What Makes a Game Fun?
For most of us, pulling through a level, unlocking shiny gear, and feeling that sweet “I’m finally a badass” moment is the heart of any great game. Progression isn’t just a mechanics wheel—it’s the fuel that keeps us coming back.
Loot, Levels, and the Power of Combat
When you win a fight and drop some legendary loot, the whole experience feels like a high‑five from the universe. Combat is therefore the perfect road‑tripper to keep players on their toes.
- Thrilling Fights – fast‑paced, satisfying
- Golden Drops – make characters feel tailored
- Level‑Up Bonuses – underlines the “you’re getting stronger” vibe
The Ascent’s Wins
Curve Digital and Neon Giant know how to bring the heat. The action‑shooter aspects feel solid, with:
- 💥 Kinetic weapon combos that track like a well‑trained hawk
- 💻 Smooth animations that don’t wobble the graphics budget
- 🎯 Player progression tied to loot and level ups, giving that sweet “power meter” glow
Other Stuff? Nah, It Missed the Mark
Outside the core shooter engine, the game hits a pothole.
- Story arcs that feel like a side‑story tossed into the main plot
- Dynamic multiplayer modes that never see the light of day
- Replay value that gets mushy after a few runs
Pretty classic? Yep—if you’re craving a full‑blown shooter arc, The Ascent will get you mostly where you need to go. But for everything beyond, it feels more like a rough draft than a finished masterpiece.
Bottom Line
It’s a solid shooter at its core, but if you’re looking for deep narratives, extended multiplayer, or a full cup of cookie‑monster gameplay, you may find the experience a tad thin. Keep that in mind before boarding the Ascent’s rocket.
The Ascent: Neon‑Lit, RPG‑Style Chaos on Veles
As the day‑one buzz for Xbox Game Pass hits, The Ascent is slated to be one of the fan‑favourite pickups for both console and PC. It’s no wonder—the title promises a potent mix of flashy cyberpunk vibes and classic role‑playing beats.
Neon Dreams and RPG Beads
Picture a world dripping with neon lights, a kind of isometric cousin to Zyberpunk 2077 but with a crooked twist. The game rates its aesthetic on pure flashy‑city glamour, but the real punch is how it intertwines with RPG elements that keep you curious.
Setting the Stage on Veles
- Players land on the planet Veles as indentured workers of the Ascent Group.
- Life is routine: follow orders and keep the status quo.
- Then comes chaos—a catastrophic chain of events shuts down the governing power.
- Out of the wreckage, you get to make your mark by sniffing out the mystery and, of course, blowing up a few things.
Plot: Not Groundbreaking, But Enough to Move
The story’s arc can sound a bit cliched at first, but it’s enough to keep you glued for those early moments. You’ll explore bustling streets, slice through mid‑game combats, and have a few chats that actually help drive the narrative trajectory forward.
All‑The‑Sights, All‑The-Gear
Is it all perfect? Not exactly. As you wander deeper into Veles, you’ll see the variety in gameplay—solid gunplay, lively cityscapes, and a handful of engaging dialogues. But remember, looks can be deceiving in this universe.
So buckle up: The Ascent offers a neon‑splashed, slightly rebellious RPG adventure that’s ready to explode as soon as you hit the launch button.
The Ascent: A Lonely Tour with Rocky Paths
Beyond the Hubs – A World Filled with “Who” Not “What”
Step out of the main hubs and you’re greeted by an eerily empty environment – think Ghost Town 2.0. The only thing that’s buzzing around is a handful of enemies, just waiting for you to annihilate them. No scenic views, no bustling towns, just the grind.
New Levels, New Challenges – Same Old Grief
- Each new section offers a splash of fresh architecture and unique visuals.
- But the overall mood remains drenched in a blanket of gloom.
- Adding density is a good idea – gives you more stuff to do – but The Ascent can feel a bit buried in labyrinthine complexity.
Finding Your Way: The Accidental Treasure Hunt
Lost my mental map already? You’ll lose yours too.
- Objectives are buried among multiple elevation levels.
- The in-game map is pretty much a shrug‑and‑hope guide.
- Even navigational mastery feels like a broken compass.
Speed? Oh, We’re Still on the Ice Age!
The character moves at the pace of a snail taking a slow stroll through a snowstorm. Rolling through environments feels less like a graceful glide and more like a frantic tumble.
Fast Forward… or No?
If reaching the next checkpoint feels like a tedious sequel to a bad road trip, you’re not alone. Even when the combat is killer, it just can’t mask the frustration of moving in a wobbly limbo.
The Guidance That Turns Into a Nightmare
Try to get comfortable with the sluggishness? A wild goose chase ensues. The guide’s directions, meant to help, often feel like a nightmare guide pulling you into the next pitfall.
So, strap in, little warrior – The Ascent isn’t just a game; it’s an emotional rollercoaster with a touch of humor and a sprinkle of frustration.
The Ascent: A No‑Nonsense Ride to the Top
Ever tried to climb a tower in a game only to find that every shortcut feels like a death‑trap? That’s the reality of The Ascent. The map drawer milked that trick, showing you the shortest path, only to ring‑tone your avatar with a one‑hit kill zone.
Shortcut or Time‑Suck?
- No Hype – Nothing beats a quick detour if you let you revolve the grind and the slow pacing. Clock is on the side.
- Fast‑Travel – After a decent fee, you’ll get a “not‑so‑slow‑trip” that feels like a boost. It’s a bonus, not a feature you have to use.
The Core: Combat That Keeps the Fun Flowing
What’s the real attraction of this tower‑scaler? Combat, obviously. Play you, your loot, and a decent combat soundtrack in a loop of ties.
- Two Weapons, All Day – Keep them handy, use cover, and hoist to any height. It’s a good time.
- Cover + Crouch Combo – Kill enemy monsters while lying behind a barricade, or aim a little down at pesky small foes. Shot you with quick ammo each time.
Tactical Equipment – The Smorgasbord
Everything feels fresh when you mix Tactical Equipment with free fire. From the ground to the attic, put those guns to work.
- Kill Count Joy – Your smoke bombs, traps, and big‑bangs keep you entertained.
- Explosive Feedback – Drop explosives or launch fireballs at unsuspecting goblins.
Bottom Line
The Ascent might ruin the per‑minute pace a bit, but it offers a casual, “you get it” type of experience. If you’re used to endless shooting, it will still be a candy‑fact.
Weaponry and Armor in The Ascent: A Guide for Savvy Players
Ready to kick some alien butt? Let’s break down the firepower and gear this game throws at you—so you can keep your face (or at least your blinking eyes) intact.
1. Weapons: From Basic to Wild
- Normal frag grenades – Your classic toss‑and‑boom. Still effective, especially if your enemies are stuck in a line.
- The “gravity well” wand – Imagine a potion that pulls people together until they collapse—this one turns foes into a crunchy mess. Don’t use it on your teammates!
- Other tech‑heavy options make every skirmish feel like a sci‑fi fireworks display.
2. Damage Types: Match the Bite
- Some weapons spit lethal kinetic damage, great against armored foes.
- Others deal burning heat or ice shards, which are super useful against enemies that have a weakness.
- Mix it up—if you know a foe hates fire, set up your arsenal to keep the flames burning.
3. Armor: Shielding the Dreadful Days
- By everyone’s collusion, when you step up the difficulty ladder, higher‑quality gear matters.
- Never forget the defense rating for each damage type. A heavy “lethal” piece may let you dodge a rocket of heat.
- ‘What’s the point?’ you ask. Well, you’re not just blasting – you’re staying alive. Stocks of armor keep the adrenaline from doing a full break.
4. Straight‑Up Strategy: Numbers and Timing
Feeling like a lazy gamer? Chill. Simply pick weapons that pack a punch, and get big damage numbers. As long as you finish off foes before they finalize a bullet finish, you’re rolling on the safe side.
5. All‑The‑Weapons, All‑The‑Forks: The Mount‑Unsettled Spectrum
The game comes with a plethora of firearms—iron instincts, not a single sensational “wow” moment. It’s not a shame if you have no standout superstar weapon in your chat. The truth? You’ll choose whichever firearm vibes with your style. And just like with the armor, this selection becomes part of the back‑bones that pilots your role‑playing decisions.
Conclusion: Be Prepared, Be Present
To survive “The Ascent,” you need a blend of tactical weapon choice in the fight and armor that fits your play style. Match your damage types to the enemies, have a decent armor sheet geared for the upcoming challenges, and remember that in a game full of alien horrors, being proactive beats procrastination. Stay sharp—and may your blasts be spicy!
The Future is Yours, and So is Your Power!
Imagine stepping into a neon‑lit tomorrow where every skill selection and augmentation tweak feels like a new level of cool. That’s exactly what The Ascent offers – a playground where your upgrades are your ticket to legendary status.
Level Up, Level Up!
- Each time you hit a new level, you get to sprinkle those extra points across skills that boost everything from precise aiming to having a health‑boosting edge.
- Spend a point on “Swift Reload” and you’ll reload faster than your heartbeat. Or mix it into “Enhanced Agility” and dodge foes like shadowy ninjas.
Want to Try Something New?
Feeling stuck with your current build? No sweat! Respec your character at any time. That means you can experiment with different combinations, try out the sickest ability tree, and see what works best for you.
Augmentations: The Future’s Best Gadgets
Ready to add some extra oomph? Augmentations let you add new abilities that sync up with your existing skill set. Pick the style that suits you:
- Concussive Punch – a brutal hit that can knock back enemies in a flash. Perfect for a quick escape or a flashy finish.
- Robot Companion – a little helper that scouts ahead, snags loot, and covers your back when the sky is blue or your stomach is full.
Either choice? It’s all yours. This is the moment to decide how wild you want to get on the planet Veles.
Take the Leap
So grab your gear, choose your skills, and strap on those augmentations. The future is waiting – make it your own story of glory!
The Ascent: A Promising Yet Flawed Debut
Quick Takeaway
Gameplay (7/10)
Story (7/10)
Presentation (7.5/10)
Value (7/10)
Overall Verdict
It’s decent for a debut, but the rough spots are too many – you almost feel like you’re getting a preview of what’s supposed to come, not the final, polished package.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a breakneck action shooter with a little RPG flavor that still feels a bit…shaky, then The Ascent is a fine first bite.
If you want a deep story, smooth character hooks, and flawless polish, you might hold off until Neon Giant takes their next leap—and then you’ll be rewarded.
