Ascendancy
| Ascendancy | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | The Logic Factory | ||
| Publisher | Softgold Computerspiele GmbH | ||
| Erstveröffent- lichung |
1995 | ||
| platform | MS-DOS , Windows , iOS | ||
| genre | Computer strategy game | ||
| Subject | Science fiction | ||
| Game mode | Single player | ||
| control | Mouse & keyboard | ||
| system advantages preconditions |
33 MHz CPU , 2x CD-ROM - drive , VESA -compatible SVGA , 8 MB RAM memory | ||
| language | German | ||
| Age rating |
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Ascendancy is the 1995 debut work by software manufacturer The Logic Factory and a 4X strategy game .
Game objective
Ascendancy confronts the player with the task of enabling his race (there are 21 with very different abilities) to rise to the galactic empire. However, the possible goals are many. In addition to conquering the entire galaxy, there is also the possibility, for example, of winning the game diplomatically by forging a galaxy-wide alliance. In addition, the game is not simply over after reaching a goal. This means that you can practically win several times in a game if you reach several victory conditions at the same time or one after the other.
Gameplay
Game environment
In contrast to comparable games such as Master of Orion , Ascendancy offered a truly three-dimensional game environment for the first time . The playing field consists of a spherical collection of solar systems that are connected by so-called star roads. The movement of spaceships between the systems is only possible along these connecting lines. Each solar system forms an enclosed space in which spaceships can move freely in all three dimensions. Even the rotation of the planets around the central star was implemented.
Mastering solar systems and colonizing planets is an essential part of the game. The colonization of the planets takes place, as is customary in the genre, through the construction of various buildings such as factories, research laboratories and residential units. Unlike in comparable games, however, it is possible to erect any number of buildings of any type on a colonized planet. The number of possible facilities is limited by the size of the planet. This allows the player to fine-tune the three production fields of industry, research and population growth. On the other hand, this game mechanism also ensures that with large empires the player is confronted very quickly with a large number of planets, all of which have to be managed individually. To make this more bearable, you have the option of activating an automatic construction mode for each planet individually.
Technology tree
An unusual idea is the three-dimensional representation of the technology tree , the knowledge available to one's own race. Many of the technologies that have been researched are prerequisites for researching further progress. The player himself decides which technology to research he gives priority. In this way, a non-linear technology tree is created , which leads to very different technological abilities in the individual races.
Galactic Races and Diplomacy
The developers of Ascendancy have implemented a total of 21 different alien races, three to seven of which exist in one galaxy at the same time. The races differ greatly from one another in their appearance and objectives. In addition, each race has a special ability which is either permanently active or can be used at regular intervals to gain economic, diplomatic or military advantages. The races also differ in the appearance of all spaceship types.
Encounters of the player with other galactic races can take place either indifferently, in an alliance or in a conflict. Conflicts can be resolved here both diplomatically and militarily. The behavior of a race (peaceful, neutral or aggressive) depends on the characteristics of the race itself, the negotiation behavior of the player and the global climate of the galaxy (this can be selected before the start of the game).
Ports
On January 5, 2011, The Logic Factory released a port of the original for iOS , but it is no longer available in the Apple Store.
reception
Ascendancy received good to great reviews from gaming magazines. The only major point of criticism that was criticized was the opponents' poor artificial intelligence. A later published patch called antagonizer reduced this problem, but did not reach many players due to the not yet very widespread internet.
The Logic Factory announced the work on a sequel called Ascendancy II Multiverse , which was described as "online multiplayer universe" and should be based on the self-developed engine Hydra . This project was canceled in October 2014.
Web links
- Ascendancy at MobyGames (English)