Now that Dark Ascension is fully spoiled, it is time to really look at the cards and try to find out where they work the best. If you’re looking for a captivating analysis of the Standard environment, this isn’t place. But if you want to find out how to make use of almost every card in Dark Ascension at the kitchen table or while editing your Commander deck, look no further! Following my own absurd precedence, I will be starting with white.
Dark Ascension Commander & Casual Review
White | Blue | Black | Red | Green | Multicolor, Artifact & Land
Archangel’s Light
I don’t know why the first card of every set is often an odd one, but I’ve seen this happen before. There’s no denying that Archangel’s Light is the worst mythic in the set. Yes, this card can simultaneously help you against mill and beat down decks but the casting cost is way too high for it to ever get much use. If this card cost half as much, it might be okay but as it stands… I’m sorry for when you get this in a booster pack. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: commander, dark ascension, edh, game, magic: the gathering, multiplayer, review, white
There are few brands that I truly trust. I am fiercely loyal to King Arthur flour and would give LEGO a kidney if they asked, but in the realm of gaming there really isn’t anyone more trustworthy than Gabe and Tycho of Penny-Arcade. Sure, they have had a few missteps over the years like the whole Spider-Man 3 debacle (which honestly, none of us saw coming) or there was the whole thing with the Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness which ended when they finally admitted they’re much better commenting on games than making them.
But for those few mistakes, they usually lead you in the right direction. My love of Puzzle Quest? That was them, same with my adoration of Torchlight and Minecraft. And is there any better gaming experience than PAX itself?
So when Penny-Arcade said they were releasing their own card game, I immediately ordered a copy to see what it is all about. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: cryptozoic, game, gamers vs evil, penny-arcade the game, review
After playing so much Ascension that my hands actually started hurting from shuffling so much, it comes as no surprise how eager I was to get my hands on the first standalone expansion – especially after getting the chance to speak with Justin Gary about it before its release. Well the long wait is finally over and after spending the holiday playing the latest version of Ascension I can say that Storm of Souls is better than the original in every way.
Samael is defeated, but the world of Vigil has been left in turmoil in his wake. In Storm of Souls, players will see different factions rise to prominence with the new Event cards, and have powerful new Trophy Monsters to hunt! In addition to the brand-new mechanics, players will also see powerful new takes on popular mechanics from past Ascension releases.
Suggested Ages: 13+
Suggested Players: 1 to 4 players (5-6 players when combined with Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer)
Playing time: 30 minutes
Contents: 200 cards, 50 honor tokens, full-color rulebook, game board, storage tray
Retail price: $39.99 available at Amazon or Ascension Game
Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: ascension, ascension storm of souls, game, gary games, review, storm of souls
We’re smack-dab in the middle of the holiday season, and for fans of Munchkin that means a new holiday-themed booster has been released!
Those scary Reindeer are back! And they’ve brought new Santa monsters like Teeny Tiny Tim, Recalled Toys, and (eek!) Mrs. Claus. You know what you have to do. Kill them and take their stuff! Armor yourself in Tinsel, and grab the Snow Shoes and the Reindeer Hat. Celebrate Christmas the Munchkin way – with Reindeer Games!
Suggested Ages: 10 and up
Number of Players: 3 to 5
Playing time: 1-2 hours
Contents: 15 cards (9 door, 6 treasure), rules insert
Retail price: $4.95 available at Amazon.com and Warehouse 23
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Tags: game, munchkin, reindeer games, review, steve jackson games
If you’re a child of the mid-80s, the odds are good that when you hear Rat King, you immediately think of the Ninja Turtle anti-hero/villain. If you’re a history buff, you might think of the legendary rat king which is disgusting. But from now on, Rat King has taken a whole new meaning for me in the game Ascension.
Ever felt like the Cultist needed some help taking care of those bullies who keep picking on him? Now he has it! The Rat King adds a whole new dimension to Monsters in Ascension! While up until now Monsters have only impacted the game by providing a reward to the player who defeats them, the Rat King leads his hordes of Giant Rat minions to swarm all over the center row and wreak havoc on the best laid plans. Unlike the rest of the Monsters in Ascension, the Rat King’s Giant Rat minions aren’t shuffled into the center deck, but are rather set aside to lay in wait until their master shows up.
Suggested Ages: 13+
Suggested Players: 1 to 6 players (Requires at least Chronicle of the Godslayer or Return of the Fallen)
Playing time: 30 minutes
Contents: 2 Rat King cards, 10 Giant Rat cards
Retail price: $5.00 on eBay from Board Game Geek
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Tags: ascension, ascension rat king, game, gary games, review
After picking up Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer, I knew there had to be more to the game and immediately grabbed the first expansion – Return of the Fallen! An assortment of new cards that works as both a two-player stand alone game or a way to buff your existing Ascension experience up to six players, this isn’t something I often say but, if you like Ascension then Return of the Fallen is a must buy.
Samael the Fallen God has returned in his true form, and is intent on obliterating your world. Will you be able to overcome monstrous obstacles and assemble a mighty army to end Samael’s reign once and for all? Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: ascension, ascension return of the fallen, game, gary games, review
Having celebrated my birthday a few weeks ago, I ended up with far more games then I expected. Remind me next year to ask for a shelf to store them all on, because I don’t know how many more games my roommate will let me keep under the coffee table in the living room.
But all these different gifts means I’ve got lots of new games to learn, and I was really planning on learning them all except Tom and I ended up getting hooked on one game: Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer.
It is the Age of Man, a time without gods or magic. After a thousand years of peace and prosperity, the barrier that separates your world from the multiverse has been broken, and demonic forces threaten to destroy your home. But not all hope is lost: the benevolent gods of the Old Realms have also returned, bringing with them mighty heroes and powerful constructs that are yours to command. Only through your courage and leadership can the forces of light fight off the incoming hordes. Only by defeating the Fallen One can you save your world. Let the Ascension begin! Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: ascenion chronicle of the godslayer, ascension, game, gary games, review
Having just celebrated my birthday recently, I’ve ended up with far more games than expected. They’ve ranged from the impressively good Ascension to the terrifying Arkham Horror. But not every game is about summoning elder gods and ethereal demons – this one is about sheering LEGO sheep!
Who will get the most wool from their sheep? Shear wool whenever you can – the other players will try to steal it from you or send the scary wolf your way! Grow, swap and scare your way to victory in this fast, fun and unpredictable game.
Suggested Ages: 5 and up
Number of Players: 2 to 4
Playing time: 10-15 minutes
Contents: 117 bricks, LEGO die, building instructions and game rule booklet in English, French and Spanish
Retail price: $9.99 and is available at LEGO Shop and Amazon. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: game, LEGO, Reviews, wild wool
If there is a color I love player more than Red, it’s green. The mana ramp alone makes me adore Green’s ability to cheat the game. While Innistrad didn’t give any new toys like Primeval Titan, it did completely change the way green gets to play with tokens.
White | Blue | Black | Red | Green | Multicolor, Artifact & Lands
Ambush Viper
I’ve been a huge fan of green’s pseudo-removal of late. Deadly Recluse, Death-Hood Cobra and Thornweald Archer are all classic staples in my casual decks because they work so well at either deterring attacks or drawing out removal spells. Ambush Viper continues that trend well and while I don’t see this guy taking over EDH tables, a green instant that basically says “1G to destroy target attacking creature without flying” is something green can really use. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: commander, edh, game, green, innistrad, magic multiplayer, magic: the gathering, Reviews
With Blue and White reviewed in Innistrad, the real gem of the flavorful horror-themed set has to be black. Easily one of the more powerful colors in multiplayer, Black necromancers are always excited to get some new toys and Innistrad delivers!
White | Blue | Black | Red | Green | Multicolor, Artifact & Lands
Abattoir Ghoul
This reminds of Engulfing Slagwurm in a weird way. But the combination of first strike and a twisted take on lifelink make me really like how this undead butcher shapes up. At 4 mana, this is a zombie who can hold down the ground and gain you some life. He’s a great addition for zombie lords. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: black, commander, game, innistrad, magic, magic multiplayer, magic: the gathering, Reviews
