Publisher: Asmodee Digital

Abalone (2013)

by Nish June 21, 2024

written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 2013
Genres: Quiz/Trivia, Strategy
Platforms: Android, iOS, PC (Microsoft Windows)
Publishers: Asmodee Digital

Abalone (2013): A Review

Abalone is a classic board game that has been enjoyed by people of all ages for decades. The game is simple to learn, but difficult to master, and it offers a challenging and rewarding experience for players of all skill levels.

The goal of Abalone is to be the first player to eject six of your opponent’s marbles off the board. The game is played on a hexagonal board with 61 marbles, 28 white and 33 black. Players take turns moving their marbles one space at a time, either forward, backward, or sideways. Marbles can also be pushed, but only if there is an empty space behind them.

The game is won when one player has ejected six of their opponent’s marbles off the board. However, there are a number of different ways to win, and the game can end in a draw if neither player can make a move.

Abalone is a game of strategy and skill. Players must think ahead and plan their moves carefully in order to win. The game also requires a bit of luck, as the position of the marbles on the board can change significantly from one turn to the next.

Gameplay

Abalone is a turn-based game for two players. Players take turns moving their marbles one space at a time, either forward, backward, or sideways. Marbles can also be pushed, but only if there is an empty space behind them.

There are a few different ways to move your marbles:

Single move: Move one marble one space in any direction.
Double move: Move two marbles one space in the same direction.
Triple move: Move three marbles one space in the same direction.
Push: Push one or more marbles one space in the same direction.

You can only push marbles that are adjacent to your own marbles. You cannot push marbles that are adjacent to your opponent’s marbles.

The goal of the game is to be the first player to eject six of your opponent’s marbles off the board. Marbles can be ejected by pushing them off the edge of the board, or by pushing them into a group of your own marbles.

Strategy

Abalone is a game of strategy and skill. Players must think ahead and plan their moves carefully in order to win. There are a few different strategies that you can use to win at Abalone:

Control the center: The center of the board is the most important area to control. If you can control the center, you will be able to push your opponent’s marbles off the board more easily.
Create groups: It is important to create groups of your own marbles. Groups of marbles are more difficult to push off the board than single marbles.
Attack your opponent’s weak points: Look for your opponent’s weak points and attack them. If you can push your opponent’s marbles into a group of your own marbles, you will be able to eject them off the board more easily.
Be patient: Abalone is a game of patience. Don’t try to win too quickly. Take your time and plan your moves carefully.

Skill

Abalone is a game of skill. The more you play, the better you will become at the game. There are a few different skills that you can develop to improve your Abalone game:

Visualization: Abalone is a game of visualization. You need to be able to see the board in your head and plan your moves accordingly.
Planning: Abalone is a game of planning. You need to be able to think ahead and plan your moves several turns in advance.
Tactics: Abalone is a game of tactics. You need to be able to find your opponent’s weak points and attack them.
Patience: Abalone is a game of patience. Don’t try to win too quickly. Take your time and plan your moves carefully.

Conclusion

Abalone is a classic board game that is enjoyed by people of all ages. The game is simple to learn, but difficult to master, and it offers a challenging and rewarding experience for players of all skill levels. If you are looking for a fun and challenging board game to play, I highly recommend Abalone.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Ascension: Deckbuilding Game (2011)

by Christopher February 15, 2020

written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 2011
Genres: Strategy
Platforms: Android, iOS, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: Playdek
Publishers: Asmodee Digital

Ascension: Deckbuilding Game (2011)

Ascension: Deckbuilding Game is a deckbuilding game for 2-4 players, released in 2011 by Stone Blade Entertainment. Players take on the role of apprentices seeking to become powerful mages by acquiring the favor of the six elemental Guardians. The game is played over a series of rounds, with players taking turns drawing cards, playing cards, and gaining victory points. The player with the most victory points at the end of the game wins.

Gameplay

Ascension is played over a series of rounds, with each player taking turns in clockwise order. On their turn, a player can take the following actions:

Draw cards: Draw five cards from their deck.
Play cards: Play any number of cards from their hand.
Gain victory points: Gain victory points by playing cards that have victory point icons.
End their turn: End their turn and discard any cards remaining in their hand.

Cards

There are three types of cards in Ascension:

Ally cards: Ally cards represent powerful beings that can be summoned to aid the player. Ally cards have a cost, a power, and a victory point value.
Construct cards: Construct cards represent permanent structures that can be built to provide the player with ongoing benefits. Construct cards have a cost and a victory point value.
Spell cards: Spell cards represent one-time-use abilities that can be cast to affect the game. Spell cards have a cost and a victory point value.

Victory

The game ends when the victory point deck is depleted. The player with the most victory points wins the game.

Expansions

Ascension has been released with a number of expansion decks, each of which adds new cards and mechanics to the game. The expansions include:

Immortal Heroes: Adds 150 new cards, including new ally, construct, and spell cards.
Storm of Souls: Adds 150 new cards, including new ally, construct, and spell cards, as well as a new game mode.
Darkness Unleashed: Adds 150 new cards, including new ally, construct, and spell cards, as well as a new faction.
Rise of Vigil: Adds 150 new cards, including new ally, construct, and spell cards, as well as a new game mode.
Dreamscape: Adds 150 new cards, including new ally, construct, and spell cards, as well as a new game mode.

Reception

Ascension has been well-received by critics and players alike. The game has been praised for its innovative gameplay, its beautiful artwork, and its high replay value. Ascension has been nominated for a number of awards, including the Golden Geek Award for Best Card Game.

Conclusion

Ascension: Deckbuilding Game is a fun and engaging deckbuilding game that is perfect for both casual and experienced gamers. The game is easy to learn but difficult to master, and it offers a lot of replay value thanks to its multiple expansion decks. If you’re looking for a new deckbuilding game to play, Ascension is definitely worth checking out.

Tips for Playing Ascension

Here are a few tips for playing Ascension:

Focus on building a strong deck. The key to winning Ascension is to build a deck that is both powerful and consistent. Try to acquire cards that work well together and that can help you achieve your victory point goals.
Don’t be afraid to sacrifice cards. Sometimes you’ll need to sacrifice cards in order to get the cards you need. Don’t be afraid to discard cards that are not helping you, or that are costing you too much.
Pay attention to your opponents. Keep an eye on what your opponents are doing, and try to anticipate their moves. This will help you make better decisions about which cards to play and which cards to discard.
Don’t give up. Ascension can be a challenging game, but don’t give up if you’re losing. Keep playing and learning, and you’ll eventually start to win more games.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Talisman: Digital Edition (2011)

by Ji-yeong May 12, 2019

written by Ji-yeong 7 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 2011
Genres: Adventure, Card & Board Game, Indie, Quiz/Trivia, Role-playing game (RPG), Strategy
Platforms: Android, iOS, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One
Developers: Nomad Games
Publishers: Asmodee Digital, Nomad Games

Talisman: Digital Edition (2011) Review

Talisman: Digital Edition is the officially licensed multiplayer version of the classic fantasy adventure board game, Talisman. Developed by Nomad Games and published by Asmodee Digital, it was released in 2011 for PC, Mac, iOS, and Android devices.

Overview

In Talisman: Digital Edition, players take on the role of one of 14 characters, each with their own unique abilities and strengths. The goal of the game is to be the first player to reach the center of the board and claim the Crown of Command, a magical artifact that grants the bearer ultimate power.

To reach the Crown of Command, players must journey across a dangerous land, battling monsters, completing quests, and collecting treasure. Along the way, they will encounter a variety of challenges, including treacherous terrain, powerful enemies, and cunning traps.

Gameplay

Talisman: Digital Edition is played on a large, hexagonal board that is divided into different regions. Each region represents a different type of terrain, such as forests, mountains, swamps, and dungeons.

Players move their characters around the board by rolling a die. The number rolled determines how many spaces the character can move. When a character lands on a space, they may encounter a monster, a quest, or a treasure.

Monsters

Monsters are hostile creatures that will attack players on sight. Players must defeat monsters in order to progress through the game. Monsters come in a variety of strengths and abilities, so players must choose their battles carefully.

Quests

Quests are special challenges that players can complete to earn rewards. Quests can be anything from defeating a powerful monster to finding a hidden treasure. Completing quests can give players a significant advantage in the game.

Treasure

Treasure can be found scattered throughout the board. Treasure can include weapons, armor, potions, and other items that can help players on their journey.

Characters

There are 14 different characters to choose from in Talisman: Digital Edition. Each character has their own unique abilities and strengths. Some of the most popular characters include:

The Warrior: The Warrior is a powerful melee fighter who is skilled in combat.
The Sorceress: The Sorceress is a powerful magic user who can cast spells to attack enemies and heal allies.
The Elf: The Elf is a nimble archer who is skilled in ranged combat.
The Dwarf: The Dwarf is a tough and resilient fighter who is resistant to damage.

Strategy

There is no one-size-fits-all strategy for winning Talisman: Digital Edition. The best strategy will vary depending on the character you are playing, the other players in the game, and the board layout.

However, there are some general tips that can help you improve your chances of winning:

Choose your character carefully. Each character has their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Choose a character that suits your playstyle and the board layout.
Plan your moves carefully. Don’t just roll the die and move your character randomly. Think about where you want to go and what you want to accomplish on each turn.
Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to the monsters, quests, and treasures on the board. This information can help you make informed decisions about where to move and what to do.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re struggling to defeat a monster or complete a quest, don’t be afraid to ask for help from other players.

Conclusion

Talisman: Digital Edition is a fun and challenging board game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages. The game is easy to learn but difficult to master, and there is a lot of replayability value. If you’re a fan of fantasy adventure games, then Talisman: Digital Edition is definitely worth checking out.