Ascending Empires
- Designer Ian Cooper (I)
- Publisher Z-Man Games
- Illustration Chechu Nieto
Track your results with Playnexi
Add this game to your collection and track sessions, scores, and statistics.
Start for freeWhat to Expect
You lead humanity's last survivors in a distant galaxy competing for dominance. The game blends colony building, city development, and technology research with a dexterity-based flicking combat system. Players move starships by flicking them, combining exploration, development, and battle in a fast-paced, strategic experience offering multiple paths to victory.
Who Is This Game For?
Ascending Empires is a medium-weight game suitable for players aged 10 and up. With a typical 75-minute playtime, it fits well into an evening gaming session. It requires some familiarity with strategy and dexterity games but remains accessible due to its straightforward flicking mechanic.
How It Works
The core mechanic is flicking, where players physically flick their starships to explore, fight, or colonize planets. Alongside, players collect sets of cards or tokens to advance their technology via tech trees. This blend of physical dexterity and strategic set collection shapes the gameplay and tactical choices.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Ian Cooper, Ascending Empires was nominated for the Golden Geek Most Innovative Board Game award in 2011 and 2012. It uniquely combines 4X elements with a finger flicking mechanism, delivering a quick yet deep sci-fi space empire game experience.
Awards
2011, 2012
Pro
- Innovative blend of flicking and 4X mechanics
- Golden Geek Most Innovative Board Game nominee in 2011 and 2012
- Varied strategies through tech trees and set collection
- Relatively short playtime for a 4X game (~75 minutes)
Contra
- No solo mode included
- Requires dexterity for flicking mechanics
- Tech trees may be complex for younger players
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in a distant galaxy, players control humanity's last survivors vying for dominance using alien technology discovered among ancient ruins. The theme centers on space exploration, colonization, and technological advancement.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus first on mastering the flicking mechanic and building your technology before experimenting with complex strategies.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Ascending Empires is designed for 2 to 4 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 75 minutes, suitable for an evening session.
What prior experience do I need?
Some experience with strategy and dexterity games helps, as it combines tech trees and flicking mechanics.
How does this compare to similar games?
Ascending Empires uniquely combines 4X elements with a finger flicking mechanic, making it more dynamic than classic 4X games.
Is this suitable for families?
Suitable for players aged 10 and up with some gaming experience, though more complex than typical family games.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of flicking as a dexterity element and tech trees for strategic growth is central.
Fazit
Ascending Empires offers an engaging mix of dexterity and strategic empire building. It's recommended for players seeking innovative 4X games with a physical skill element.
