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Remnant: From the Ashes

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Remnant: From the Ashes
Item: Remnant: From the Ashes
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2019

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, RPG, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableAug 19, 2019

PlatformNintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4

DeveloperGunfire Games

Overview

The world is in ruins. Only a remnant of mankind remains, hunted to near extinction by horrors from another world. As one of the few survivors left, you will venture into portals to fantastic realms to gather the resources and firepower needed to fight back and retake what was lost. Remnant: From the Ashes is a third-person survival-action game set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by mythical creatures. The game provides players and up to three of their friends with a unique, customizable gameplay experience filled with intense shooting and melee combat, gear and weapon crafting, character progression and dynamically-generated levels that offer an infinite number of ways to explore and take on deadly monsters and epic bosses.

Elsewhere

6.8

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Remnant: From the Ashes impresses with its intriguing world-building and lore, drawing praise for character development and a compelling backdrop against an ancient evil. However, critics overwhelmingly criticize the narrative for its lack of depth and originality, labeling it clichéd and convoluted. While exploration and dialogue offer some engagement, the disconnect between story and gameplay leaves players wanting more. Ultimately, the consensus is clear: despite its rich setting, the game's story fails to deliver on its potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

25%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The story of Remnant: From the Ashes has received some praise from critics for its intriguing elements and world-building. Several reviewers, such as RPGamer and Cultured Vultures, highlight the effort put into creating a rich lore and the gradual unfolding of the narrative, which encourages players to engage with the world through exploration and dialogue. Critics like PlayStation Universe note that the narrative effectively introduces players to a wider world filled with intricate lore and engaging set pieces. Additionally, Everyeye.it and XboxAddict mention the game's focus on character development and the journey to confront an ancient evil, which provides a compelling backdrop for the gameplay. However, the majority of critics express significant concerns regarding the story's execution. Many reviewers, including Screen Rant, Hardcore Gamer, and IGN, describe the narrative as lacking depth and originality, often labeling it as clichéd or mundane. The convoluted plot and reliance on name-dropping, as noted by Hardcore Gamer, detract from the overall experience, making it difficult for players to become fully invested. Critics like Meristation and DarkStation also point out the uninteresting characters and missed opportunities for narrative depth, suggesting that the story fails to engage players meaningfully. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Remnant: From the Ashes offers a post-apocalyptic setting with some intriguing elements, the story ultimately falls short in terms of depth and originality. Many reviewers agree that the narrative feels disconnected from the gameplay, with a lack of cohesion and clarity that hampers player engagement. Critics such as Xbox Tavern and New Game Network emphasize that the story is not the strongest aspect of the game, with many suggesting that the gameplay itself takes precedence over the narrative. Despite some positive remarks about character development and world-building, the overwhelming sentiment is that the story does not live up to the potential of its setting.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Remnant: From the Ashes impresses with its engaging combat and unique blend of third-person shooting and RPG mechanics. Critics praise its challenging gameplay and cooperative play, enhancing teamwork and strategy. Customization options boost replayability, but the game faces criticism for lackluster melee combat and inconsistent AI. Some mechanics feel clunky, and predictable level design can hinder the experience. Despite these issues, it stands out for its dynamic encounters and satisfying progression, making it a must-play for action RPG fans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

87%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

13%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Remnant: From the Ashes has garnered a largely positive reception from critics, who praise its engaging combat mechanics and the innovative blend of third-person shooting with RPG elements. Many reviewers, such as Hardcore Gamer and GameSpot, highlight the game's challenging combat system, which draws inspiration from the Dark Souls series while incorporating unique features like procedurally generated worlds and a variety of weapon mods. The cooperative play aspect is frequently noted as a significant strength, with critics like XboxAddict and Cultured Vultures emphasizing the enjoyment derived from teamwork and strategic gameplay. The depth of customization available through weapon and character upgrades has also been recognized by multiple reviewers, including Meristation and Game Rant, further enhancing the game's replayability. However, the game is not without its criticisms. Some reviewers, such as Slant Magazine and The Indie Game Website, point out issues like the lack of viable melee combat and the frustrating difficulty scaling in co-op mode. Critics like KeenGamer and PC Gamer also mention that certain mechanics can feel clunky or lack weight, particularly in melee combat, while others have noted that the AI can be inconsistent at times. Additionally, the game's reliance on overwhelming enemy encounters and predictable level layouts has been cited as a potential drawback, which may detract from the overall experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Remnant: From the Ashes offers a compelling and enjoyable gameplay experience that successfully merges elements from various genres. While there are valid concerns regarding certain mechanics and difficulty spikes, the majority of reviewers agree that the game excels in delivering satisfying combat, strategic depth, and a rewarding progression system. As noted by critics like GamingTrend and GameCritics, the game's ability to engage players through its dynamic encounters and cooperative elements makes it a standout title in the action RPG genre, appealing to fans of both shooting and Souls-like gameplay.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Remnant: From the Ashes showcases a striking artistic vision with immersive environments and unique enemy designs, earning praise for its dark fantasy aesthetic. However, it suffers from significant optimization issues, especially on the Nintendo Switch, with blurry graphics, subpar NPC models, and repetitive environments dampening the experience. Critics agree that while some visuals impress, the overall execution falls short, resulting in a mixed reception that highlights potential yet to be fully realized.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

40%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of Remnant: From the Ashes have garnered a mixed reception from critics across various platforms. Several reviewers praised the game's artistic direction, highlighting the unique environments and diverse enemy designs that contribute to an immersive experience. For instance, C.G. Magazine commended the dark fantasy environments for their varied designs, while We Got This Covered noted the beauty and unique identities of each area, enhancing the overall immersion. Critics like KeenGamer and Critical Hit also emphasized the impressive visuals and environmental art design, with the latter mentioning the gorgeous vistas that challenge expectations. The game’s ability to create a distinct post-apocalyptic aesthetic, as noted by Gameplanet, is also a recurring positive theme in many reviews. However, the criticisms regarding the game's graphics are significant and varied. Many reviewers pointed out issues related to optimization and performance, particularly on the Nintendo Switch, where Pure Nintendo described the graphics as rough with blurry details and frequent pop-in. Critics such as Everyeye.it and TrueGaming echoed concerns over subpar NPC models and blurry environmental details, respectively. Additionally, some critics like New Game Network and Digital Chumps highlighted the use of reused assets and a lack of polish, which detracts from the overall visual experience. The repetitive nature of some environments was also noted by Digitally Downloaded, suggesting that while the visuals serve their purpose, they lack variety and depth. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while Remnant: From the Ashes features a strong artistic vision and some visually appealing elements, it falls short in execution and optimization. The disparity in graphical quality across different platforms, especially the noticeable downgrades on the Switch, has led to a fragmented reception. Critics like IGN and XboxAddict acknowledged the stunning environments, particularly in later stages of the game, but many others pointed out the need for improvements in character models, texture quality, and overall polish. The game seems to be a visual mixed bag, with some areas shining brightly while others leave much to be desired, leading to an overall impression of potential that is not fully realized.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

"Remnant: From the Ashes" features a divisive sound design and music score. Critics praise its immersive audio and effective combat sounds but lament poor voice acting, inconsistent audio levels, and technical issues. While some aspects enhance gameplay, significant flaws hinder the overall experience, highlighting a need for improvements in voice quality and audio fidelity.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

26%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

70%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of "Remnant: From the Ashes" have garnered a mix of positive feedback from various critics, particularly regarding the immersive qualities that the audio brings to the gameplay experience. Critics like KeenGamer and Softpedia have highlighted the effectiveness of the sound design in enhancing the atmosphere, with KeenGamer noting that the battle sounds and haunting soundtrack align well with the game’s aesthetic. Similarly, PlayStation Country commended the audio cues for special enemies, emphasizing how they enrich the gameplay. GameStar also praised the weapon sounds and feedback, contributing to a satisfying combat experience. Overall, there is a consensus among some reviewers that the sound design serves its purpose effectively, adding to the immersion and engagement within the game world. However, a significant portion of the reviews pointed out various shortcomings in the sound design and music. Critics such as Everyeye.it and Jeuxvideo.com expressed disappointment with the voice acting and sound spatialization, citing poor audio quality and inconsistent levels. Additionally, RPGamer described the music as unmemorable, suggesting that it fails to leave a lasting impact on players. The criticisms extend to technical issues, with Vandal mentioning excessive ambient noise and lip-sync problems, which detract from the overall experience. The muddied sound effects reported by Screen Rant on the Nintendo Switch version further highlight the inconsistency in audio quality across platforms. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a divided reception of the sound design and music in "Remnant: From the Ashes." While some reviewers, like GameSpace and Shacknews, praised the immersive qualities and effective sound cues, others pointed out significant flaws, particularly regarding voice acting and audio consistency. This dichotomy suggests that while the game succeeds in creating an atmospheric experience through its sound design, it also suffers from notable shortcomings that impact the overall quality. The mixed feedback reflects a need for improvement in certain areas, especially in voice acting and audio fidelity, to fully realize the potential of its soundscape.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Remnant: From the Ashes features a split in voice acting quality; some languages shine with strong performances and deep character development, while others, like Italian, fall flat—leading to disengaging and inconsistent experiences. Critics praise specific languages but highlight issues such as repetitiveness and lack of depth, stressing the need for better localization and quality control.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

36%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

14%

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

The voice acting in Remnant: From the Ashes has garnered a mix of positive feedback from various reviewers, particularly regarding the quality of performances in certain languages. Critics such as PlayStation Universe and Gameplanet have praised the dialogue and character development, noting that NPCs feel like genuine individuals with rich backstories. GameSpace echoed this sentiment, stating that the voice acting is "on point," while GameStar highlighted the quality of the English and German voice actors, receiving positive remarks for the German performances. Additionally, Generación Xbox and SomosXbox appreciated the Spanish voice acting, emphasizing its commendable quality given the game's budget. This suggests that, in some instances, the voice acting contributes positively to the immersive experience of the game. Conversely, there are significant criticisms regarding the voice acting that cannot be overlooked. Everyeye.it expressed disappointment in the Italian voice acting, which they felt detracted from the overall sound design. IGN noted that the sparse voice acting lacks depth and fails to engage players in the story, while New Game Network described the performances as "painfully inconsistent," undermining the serious tone of the game. Furthermore, Windows Central criticized the dialogue for being repetitious, and Worth Playing pointed out the limited pool of lines for the protagonist, leading to a sense of repetitiveness. These negative aspects suggest that while some voice performances shine, others fall flat, impacting the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics reveals a divided opinion on the voice acting in Remnant: From the Ashes. While some reviewers celebrate the quality of performances in specific languages and the depth of character development, others highlight inconsistencies and a lack of engagement in the storytelling. The mixed feedback indicates that the voice acting may enhance the experience for some players, particularly in certain languages, but it also poses challenges that could detract from the immersion for others. This duality underscores the importance of localization and quality control in voice acting, as noted by critics like New Game Network and IGN, who emphasize the need for a more consistent and engaging auditory experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Remnant: From the Ashes shows impressive procedural generation and level design across all platforms, but is plagued by significant technical issues. PS4 has minor bugs but still experiences crashes; Switch is portable but suffers from long loading times and low frame rates; Xbox One is stable yet riddled with bugs. Critics agree the game needs further optimization for a smoother experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

19%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

60%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

21%

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

Positive Aspects of Technical Performance Across Platforms On the PlayStation 4, several critics noted that despite some minor technical problems, the game generally runs well. For instance, 3DJuegos highlighted the excellence in procedural generation and level design, which contributes positively to the overall experience. KeenGamer also mentioned that the game runs well with only minor issues like long loading screens. On the Nintendo Switch, MMORPG.com praised the smooth performance with no major frame rate drops or bugs, while Hey Poor Player acknowledged that, despite visual downgrades, the game runs well. The Xbox One version also received commendations for its stable performance, with Generación Xbox noting the unique experience provided by procedural generation, and TrueGaming emphasizing consistent frame rates in closed environments. Negative Aspects of Technical Performance Across Platforms However, the technical performance of Remnant: From the Ashes is marred by various issues across all platforms. On the PS4, Digitally Downloaded pointed out game-breaking bugs and crashes, while Everyeye.it noted frame rate issues and a lack of polish. PlayStation Universe echoed these sentiments, mentioning crashes and unbalanced fights that detract from the experience. The Nintendo Switch version faced criticism for long loading times and performance problems, with Pure Nintendo highlighting low frame rates making gameplay challenging. Critics like Movies Games and Tech also pointed out tiny map sizes and loading issues. On Xbox One, the game suffers from bugs and control issues, as noted by SomosXbox, and GameSpew reported crashes and matchmaking problems, indicating a lack of polish. Overall Consensus of Critics Overall, the consensus among critics across all platforms suggests that while Remnant: From the Ashes has commendable aspects, particularly in procedural generation and design, it is hampered by a variety of technical issues that impact gameplay. The PS4 version is seen as having improved performance since launch, yet still suffers from significant bugs and crashes. The Switch version is recognized for its portability but struggles with loading times and visual fidelity, while the Xbox One version is generally stable but plagued by bugs and performance inconsistencies. Critics such as GameCritics and Hardcore Gamer noted that while there are improvements, the game still requires further optimization and polish to enhance the overall experience across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Remnant: From the Ashes is praised for its strong replay value thanks to procedural generation and cooperative multiplayer, but critics warn of repetitive gameplay and confusing objectives that can diminish long-term engagement. While it offers a fresh experience on multiple playthroughs, the excitement may fade, making it less appealing for some players seeking infinite replayability.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

48%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

51%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The opinions of critics regarding the replay value of Remnant: From the Ashes reveal a generally positive sentiment towards its capacity for multiple playthroughs. Many reviewers, including IGN and GameSpot, highlight the game's procedural generation as a significant factor in its replayability, offering randomized environments, boss encounters, and loot that encourage exploration and experimentation. Critics like PC Gamer and GamingTrend emphasize the importance of these dynamically generated elements, noting that they provide players with a fresh experience each time they play. Additionally, the game’s cooperative multiplayer mode, praised by Destructoid and Switch Player, enhances the replay value by allowing players to tackle challenges together, making each session feel unique. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the game's replay value that temper the overall enthusiasm. Reviewers such as Jeuxvideo.com and DarkStation point out that while the procedural design aims to offer variety, it can lead to repetitive gameplay and confusing objectives. Critics like Game Informer and Screen Rant mention that the addictive nature of the game tends to diminish after a few runs, suggesting that the initial excitement may not sustain long-term engagement. Furthermore, Pure Nintendo and Critical Hit highlight the limitations in customization options and the incremental nature of progression, which can feel tedious and detract from the overall replay experience. In summary, the consensus among critics indicates that Remnant: From the Ashes possesses a solid foundation for replayability through its procedural generation and cooperative gameplay. However, the enjoyment of these features may be hindered by issues such as repetitiveness, confusing design, and pacing concerns. Critics like Vandal and PC Games affirm that while the game is built for replay, it may not fully deliver on the infinite replay value that some players might expect. Overall, the game appeals to fans of the genre and those who enjoy cooperative play, but its replay value may not resonate as strongly with all players.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

56%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

44%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding "Remnant: From the Ashes" showcases a range of positive aspects that many critics have highlighted. Reviewers like Generación Xbox and Eurogamer Italy commend the game for its fun, cooperative gameplay experience, emphasizing its appeal to fans of challenging shooters. Critics such as GameSpace and Hardcore Gamer praise the engaging gameplay and solid foundation, while PC Gamer and Gamers Heroes note the game's unique blend of looter-shooter mechanics with Dark Souls-inspired elements, making it a refreshing alternative in the genre. The inventive bestiary and diverse worlds have also been recognized as standout features, contributing to a rewarding experience for players who enjoy multiplayer and cooperative play. However, the game is not without its flaws, which several critics have pointed out. Pure Nintendo and Screen Rant express concerns regarding the technical issues present in the Nintendo Switch port, making it hard to recommend for that platform. Slant Magazine and Game Informer mention gameplay issues, lackluster storytelling, and repetitive environments as shortcomings that detract from the overall experience. Critics like Meristation and Destructoid note that while the game has good ideas, it suffers from narrative shortcomings and technical problems that prevent it from reaching its full potential. Additionally, some reviews, such as those from PlayStation Universe and DualShockers, suggest that the game is better enjoyed with friends, indicating a potential limitation in solo play. The overall consensus among critics suggests that "Remnant: From the Ashes" is a worthwhile experience, particularly for fans of cooperative gameplay and the Souls-like genre, despite its technical and narrative shortcomings. While some critics, like XboxAddict and Cultured Vultures, rate the game highly for its unique mechanics and rewarding gameplay, others caution potential players about its flaws, especially on certain platforms. Ultimately, the game is seen as a solid entry in its genre with room for improvement, particularly in terms of technical performance and storytelling, but it remains a highly enjoyable experience for those willing to embrace its challenges.

TL;DR

"Remnant: From the Ashes" impresses with fun cooperative gameplay and a unique looter-shooter blend inspired by Dark Souls, earning praise for its engaging mechanics and diverse worlds. However, it struggles with technical issues on the Nintendo Switch, lackluster storytelling, and repetitive environments. While better experienced with friends, it remains a solid entry in the genre despite its flaws, appealing to fans of challenging multiplayer experiences.

MONSTER

Reviews

141 reviews found

Xbox Tavern

Xbox One

Aug 20, 2019

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

Remnant: From the Ashes is a must-play title with a mix of difficulty, fun gameplay, and replay value.

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TheXboxHub

Xbox One

Sep 16, 2019

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

Remnant: From the Ashes is a brilliant RPG adventure that successfully combines ideas from multiple titles into a unique experience.

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Hooked Gamers

Sep 30, 2019

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

The game is enjoyable with fluid combat, fun weapon upgrades, and tight controls. It has some flaws like occasional glitches and repetitive environments, but is still worth playing.

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GameSpace

Aug 27, 2019

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

Remnant: From the Ashes is a lot of fun, especially in co-op, and exceeds expectations.

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Game Rant

Aug 28, 2019

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

Remnant: From the Ashes is a unique and enjoyable experience, with some minor quality-of-life improvements that could be made.

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Softpedia

Aug 21, 2019

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

Remnant: From the Ashes provides a hardcore standard difficulty experience with great character itemization, unique mobs, and compelling story. While facing challenges similar to Dark Souls and Sekiro, the game offers a versatile art style, immersive sound design, and minimal consequences for death. The steep learning curve and respawn mechanics may deter some players, but the game's strengths outweigh its flaws.

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Generación Xbox

Xbox One

Sep 3, 2019

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

Remnant from the Ashes is recommended for players seeking a fun, long-lasting, and cooperative gameplay experience, despite some flaws like lack of polished environments and limited online communication features.

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Windows Central

Xbox One

Aug 25, 2019

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

Remnant: From the Ashes is a superb title with addictive gameplay, stunning visuals, and great replayability. It has some flaws like questionable voice acting and minor performance issues, but overall it is Gunfire Games' best title and one of the biggest surprises of the year.

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CGMagazine

Aug 20, 2019

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

A surprising hit with engaging gameplay, replay value, and visually appealing design. Despite technical issues and thin story, the game offers a lot to love for its price point.

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XboxAddict

Xbox One

Sep 30, 2019

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

Overall, the game is rated 8.7/10, praised for its unique mechanics and rewarding gameplay once players learn its intricacies.

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