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Ascendancy
DOS - 1995
Description of Ascendancy
Ascendancy is an ambitious space strategy game that is full of innovative ideas. Unfortunately, it also has one of the worst computer AIs of all time. The AI was so bad that most gamers didn't even pay attention when the AI patch that fixes the game was eventually released. With the patch, Ascendancy finally is not only playable, but is highly entertaining.
Ascendancy is the first game by Logic Factory, a small developer founded by two ex-Origin employees. The game looks like another run-off-the-mill space strategy game, but it successfully manages to add new elements that set it apart from other galactic conquest games. As in other "4X" games, you choose universe size, species, and even the general political climate. The choice of the species is interesting, because each species has a special ability you will discover only while playing.
The tutorial is one of the best I've ever seen in a game: it covers all the game's basics and interface in a fun interactive scenario. Another great feature is the Research Tree, which is remarkable not only in its innovative 3D presentation, but also in the highly creative alien technologies you can research. Inventions may lead to other discoveries, and sometimes only a combination of different technologies can unveil interdependencies between technologies. You can rotate the Tree in all directions to explore the various topics. This is arguably the game's best feature, and one that should be emulated in later games.
Unfortunately, the bucks stop here. Ascendancy's charming individuality and attractive graphics can't hide the brain-dead AI that poses no challenge whatsoever. The AI's incompetence is not so obvious in the first few turns, but after about 50 turns or so, it is glaringly obvious. While you amass your fleet to prepare for the invasion, the computer players will simply do nothing, oblivious to your moves and making no effort to defend themselves even when your fleet is knocking on the door! You'll wonder if the game has any AI at all, or if the computer can only perform mechanical tasks.
If you get bored of micro-management, you can select the self-management option for the planets of your choice, as well as research. This sounds good, until you realize that it's basically useless since the computer cannot even manage its own planets properly. In its original incarnation, Ascendancy is a resounding failure despite a lot of hype. The amazingly bad AI (or lack thereof) really kills the game, which is otherwise full of innovative ideas.
Fortunately, Logic Factory later released the AI patch that makes the computer a bit more intelligent (although, naturally, too late to make the game a commercial success). When patched, Ascendancy ranks as one of the most original space strategy games ever made, although even with the patch, the AI is nowhere near as challenging as, say, Master of Orion-- it just makes less stupid mistakes. Recommended, but only to beginners to the genre, or anyone who wants to try a unique space strategy game with a lot of individuality and not much of a challenge. *
Note: The Logic Factory's second game, Tone Rebellion, is a much better game than Ascendancy, although the AI could still use some improvement. Definitely worth a look at the company's website.
Review By HOTUD
External links
Comments and reviews
benjiboy 2020-01-23 0 point
Great to find this game working on Win 10, and such a nice, easy install.
Many thanks all who made it possible.
This is one of my all-time favourite games.
I even got sacked once when I was caught playing it in the offfice!
Louisa.Doris 2020-01-12 0 point
The realization of the goal is based on my strong desire to succeed
ironnails 2019-09-22 0 point
When i tried to download the Ascendancy PC game here. i tried to download the Ra7eN's download and it only seems to be Birthright and that works great. I was wondering how to use Ra7eN's access for the game Ascendancy.
Thx
David
JIM 2019-06-26 0 point
Cannot get ascendancy to play in DOSBOX. Have d/l'd dosbox and ascendancy. know file locations and done mount C: etc and have C: as command line prompt but cannot do a CD to any folder. Can you help?
Tone 2018-10-10 0 point
You can always pick up the manual online at https://www.b-sting.nl/ascendancy/research-list.html. It worked in 1996 and it still works now!
Eman 2018-06-24 0 point
Ascendancy downloaded and runs great on Windows 10. How can I install the antagonizer patch to work as well. (I downloaded the antagonizer from the link below, but got a message that it wouldn't run.
Thanks!
Darthraki 2018-05-18 -5 points
I've played this game a ton, but I'd like to use the cheats. How do
skypup 2018-02-15 1 point
Gorgeous graphics for that time...its a shame AI is that spineless....Anyone know if Ascendancy 2 was ever considered getting produced? The tech advancement was a bit more developed in MOO (master of Orion) 1 & 2. Notably defensive Stellar Mine Nets encircling Solar Systems.
skypup 2016-12-22 1 point
Don't get what file to execute for the MISC handbook download. Wasn't sure what this folder was for after unzipping it. The included PDF Ascendancy manual inside this download looks different than the one in the separate downloadable link.
MetalKid 2016-12-22 1 point
I probably played this game for hundreds of hours when I was a kid. I still have the original CD. :)
Bowman 2011-12-31 -1 point DOS version
Winrar is unable to extract the files from the .zip for some reason.
"Unexepected end of archive. The files may be corrupted--"
Anyone have the same problem/know a way to fix? (assuming the files truthfully are not corrupted)
-Had the same problem with Castles II : Siege and Conquest
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DOS Version
37 MBGame Extras
Various files to help you run Ascendancy, apply patchs, fixes, maps or miscellaneous utilities.
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