Game of Thrones began as a novel (A Song of Fire and Ice) by George R. R. Martin, became a television series and now breaks onto the gaming scene. Game of Thrones: Ascent is currently in open beta, and available on Facebook. This social game adaptation is a huge hit with over 121,000 likes on Facebook. Players quest their way through the game’s story line while ruling over their own domain.
Gameplay
Obviously, the game is very story-driven. Quests are what help the story move forward. Between the quests and the story, there is a lot of reading. If you aren’t looking for an immersive story in a game, then you might as well turn around now. However, if you enjoy a good story, then the depth of the tale will actually keep the game from growing stale by giving meaning to your every action.
Part of the quest involves decision-making. You respond to the questions and statements of the NPCs. Interestingly, the decisions that you make will affect your personality stats; for example, if you made a decision promoting family you will get additional points in the family section. These stats, or points are called your alignment points, and these points basically make up who your character is, their personality.
Sworn Swords are basically your troops. You use them to go into battle, or other combatant maneuvers (like bribing guards and sabotaging). Battle is a matter of waiting for it to happen, as a noble, of course you wouldn’t be involved in the matter.
You can construct different buildings, like the counting house, that will help you run your domain. The counting house in particular is a tax collecting building, so it will generate coins for you to use throughout the game.
Graphics
The graphics are quick different from your typical Facebook game. These graphics look closer to what you would expect from a “normal” MMORPG. It is dark and detailed, with a hint of mystery, no childish cartoon in sight.
The smooth designs, and obvious themes are appealing. It isn’t just the gameplay that makes this game feel so immersive. Even your quests seem to be scribed inside of some medieval text.
Bottom Line
Game of Thrones: Ascent has an engaging storyline and gameplay that is unprecedented on Facebook. Without a doubt, Game of Thrones: Ascent will become one of the most popular games on Facebook. Its pleasing design, interface, gameplay, and it’s already, unsurprisingly, huge fan base will make sure of that.