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CRITIK

The Ascent

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Ascent
Item: The Ascent
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2021

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Shooter, Open World, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableJul 29, 2021

PlatformXbox One, PC, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4

DeveloperNeon Giant

Overview

The Ascent is a solo and co-op action RPG set in a cyberpunk world. The mega corporation that owns you and everyone, The Ascent Group, has just collapsed. Confusion and chaos ensue, security and order are in disarray, and without protection, everyone is left to fend for themselves. Stop gangs and hostile corporations from taking over and discover what really happened.

Elsewhere

6.6

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

37%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The Story of The Ascent has received a mix of opinions from critics regarding its narrative. Some positive aspects highlighted by reviewers include the detailed cyberpunk world-building, immersive setting, and intriguing premise. Critics like Eurogamer Italy and Windows Central appreciated the richly detailed cyberpunk narrative with conspiracy-filled plots and compelling characters. The game's setup of a collapsed megacorporation leading to chaos and power struggles among criminal gangs and corporations was also praised by MondoXbox, emphasizing the potential for an engaging storyline. On the other hand, several critics expressed negative feedback on the story of The Ascent. Common criticisms include the lack of depth in storytelling, poorly developed characters, and a narrative that falls short of exploring cyberpunk themes effectively. GamesRadar++ and GameSpew mentioned the poorly developed characters and juvenile storytelling that may not resonate with players. Additionally, IGN France and IGN highlighted the lack of player choice in the storyline, which contributed to a feeling of repetitive missions and a lack of engagement with the narrative. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a disappointment in the story of The Ascent. While some appreciated the detailed world-building and premise, the general sentiment suggests that the narrative falls short in delivering a compelling and engaging experience. Critics like Digitally Downloaded and GameSpot criticized the shallow exploration of cyberpunk themes and the lack of meaningful commentary in the storytelling. Despite some positive aspects, such as the immersive world and intriguing setup, the overall sentiment points towards a narrative that lacks depth, character development, and fails to fully capitalize on the potential of its cyberpunk setting.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on the narrative of The Ascent. Positive feedback includes praise for its detailed cyberpunk world-building and immersive setting. However, critics point out shortcomings such as lack of depth in storytelling, poorly developed characters, and a narrative that fails to explore cyberpunk themes effectively. Overall, the consensus leans towards disappointment, with criticism for repetitive missions and lack of player choice. Despite some positive aspects, the narrative falls short of delivering a compelling and engaging experience, according to reviewers.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

44%

Mixed (50-79)

53%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of The Ascent has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Many reviewers praised the engaging combat mechanics, diverse abilities, and strategic elements present in the game. Critics like Gaming Age and MondoXbox appreciated the action-packed combat with a variety of weapons, augmentations, and skills, offering tactical depth and rewarding character progression. The intense combat, weighty shooting mechanics, and enjoyable combat moments were highlighted by Finger Guns and Gfinity, emphasizing the satisfaction derived from upgrading guns and cybernetics for fluid and malleable combat experiences. On the downside, several critics pointed out issues with the gameplay that hindered the overall experience. Metro GameCentral and RPG Fan criticized the game for its repetitive and shallow action, awkward controls, lackluster leveling up experience, and unexciting equipment customization. AusGamers and Push Square mentioned that while the gameplay mixed twin-stick evasion and cover-based shooting well, the RPG elements lacked depth and clashed with the action, leading to arbitrary limitations in weapon upgrades and exploration. Additionally, Hey Poor Player and Game Informer noted balance issues, poorly designed menus, and monotonous combat that detracted from the overall enjoyment of the gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding The Ascent's gameplay is mixed. While some reviewers appreciated the satisfying combat mechanics, character customization, and strategic depth, others found issues with repetitive gameplay, lackluster RPG elements, and unbalanced systems. The game seems to excel in providing an intense and challenging combat experience, with diverse weapons and abilities to explore. However, the presence of certain drawbacks like shallow RPG mechanics, unengaging storytelling, and balance issues may impact the overall enjoyment for some players. Despite these criticisms, the game manages to offer a unique blend of twin-stick shooting and RPG elements that cater to fans of the genre, providing hours of immersive entertainment for those willing to overlook its flaws.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

The Ascent's gameplay draws a mix of praise and criticism from critics. Positive feedback highlights engaging combat mechanics and character progression, while negatives point out repetitive action and lackluster RPG elements. Despite some balance issues and shallow mechanics, the game offers intense combat experiences and strategic depth for fans of the genre.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

94%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised The Ascent for its stunning graphics and visual design, with many highlighting the detailed cyberpunk environments, impressive lighting effects, and immersive world-building. Critics like Player 2 and Multiplayer.it commended the high level of detail in the environments, while GamingBolt and PlayStation Universe appreciated the neon-drenched cyberpunk settings and glossy lighting that brought the world to life. The Indie Game Website and Eurogamer Italy also noted the captivating cyberpunk aesthetic and vibrant neon colors that added to the immersive experience. Overall, the visuals were described as visually impressive, detailed, and immersive, with intricate world design and attention to detail, making it a standout feature of the game. However, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in the graphics and visual design of The Ascent. VideoGamer and NME mentioned that while the game had stunning backdrops and impressive neon effects, there were areas that lacked polish and felt repetitive. Checkpoint Gaming and WellPlayed highlighted issues with character models lacking detail or texture pop-in, which could detract from the overall visual experience. Additionally, IGN France and RPG Fan noted technical bugs and glitches that hindered the otherwise exceptional graphics. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment was that the game's visuals were a strong point, even if there were some minor issues that needed addressing. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the graphics and visual design of The Ascent. The game was praised for its visually stunning cyberpunk aesthetic, detailed environments, and immersive world-building, with many critics commending the attention to detail and vibrant colors that brought the cyberpunk world to life. While there were some minor criticisms regarding repetitive visuals, lack of polish in certain areas, and technical issues, the general sentiment was that the graphics and visual design were a major highlight of the game. Critics like GameSpot, TheSixthAxis, and VG247 emphasized the stunning visuals, detailed environments, and impressive lighting effects that contributed to creating a visually impressive and immersive cyberpunk experience. Overall, The Ascent was widely regarded as a visually striking and artistically captivating game that excelled in its graphics and visual design.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

The Ascent wows critics with stunning cyberpunk visuals, immersive world-building, and detailed environments. While some noted minor drawbacks like repetitive visuals and technical issues, the consensus remains overwhelmingly positive. Critics lauded the attention to detail, vibrant colors, and impressive lighting effects that brought the cyberpunk world to life, making it a standout feature of the game.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

76%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of The Ascent have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from a majority of critics. Critics such as Finger Guns, PlayStation Universe, and Checkpoint Gaming praise the game for its exceptional sound design, with Finger Guns highlighting the thrilling experience it offers in both solo and co-op modes. The neon-like sound design, as mentioned by Digitally Downloaded, complements the cyberpunk aesthetic, enhancing the overall immersive experience. Additionally, critics like COGconnected and RPG Fan appreciate the immersive ambient noise and synth-heavy music that contribute to creating a rich and captivating atmosphere in the game. On the other hand, a few critics have pointed out some shortcomings in the audio aspects of The Ascent. Multiplayer.it mentions that the audio falls short, impacting the overall experience negatively. WellPlayed notes instances of chaotic audio and technical jank throughout the game, which detract from the overall sound design quality. Despite these criticisms, the majority of reviewers seem to agree that the positives outweigh the negatives when it comes to the sound design and music of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Ascent excels in its sound design and music, enhancing the immersive cyberpunk experience for players. Critics like Telegraph and Hardcore Gamer highlight the well-done sound design that immerses players in the game's world, while critics such as AusGamers and PlaySense appreciate the strong soundtrack that complements the visuals and creates a captivating atmosphere. Despite some minor criticisms, the general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising the game for its top-notch audio design, evocative soundtrack, and immersive use of sound to enhance the cyberpunk setting.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about The Ascent's exceptional sound design and music, praising its immersive cyberpunk atmosphere. While some critics point out minor flaws, the majority agree that the game's thrilling soundscapes and synth-heavy music enhance the overall experience, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

22%

Negative (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in The Ascent has received a mix of positive feedback from critics. RPG Fan praises the voice acting for being astounding, enhancing the narrative experience with engrossing vignettes and memorable characters. COGconnected also highlights the surprisingly well-written and voice-acted cut scenes with entertaining characters, adding to the overall enjoyment of the game. TheXboxHub further supports this positive sentiment by describing the voice acting as top-notch, with a keen ear for dialogue and character development that enhances the narrative experience. On the other hand, GamesRadar++ and But Why Tho?? express some negative opinions regarding the voice acting in The Ascent. GamesRadar++ finds the voice acting disorienting and criticizes the characters as unlikeable or weirdly juvenile, contributing to a lack of engagement with the narrative. But Why Tho?? mentions that while the main characters with English dialogue are excellently performed, the reliance on subtitles due to many characters speaking an alien language may detract from the overall experience for some players. Overall, the general consensus among critics leans towards the positive side regarding the voice acting in The Ascent. While there are some criticisms, such as the disorienting nature of the voices and the juvenile portrayal of characters, the majority of reviewers appreciate the quality of the voice acting, noting its contribution to the narrative immersion and character development. The consistently good performances, engrossing vignettes, and well-written dialogue are highlighted as strengths of the voice acting in the game, ultimately enhancing the overall gameplay experience for many players.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed opinions on The Ascent's voice acting. Positive reviews praise it for enhancing the narrative with memorable characters, while some find it disorienting and juvenile. Overall, most critics appreciate the quality and immersion it adds to the game, despite a few drawbacks.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

14%

Mixed (50-79)

65%

Negative (0-49)

22%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of The Ascent on PS5 seems to have garnered mixed reviews. Digitally Downloaded and XGN praise the game for being technically stable, with minor issues that can be resolved by restarting, such as cutscenes not triggering properly. However, PlayStation Country notes long loading times and readability issues with the futuristic 3D map screen, while Finger Guns mentions occasional glitches and technical issues that detract from the overall experience. Despite these issues, Push Square highlights that the game has received updates that have fixed bugs and rebalanced gameplay elements since its release, showing a commitment to improving the technical performance on the platform. On the Xbox Series X, the technical performance of The Ascent also receives a range of feedback. Some critics like TheXboxHub and MondoXbox report smooth technical performance, especially in co-op play, with no major issues reported. However, GameSpew and WellPlayed point out occasional glitches, repetitive environments, texture pop-ins, and asset issues that impact the overall experience. Additionally, GamingBolt and Player 2 mention technical glitches, crashes, and quality-of-life deficiencies that hinder gameplay enjoyment. Despite these challenges, SomosXbox highlights that the game runs smoothly at 4K 60 fps, offering an immersive universe with attention to detail in world design. Moving on to the PC platform, critics have been critical of The Ascent's technical performance. AusGamers and Comicbook.com criticize the game for being buggy in nature, with issues like crashes, frame drops, and bugs disrupting important moments. Checkpoint Gaming and Noisy Pixel note occasional performance issues, such as frame rate drops during intense moments and incorrect hitboxes. Furthermore, MMORPG.com and RPG Fan express concerns over the lack of technical polish, with randomly spawning enemies causing frustration and impacting player enjoyment. Despite these technical challenges, GamingTrend points out that the single-player experience was relatively bug-free, while online multiplayer had issues with bugs, crashes, and desync problems, showcasing a disparity in performance between the two modes. In conclusion, the overall consensus among critics for The Ascent's technical performance across all platforms is that while there are instances of stability and improvements, the game is plagued by technical issues such as crashes, bugs, frame rate drops, and performance inconsistencies. Critics like God is a Geek and Impulsegamer highlight frame rate drops and crashes impacting the gameplay experience, while TheSixthAxis and VG247 mention issues with inconsistent gauge refills and occasional stuttering. The game's technical challenges seem to vary across platforms, with some platforms experiencing smoother performance than others. Despite these technical hurdles, some critics still found enjoyment in the game, showcasing a mix of positive and negative sentiments towards The Ascent's technical performance.

TL;DR

technical performance

The Ascent's technical performance receives mixed reviews across PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC. While some platforms praise stability and improvements, others note issues like crashes, bugs, frame rate drops, and performance inconsistencies. Despite varying experiences, critics highlight both positive and negative aspects of the game's technical performance.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

17%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

15%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of The Ascent showcase several positive aspects. Critics such as Finger Guns and GamingTrend highlight the game's high replayability due to side missions, collectibles, New Game + mode, and different playstyles to explore. Additionally, the inclusion of co-op play, as praised by PlayStation Universe and Shacknews, enhances the overall experience and provides an avenue for players to enjoy the game with friends, increasing its replay value. The variety of builds, augments, and weapons, as mentioned by GamingTrend, offers players the opportunity to experiment and discover new strategies, contributing to the game's replayability. On the other hand, several critics point out certain negative aspects that may impact the replay value of The Ascent. GameSpot and PCGamesN mention difficulty spikes, grind for progression, lack of rewards, and repetitive gameplay elements that could hinder multiple playthroughs. Critics like RPG Fan and Noisy Pixel highlight issues such as lackluster gameplay, unbalanced difficulty, broken cooperative play, and limited roleplaying elements that may diminish the excitement and replay value of the game. Furthermore, PC Gamer and Gamepressure note frustrations with specific aspects like sidequests feeling like busywork, lack of efficient fast travel options, and the need for updates to address issues like difficulty levels and endgame content. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the replay value of The Ascent is mixed. While some critics appreciate the game's depth in terms of customization, combat mechanics, and co-op play, others express concerns about repetitive gameplay, lack of variety in loot drops, and unexciting narrative elements. Critics like COGconnected and Finger Guns acknowledge the game's potential for replayability through various modes and content, while others like Game Informer and Destructoid highlight the challenges in maintaining interest in multiple playthroughs. Ultimately, the replay value of The Ascent seems to depend on individual preferences, with some players finding enjoyment in exploring different playstyles and engaging in co-op experiences, while others may be deterred by repetitive gameplay loops and lack of meaningful progression incentives.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are divided on the replay value of The Ascent. Positive aspects include high replayability with side missions, collectibles, and co-op play, while negative aspects like difficulty spikes and repetitive gameplay may deter multiple playthroughs. Some praise the game's depth and customization options, while others criticize lackluster gameplay and unbalanced difficulty. Ultimately, whether The Ascent offers good replay value depends on individual preferences and tolerance for its gameplay elements.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

43%

Mixed (50-79)

55%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The Ascent has received praise from several critics for its visually stunning cyberpunk aesthetic, immersive world-building, engaging gameplay mechanics, and solid combat system. Critics like Finger Guns and PlayStation Universe commend the game for its impressive visuals, thrilling gameplay, and satisfying combat, making it an entertaining experience for fans of the genre. The Indie Game Website also highlights the game's enjoyable gameplay and meticulously rendered cyberpunk city, emphasizing the fun factor it brings to players. Additionally, critics such as COGconnected and Eurogamer Italy appreciate the game for its polished cyberpunk experience, incredible art design, and captivating narrative, showcasing the dedication of the developers in creating a compelling world for players to explore. On the flip side, The Ascent has faced criticism from various reviewers for its lackluster story, technical issues, repetitive gameplay, and design flaws that hinder the overall experience. RPG Fan and Metro GameCentral express disappointment in the game's central plot, mission design, and technical performance, citing issues that detract from the enjoyment of the game. GamesRadar++ and VG247 also point out the underwhelming story, unengaging characters, and lack of depth in RPG mechanics as areas where The Ascent falls short of expectations. PCGamesN and New Game Network highlight frustrations with gameplay mechanics, difficulty spikes, bugs, and co-op issues, which impact the overall quality of the game for players seeking a more seamless experience. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding The Ascent is mixed, with some praising its visual design, engaging gameplay, and immersive world, while others criticize its narrative shortcomings, technical issues, and repetitive gameplay elements. While some reviewers like ZTGD and Checkpoint Gaming recommend the game as a wonderful experience with high replay value, others like Noisy Pixel and Game Informer find it lacking in substance and depth. The game seems to excel in providing a captivating cyberpunk atmosphere and solid gameplay foundation, appealing to fans of the genre, but it falls short in delivering a fully realized and consistently engaging experience for all players. Despite its flaws, The Ascent manages to offer moments of enjoyment and excitement, especially for those who appreciate its cyberpunk aesthetics and action RPG elements.

TL;DR

The Ascent wows with its stunning cyberpunk visuals, immersive world, and solid combat, earning praise for its thrilling gameplay and captivating narrative. However, criticism arises for its lackluster story, technical issues, and repetitive gameplay flaws. While some hail it as a must-play for genre fans, others find it lacking in depth and consistency. Overall, the game offers moments of enjoyment but may not fully satisfy all players.

CRITIK

Reviews

155 reviews found

COGconnected

Jul 29, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Ascent offers an engaging, mechanically elegant, and polished cyberpunk experience with incredible art design, immersive world-building, and challenging gameplay.

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Gaming Age

Xbox Series X

Jul 29, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite minor technical issues and quest structure concerns, The Ascent is a captivating cyberpunk RPG with engaging gameplay, immersive visuals, and replay value, making it a worthwhile experience for Game Pass subscribers and those looking to purchase the game.

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Shacknews

Aug 13, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Ascent is a vastly impressive first outing for Neon Giant, with challenging enemies and a high level of character customization.

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PlayStation Country

PlayStation 5

Mar 28, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Ascent offers top-notch gunplay, good upgrades, a wide choice of weapons and mods, and quality of life features, making it an excellent game despite potential lack of attention compared to big releases.

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GamingBolt

Xbox Series X

Jul 29, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Exceptional worldbuilding, art design, visuals, combat system, and balance between quality and quantity in weapons and abilities, making it one of the most impressive action RPGs despite narrative depth and technical issues.

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Gfinity

Jul 29, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Ascent is a pleasant surprise with its interconnected world, world-building, and exciting combat. It is one of the reviewer's favorite titles of 2021 so far.

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Checkpoint Gaming

Jul 29, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Ascent excels in delivering a thrilling cyberpunk experience with its engaging gameplay, impressive visuals, and fantastic sound design. Despite some technical and content limitations, it remains a sensational and fun action-packed game, possibly the best cyberpunk game in the last year.

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Impulsegamer

Aug 9, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is considered a decent purchase for its price, with a lot to enjoy in the world, battles, and story.

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SomosXbox

Xbox Series X

Aug 9, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A standout title that captivates players with visuals and fast-paced combat, setting a high standard for game development and a must-play for Xbox gamers.

Gamers Heroes

Jul 29, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Ascent delivers on every promise and offers an exciting and rewarding adventure. It is recommended for fans of twin-stick style shooters and the cyberpunk universe.

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