Disruptor Beam has now rolled out their Facebook social strategy game, Game of Thrones: Ascent as part of an open beta. We took part a bit in the closed beta, and though social games aren’t usually our thing, this one did a good job of capturing the atmosphere of A Song of Ice and Fire within the framework of social game mechanics. Here’s the official trailer for the game:
The game revolves around your being a newly-created lord after being tasked with clearing our a nest of pirates and slavers, and from there a story unfolds as you build up your holdings, influence, and military strength. You’re presented with choices along the way that help shape your story, which affects your alignment and provide means to access different missions branches in a well-conceived way. Naturally, you’re encouraged to recruit other players into the game, and to make alliances among yourselves in ways which can be beneficial (and which will certainly spark competition). Like other social games, it’s free-to-play, though premium items can be purchased that do give you an advantage.
Also, have to say I was rather impressed with their art assets. Very professionally done, and some of the art really captures the setting in a way that the show sometimes doesn’t so there’s certainly a visual appeal to the game that goes beyond it being a licensed Game of Thrones game, in my opinion.
In any case, give it a try and let us know what you think after giving it an hour or two.