Location: Philadelphia, PA

Re: Star Trek: Ascendancy #356795

Sexecutioner.

•  Posts: 5758
•  Joined: Fri May 14, 2010 10:37 pm
•  Region: Omarion Nebula
•  Location: Aberdeen, Scotland

Re: Star Trek: Ascendancy #356798

TyKajada wrote: . I really liked the layout of the board with its 'rotating' planets. Space travel is done well too.

Re: Star Trek: Ascendancy #356804

KillerB wrote: TyKajada wrote: . I really liked the layout of the board with its 'rotating' planets. Space travel is done well too.

Re: Star Trek: Ascendancy #358665

Re: Star Trek: Ascendancy #382487

•  Posts: 27
•  Joined: Wed Mar 23, 2016 6:17 pm

Re: Star Trek: Ascendancy #388195

Re: Star Trek: Ascendancy #388582

JDobbs wrote: A rep did get back to me and said that all the expansions are set for release (Including The Borg), at Gen Con in August!

Corbinq27 wrote: The glossary works in mysterious ways.

Armus wrote: You play in Minnesota. They're animals up there.

•  Posts: 4672
•  Joined: Wed Feb 27, 2008 3:01 pm
•  Twitter: DanVanKampen

Re: Star Trek: Ascendancy #388658

Iron Prime wrote: JDobbs wrote: A rep did get back to me and said that all the expansions are set for release (Including The Borg), at Gen Con in August!

•  Posts: 881
•  Joined: Thu Mar 05, 2009 12:25 am
•  Region: Sector 001
•  Location: Virginia, US

Re: Star Trek: Ascendancy #388900

TyKajada wrote: KillerB wrote: But this is better because this happens throughout the game, unlike TI where it's more like a seed phase.

edgeofhearing

•  Rank: Second Edition Art Manager
•  Posts: 5860
•  Joined: Thu May 29, 2008 4:24 pm
•  Location: Greater Boston Area

Re: Star Trek: Ascendancy #424674

• Page 1 of 1

Users browsing this forum: Bing [Bot] and 2 guests

I don't get Watch Dog

Long Live The Empire let's me burn two cards f[…]

Cyber Monday 2E - Standard Format April Regional

Full win for Kris over Danny 100-75. Great game! :[…]

New Tribbles set Bad Moon

Why has no one confirmed the obvious. [Tr[…]

Monk Series Rewatch

"Mr. Monk and the Big Game" Season Fi[…]

Welcome to a universe with endless possibilities. We are the Continuing Committee, an all-volunteer, not-for-profit committee that releases free, printable, virtual sets and organizes tournaments for three Star Trek-themed customizable card games that were originally created by Decipher, Inc.

In the spirit of Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations , the Continuing Committee welcomes people of all backgrounds to our community.

Follow us on Twitter  @TrekCC