What kind of game is Lunar Ascendant?

Lunar Ascendant is a narrative-driven political simulation RPG where players act as the mayor of a lunar city, making critical decisions about its future, politics, and resource management.

Who do I play as in Lunar Ascendant?

You play as David De Silva, a character who unexpectedly becomes the first mayor of Artemis, a pioneering lunar city.

What are the main choices I have to make in Lunar Ascendant?

Key decisions include choosing between independence for Artemis or alliance with the United Earth Federation, and deciding whether to allow advanced AI systems into the city or to preserve a more natural way of living.

How do I manage resources in Lunar Ascendant?

You manage hydrogen and Earth credits (cash). Hydrogen is used for advanced science projects, while cash is for expanding production facilities. Resource regeneration, especially for hydrogen, can be unpredictable.

Do my decisions matter in Lunar Ascendant?

Yes, every choice you make has consequences that echo across Artemis, influencing city stats like Sustainability and Social Harmony, and eliciting reactions from citizens and factions, which are often reflected through an in-game social media app called 'Moonologue'.

Introduction to Lunar Ascendant

Lunar Ascendant is a political simulation role-playing game (RPG) that immerses players in a narrative-driven experience set in the year 2131. You are thrust into the role of David De Silva, the first mayor of Artemis, a pioneering lunar city. Artemis was originally established as an extraterrestrial mining outpost but has evolved into a declared sanctuary for those seeking an alternative way of life, away from Earth's unified society. Earth's nations are governed by the United Earth Federation (UEF) and overseen by the Artificial Intelligence Absolute (AIA), a next-phase AI model. The game challenges you to navigate the complex political landscape of lunar colonization, where the dynamics between the UEF and Artemis are increasingly tense.

Your Role as Mayor of Artemis

As Mayor David De Silva, you are the central decision-maker for the lunar city of Artemis. Your responsibilities include engaging in detailed discussions with representatives from various factions to gather insights into the city's future and making final decisions on how to allocate Artemis's limited resources. The political drama unfolds as you balance the city's needs with the broader interplanetary conspiracies at play.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

Political Decision-Making

Lunar Ascendant is a turn-based game where each turn involves reading reports, engaging in conversations with characters, and making critical decisions based on these interactions. You will face choices that shape the future of Artemis, such as siding with the Lunar Independence Movement or seeking alliance with the United Earth Federation. Another significant decision involves the role of advanced AI systems in your city; you can choose to allow them for convenience or denounce the digitalist future to preserve a more natural way of living. Be aware that the citizens of Artemis generally do not favor AI, even if it's for their benefit.

Factions and Relationships

The game features various faction representatives with whom you will engage in discussions. Building relationships with these factions, scientists, and advisors is crucial, as your actions can either strengthen these ties or turn them against you. Minor factions like the miners' union and the corporate consortium also have opinions on the major political questions, adding layers to your decision-making. The game provides a wiki to learn about characters' backgrounds and affiliations.

Resource Management: Hydrogen and Earth Credits

Two primary resources you'll manage are hydrogen and Earth credits (cash). Cash is used to expand production facilities, while hydrogen is vital for advanced science projects, such as researching new AI technology or establishing new bee colonies. Resource management can be challenging, as the regeneration rate of hydrogen each turn is not explicitly stated, making planning difficult. You can also sell hydrogen for cash.

City Stats to Monitor

As mayor, you'll need to monitor key city statistics, including Sustainability, AI Integration, Import-Export, and Social Harmony. Investing in the city's living conditions can increase your popularity, but focusing on long-term self-sustainability might lead to negative immediate outcomes.

Consequences and Feedback (Moonologue)

Every decision you make in Lunar Ascendant has consequences that resonate throughout Artemis. The game aims to show you the impact of your choices. Citizens will discuss, argue, and remember your actions. You receive instant feedback on public reaction through a social media-like application called "Moonologue".

Beginner Strategies and Tips

Early Game Focus

In the early stages, focus on understanding the core dilemmas and the immediate impact of your decisions. The game is designed to present you with a complex political issue: leading an independent moon away from Earth versus pursuing closer ties. While independence may sound appealing, sources suggest Artemis is not self-sufficient enough, potentially leading to suffering for your people. Conversely, sticking close to Earth might result in Artemis being exploited for resources.

Navigating Core Dilemmas

When confronted with choices regarding AI integration, remember that the people of Artemis generally disfavor AI, even if it offers convenience. Carefully consider the trade-offs between short-term popularity gains from improving living conditions and the long-term benefits of self-sustainability, which could initially lead to negative outcomes. Some players have noted that certain early decisions might lead to similar negative results regardless of the choice, suggesting a potentially deliberate 'no-win' scenario or the need to uncover specific 'early flags'.

Understanding Resource Allocation

Given the unpredictable nature of hydrogen regeneration, prioritize its use for crucial advanced projects that align with your long-term vision for Artemis. Balance your cash investments between expanding production facilities and addressing immediate living condition concerns to manage both your city's infrastructure and citizen popularity.

Community Insights on Choices

Community discussions indicate that the game's decision-making can be intricate, with some choices leading to unexpected or seemingly unavoidable negative outcomes. It's advised to pay close attention to faction ties, popularity, and the positions of the UEF and AI to better anticipate the repercussions of your actions. The game's narrative depth, faction management, and political decision-making are generally considered engaging.

Known Game Aspects

Some players have reported encountering bugs and inconsistencies, such as spelling and grammar errors, and occasional discrepancies in narrative elements or character origins. There have also been observations of pacing issues in the mid-game, where investment opportunities might diminish, leading to an accumulation of unused resources. The game underwent changes to its introduction from the demo to the launch version, which some players felt reduced the initial intrigue.

Lunar Ascendant: A Beginner's Guide to Navigating Artemis

Quick Summary