Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer [Universal] [Storm of Souls expansion]

[Emos]

Originally Posted by Camzy

Starting the long road on trying to understand Nightfall. It's slow going haha. Ascension's so much easier to grasp.

No kidding, I really want to get into NightFall but it just eludes me at the moment :P I just need to invest an hour or so until it clicks.

[Ayjona]

Originally Posted by Brimah

So many card games, hard to tell which to try. Ascension is my favorite in ios and like mtg, but haven't tried others. How is nightfall?

Nightfall is more complex and convoluted (but still easy enough; it only took me twenty minutes to half an hour to grasp all mechanics and rules, and I am neither particularly clever nor passionate about card games ), with more interaction between players (effects that target each others' minions, etc) and direct action, which makes for a very nice change of pace from Ascension.

What you really should take a long and hard and deep (and other very suggestive words) look at is Assassin's Creed: Recollection for iOS. I've never played a card game like it, and I've rarely seen ANY iOS game with as much polish and as stunning presentation (from the very smooth and slick UI, to card art, even to the background graphics and music). With 250+ cards from launch, a single player campaign and a *very* active online competitive (but helpful and casual as well) community, and even an auction house that allows players to trade cards, this is a digital card game that already feels like an established physical TCG.

Be warned, though, that AC:R is a real-time card game (so no async), for good reasons. It features rather unique (or at least uncommon enough that I've never seen it) day/night cycles and card resolution mechanics and timing that adds a really interesting and rather hardcore tactical layer to the game, where you still have time enough to consider your choices (unlike a fast-paced RTS game), but must always keep on your toes, remember that you operate on the clock, and even time your actions. I was disappointed to see that there was no hope for async when I first realized the game featured a real-time mechanic, but that sentiment quickly vaporized when I realized that the timing concept actually adds to gameplay, instead of constricts it.

I also sighed inwardly and made a mental note to stay away when I saw that Ubisoft had released another Assassin's Creed tie-in for iOS, but I am very glad I was curious enough over the peculiar choice of a card game that I actually looked past my doubt (and dislike for the franchise).

Originally Posted by Ashraam

Here are (imho) 10 improvements you should consider ^^

Add multitasking support, a button that allows us to jump to other matches with active turns (with badges that show the number of active turns in other games), and most importantly: that push notifications should bring us directly into the match in question. With those three, your list is pretty much complete

[skarsnik]

Originally Posted by Camzy

Starting the long road on trying to understand Nightfall. It's slow going haha. Ascension's so much easier to grasp.

Quick learn and let's play!!!

I'm on Assassin's creed as well, let's play that too!

[Brimah]

I liked the concept of assassins creeds game, but the fact it's random what cards you get and to get good ones, real money has to be spent or waiting a long time, couldn't get past it. I like ascension where the playing field is equal as far as cards go, all that is left is skill and luck.

[sapphire_neo]

The financial side of Assassin's Creed definitely isn't very appealing, when it's combined with the issues people are facing with the store.

[crunc]

I tried Assassin's Creed, but really didn't like it much. I'm glad I only paid a buck for it. Nightfall is difficult to understand in that particular iOS adaptation. I think it would be easier to learn with the real version. The tutorial in Nightfall is pretty bad and some aspects of the app are a bit needlessly confusing. However, with help (from here in that thread, or friends) you can learn the game and it is fun.

[Ayjona]

Originally Posted by Brimah

I liked the concept of assassins creeds game, but the fact it's random what cards you get and to get good ones, real money has to be spent or waiting a long time, couldn't get past it.

I had a problem with this at first as well, but then I read this post over at the dedicated AC:R forums run by, among others, Tuism from these boards, and realized that if it is possible to break into the top 100 list in such a VERY competitive environment as the one fostered by AC:R without having spent a single dollar on cards (the fella in the thread only spent one dollar to purchase the game for iPad), the progression and deck construction mechanics are far less limited and restrictive (or IAP-reliant) than my initial impression suggested.

Originally Posted by Brimah

I like ascension where the playing field is equal as far as cards go, all that is left is skill and luck.

Yes, its a great principle, both for competitive gaming and casual matches, and very refreshing as a contrast to facing opponents with IAP-boosted decks (though when they lack skill, their real world money rarely helps, and it seems that most TCGs for iOS actually still place skill above material possession as a determining factor...). But at the same time, there is a very deep strategic layer in constructing your own decks, one that also rewards skill and planning, and creates a different but not any less competitive climate. I'm glad both types exists for iOS.

And this is where digital TCGs shine. They have the great added benefit of allowing players to acquire the IAP currency through gameplay alone, leveling the playfield for those willing to work a bit for their cards, and leading to soms truly player-rich competitive environments. Urban Rivals is a great example, where several of the best players have never spent a single dollar on cards, but built their decks from match winnings alone.

All the more reason to be excited for Summoner Wars from Playdeck

[Emos]

Hey,
Just logged on to check the game queue and noticed that there were quite a few forfeits! I wondering if it's a glitch since some regular TA members are involved. For the time being I won't claim victories. Members involved include Camzy, cprloe, celeric (4 player) and Wake of Poseidon.

[Emos]

I also have AC recollection and I play it somewhat, the gameplay is rather innovative but I steered away from it since I see the potential for it being a money pit.

[cprloe]

Originally Posted by Emos

Hey,
Just logged on to check the game queue and noticed that there were quite a few forfeits! I wondering if it's a glitch since some regular TA members are involved. For the time being I won't claim victories. Members involved include Camzy, cprloe, celeric (4 player) and Wake of Poseidon.

I had this same problem, with several forfeits from regular TA players.