"Ascendancy" is an excellent conquer-the-galaxy strategy game. The multiple setup options allow for almost unlimited game play and make this a game you will play again and again.

Installation was no problem (you have to exit to DOS to run the Install program). Although Ascendancy is a DOS game, it runs fine in Windows 95 in the DOS mode.

Ascendancy comes with a 35-page User's Manual. However, the excellent tutorial negates the need for a paper manual. The on-line tutorial is broken up into seven segments which can be viewed in any order you wish, and provides an excellent overview of the many facets of this game.

Ascendancy is easy to learn, wonderfully addictive, and very fun to play. You can play as any one of 21 different species (human is not an option), from robot-like creatures to single-celled organisms. Each of these species has different characteristics and personalities, and each has a unique special ability (e.g., completing any research discovery in one day, blocking star lanes, increasing population, etc.). At the beginning of each game, you specify the density of star systems in the galaxy, total number of species (3 to 7), diplomatic atmosphere (peaceful, neutral, or hostile), and choose your species. The galactic display is a 3D map of all star systems in the galaxy, with numerous options for customizing the information displayed. Ascendancy is turn-based, and moves take effect when time is advanced. The system display graphically indicates the contents of each star system, including planets, ships, and star lanes (for travel between star systems); battles and movement of ships within the system are controlled from this screen. The planetary screen allows you to specify what and where you want to build for each colony (reminiscent of SimCity-style games).

In the beginning, you develop your home planet by building various structures to help your civilization advance. You must build laboratories before you can conduct research. Research is controlled from the research display; once research has started, you can build on previous knowledge by conducting additional research or, through diplomacy, trade information with other species. When your research is sufficiently advanced, you build a ship and specify the equipment that it will carry. The equipment you can select for your ship depends on the depth of your research (if advanced, there is a lot to choose from). Your diplomatic manner can be either passive, neutral, or aggressive; however, if you invade planets or star systems occupied by other species you can expect that they may declare war on you and be skeptical of your future intentions. Planetary development continues throughout the game as new colonies are started and established ones are maintained; colonies can be automated, but for control freaks there is plenty of opportunity for micro-management.

Ascendancy has impressive graphics. The space ships for each of the 21 species all look different; even the various sizes (small to enormous) of ships can be easily distinguished (and they all look cool!). The planetary and star system screens also have nice graphics. The galaxy screen can be rotated in 3D to observe exploration and colonization advancements of other species. The music and sound effects are excellent.

The Logic Factory has a telephone number for customer and technical support (not 1-800), and also maintains a site on the World-Wide-Web.

Bottom Line: Ascendancy is an excellent galactic conquest strategy game and is highly recommended. Although it is not targeted at the younger set, my daughter (eight years) has had a blast with Ascendancy, especially because of the ability to interact with numerous alien species. The number of different species that may be chosen and ability to customize the parameters of the game mean that each game is different, resulting in substantial replay value. This is a game that we will play over and over again. I've got to run...the hostile Shevar are invading my colonies in the Vega system!...

System Tested On: IBM compatible PC (Gateway 2000) with a 80486-DX2 at 66 Mhz; Windows 95; Sound Blaster-compatible soundcard; 8 MB of RAM & 420 Mb hard drive; mouse

Minimum System: 486DX 33MHz processor or higher, MS-DOS 5.0 or higher (performs under Windows 95), Double-speed CD-ROM drive, Super VGA (640x480, 256-color), Digital Audio (100% Sound Blaster compatible, ProAudio Spectrum, Ensoniq Soundscape, Gravis Ultrasound, or Roland RAP-10), 8 MB of RAM, 15MB free hard disk space, Mouse

The Logic Factory, 3267 Bee Caves Road, Suite 107-505, Austin, Texas 78746; phone 512-328-1821