Neon Giant, an independent studio based in Sweden, developed The Ascent, the subject of this review. This is an isometric cyberpunk-themed action role-playing game. Players can customize their characters, acquiring new skills and upgrading their arsenal throughout their progression.
The narrative premise involves the collapse of the mega-corporation, The Ascent Group, plunging the game world into potential chaos. The central question becomes: how will society adapt in the absence of this dominant entity?
Players begin their journey as a low-level employee and have the opportunity to advance through the ranks. However, the game’s plot features unexpected twists, requiring careful decision-making. As noted, The Ascent employs an isometric perspective, sharing visual similarities with games such as Diablo III, but within a distinctly different setting.
The game’s graphical fidelity is noteworthy. The environment showcases intricate detail, with meticulously rendered textures and surfaces evident even in areas of brief transit. Furthermore, the storyline proves to be both compelling and engaging, encouraging players to discover its unfolding narrative.
However, The Ascent presents a significant challenge due to its high difficulty level. The initial stages, before acquiring suitable weapons and skills, can feel particularly demanding. A further frustration arises from the need to replay extended sections after each death, traversing the same paths repeatedly. This can lead to a premature loss of interest for some players. Despite the game’s stylish design and rich content, frequent deaths can become an impediment. The aiming mechanics could also benefit from refinement to improve precision.
In conclusion, The Ascent offers a visually appealing, intriguing, and stylish experience. However, the game’s high difficulty, coupled with extended checkpoint distances and aiming challenges, ultimately limits its overall score to a respectable but not exceptional level. This is unfortunate, as the game possesses the potential for greater acclaim.
