Ascendancy (video game)

Ascendancy is the debut work of 1995 published by the software manufacturer The Logic Factory and a 4X strategy game.

Aim of the game

Ascendancy is the player with the task of his race (there are 21 of those with very different capabilities) to allow the rise of the Galactic Empire. However, the possible targets are varied. In addition to the conquest of the galaxy, there are, for example, the possibility to win the game through diplomatic channels, by forging a galaxy-spanning Alliance. In addition, the game is after reaching a goal is not simply to end. This one can win more than once in a game handy when you reach several victory conditions simultaneously or sequentially.

Game environment

Unlike other games like Master of Orion Ascendancy offered for the first time a real three-dimensional game environment. The playing field consists of a spherical cluster of solar systems that are interconnected by so-called star roads. The movement of the spacecraft between the systems is only possible along these lines of communication. Each solar system makes for itself a closed space in which spaceships can move freely in all three dimensions. Even the rotation of the planets around the central star has been implemented.

The control of solar systems and the colonization of the planet is an essential element of the game. The colonization of the planet takes place usual genre through the construction of various buildings such as factories, research laboratories and units. Unlike similar games, it is possible to build on a colonized planet as many buildings of each type. The number of possible devices is limited by the size of the planet. Thus, the player can tune the three fields of production industry, research and population growth very finely. On the other hand, this game mechanism also makes sure that the player is confronted very quickly with a large number of planets with great empires, all of which must be managed individually. To make it more bearable, you have the possibility for each planet individually an automatic build mode to activate.

Technology tree

An unusual idea is the three-dimensional representation of the technology tree of one's own race available knowledge. Many explored technologies provide opportunities for research, further progress dar. The player himself decides which technology to be explored, he gives priority to. In this way, a non-linear technology tree, leading to very different technological capabilities in the individual races.

Galactic races

The developers of Ascendancy have implemented a total of 21 different alien races, of which 3 to 7 exist in a galaxy simultaneously. The races differ significantly in their appearance and their objectives. In addition, each race has a special ability which is either permanently active or can be applied at regular intervals in order to gain economic, diplomatic or military benefits. The races also differ in appearance of all types of space ship.

Foreign Policy and Diplomacy

Meeting with other galactic races can either indifferent run in an alliance or in conflict. Conflicts can be solved here, both diplomatically and militarily.

The behavior of a race ( peaceful, neutral or aggressive) depends on both the characteristics of the race itself, from the negotiating behavior of the player as well as the global climate from the galaxy ( this can be selected before the match).

Ascendancy II Multiverse

The Company The Logic Factory is already working on the sequel Ascendancy II Multiverse. However, an exact date of publication is not known. It is only known that this sequel will be an " online multiplayer universe" ( online multiplayer universe) and there will be many unique races and giant galaxies to be explored.

The game is realized with the in-house engine Hydra, in which approximately $ 1.5 million has been invested and will be backed with their own pieces of music of The Logic Factory.

Ports

On January 5, 2011 The Logic Factory brought out a port of the original in the Apple App Store for iPhone / iPod and iPad.

Reception

Ascendancy received good to outstanding reviews from gaming magazines. As a major point of criticism, only the poor artificial intelligence of the enemies was criticized. A subsequently published patch called antagonizer, reduced this problem, reached many players but due to the not yet very widespread internet not.