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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 immersive world-building and lore but suffers from a convoluted, uninspired story that fails to engage players. Critics praise the rich universe and emotional side narratives but agree that the main plot lacks depth and character development, leaving many feeling disconnected from the experience.

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 garnered some positive remarks from critics, particularly regarding its world-building and lore. Critics like RPGamer and We Got This Covered highlight the effort put into creating a rich, immersive universe populated by intriguing NPCs and a sense of history that players can uncover through exploration. The game's narrative, while not the primary focus, offers engaging elements that encourage players to delve deeper into its lore, as noted by critics such as Digital Chumps and XboxAddict. Some reviewers, like GamingTrend, appreciate the smaller, emotional stories woven into the larger narrative, providing a sense of connection despite the overarching plot's simplicity. However, the overall sentiment regarding the story leans heavily towards the negative. Many critics describe the narrative as convoluted, lacking depth, and failing to engage players meaningfully. GameStar and Hardcore Gamer criticize the plot for being confusing and uninspired, with a reliance on clichés and a lack of character development. Critics like GameSpot and IGN echo these sentiments, pointing out that the story lacks personality and a compelling driving purpose, making it difficult for players to invest in the narrative. Additionally, the integration of lore into gameplay has been criticized for being ineffective, as noted by Slant Magazine and New Game Network, leading to a disjointed storytelling experience. In summary, while Remnant: From the Ashes features a richly crafted world and intriguing lore, the consensus among critics is that its story is ultimately unsatisfactory. Many reviewers, including GameSpot and Meristation, agree that the narrative is uninspired and fails to deliver a compelling experience, with a lack of depth and character development that detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game. Though some critics appreciate the smaller stories and world-building efforts, the overarching narrative struggles to resonate with players, leaving a significant portion of the audience feeling disengaged.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Remnant: From the Ashes impresses with its engaging combat and rewarding progression, blending shooter and RPG mechanics to create a dynamic experience. Critics praise its diverse weapons and character options, plus the replayability offered by procedural level generation. However, flaws such as poor melee combat, frustrating difficulty spikes, and camera issues mar the experience. Overall, it's a strong title that captivates players, despite some criticisms.

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 significant praise from a majority of critics, highlighting its engaging combat mechanics and rewarding progression system. Reviewers from Hardcore Gamer and GameSpot noted the game’s compelling blend of genres, emphasizing the satisfying gunplay and dynamic encounters that keep players invested. Critics like Meristation and Gamer.nl also appreciated the variety of weapons and character archetypes, which allow for diverse playstyles and strategic gameplay. The incorporation of RPG elements, such as customizable traits and weapon mods, further enhances the gameplay experience, making it appealing to fans of both shooters and action RPGs. Additionally, the procedural generation of levels, as highlighted by GameGrin and GamingTrend, adds a layer of replayability that keeps the experience fresh and exciting. However, not all feedback is overwhelmingly positive, as some critics pointed out notable flaws that hinder the overall gameplay experience. Slant Magazine criticized the lack of viable melee combat and unfair difficulty scaling in co-op modes, while IGN echoed concerns about frequent difficulty spikes and an underwhelming gear system. Furthermore, Destructoid and KeenGamer mentioned the reliance on RNG elements, which can lead to frustrating moments during gameplay, particularly when facing randomized boss appearances that affect weapon drops. Critics like Video Chums also highlighted camera issues during enemy swarms, which can detract from the otherwise visceral combat experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Remnant: From the Ashes delivers a strong gameplay experience that successfully combines shooting mechanics with RPG elements, reminiscent of the Dark Souls series. While there are criticisms regarding certain gameplay aspects, such as melee combat and difficulty scaling, the majority of reviewers, including New Game Network and GameStar, agree that the game excels in its engaging combat, diverse enemy encounters, and rewarding progression systems. The positive reception of the gameplay reflects a well-crafted experience that appeals to a wide range of players, making it a notable title in the action RPG genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Remnant: From the Ashes dazzles with stunning artistic design and immersive environments, praised for creativity and vibrant visuals. However, it stumbles on technical performance, facing criticism for frame rate drops, crashes, and a generic "Unreal Engine-y" look, especially on PS4 and Switch. Despite its visual strengths, the game's graphical shortcomings tarnish the overall experience, leaving it inconsistent across platforms.

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 mix of praise from critics, particularly regarding the game's artistic direction and diverse environments. Reviewers like Vandal and MGG highlighted impressive artistic design and solid graphics, noting that the game features visually striking worlds with unique designs. Critics from GameSpot and Shacknews echoed this sentiment, commending the variety and beauty of the environments, which contribute to an immersive experience. The game's character models and enemy designs also received positive remarks, with Game Rant and PC Gamer emphasizing the creativity and detail that enhance the overall aesthetic. Additionally, several critics noted the effective use of color and atmosphere, with Impulsegamer and Eurogamer Italy appreciating how the visuals complement the game's post-apocalyptic theme. Despite these positives, the game has faced significant criticism regarding its graphical performance and optimization across various platforms. Everyeye.it and Pure Nintendo pointed out issues such as subpar graphics, frame rate drops, and crashes, particularly on the PS4 and Nintendo Switch. Critics like New Game Network and Hardcore Gamer raised concerns about the "Unreal Engine-y" look of the visuals, stiff character models, and the reuse of assets, which detracted from the overall experience. Many reviews also mentioned that certain environments felt sparse and repetitive, with Digitally Downloaded and Multiplayer.it noting that while the graphics serve their purpose, they lack the depth and engagement expected from a modern title. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Remnant: From the Ashes boasts a unique and visually appealing art style, it suffers from technical shortcomings that hinder its graphical potential. The game features a mix of stunning environments and creative designs, as highlighted by Shacknews and PC Gamer, but these are often marred by performance issues and a lack of depth in some areas, as noted by critics like Hardcore Gamer and New Game Network. As a result, while the game excels in certain aspects of visual design, it ultimately falls short of delivering a consistently high-quality graphical experience across all platforms.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Remnant: From the Ashes presents a split verdict on its sound design and music. Some critics praise its effective battle sounds and haunting soundtrack that enhance immersion, while others slam it for poor voice acting, inconsistent audio levels, and lack of variety. Although certain elements stand out, substantial technical flaws leave many feeling the audio experience fails to make a lasting impact. Ultimately, the game shows potential, but execution issues hinder its auditory ambitions.

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 mixed reception among critics, with some positive aspects highlighted. Critics like KeenGamer and Softpedia noted that the audio effectively serves its purpose, with KeenGamer praising the satisfying battle sounds and an understated, haunting soundtrack that complements the game's aesthetic. Similarly, PlayStation Country emphasized how the sound cues for special enemies enhance the gameplay experience, indicating that the audio design contributes positively to player immersion. GameStar also pointed out the catchy title music and impactful weapon sounds, suggesting that there are elements of the sound design that resonate well with players. However, a significant number of critics pointed out various shortcomings in the sound design and music. Everyeye.it described the sound design as disappointing, citing poor voice acting and inconsistent audio levels, while 3DJuegos mentioned a lack of variety that could detract from the overall experience. Jeuxvideo.com echoed concerns about poor sound spatialization across multiple platforms, indicating that sound issues were a common criticism. Additionally, RPGamer found the music to be unmemorable, which could diminish the emotional impact of the game. Critics like Screen Rant and Vandal also noted technical issues, such as muddied sound effects and excessive ambient noise, which further detracted from the overall sound experience. Overall, the consensus among critics reflects a divided opinion on the sound design and music of Remnant: From the Ashes. While some reviewers, such as GameSpace and Shacknews, praised the audio for enhancing immersion and combat experience, others highlighted significant flaws, particularly in voice acting and sound spatialization. The mixed feedback suggests that while there are commendable elements in the sound design, particularly in enhancing gameplay and atmosphere, there are also notable shortcomings that could prevent it from being truly memorable or impactful for players. This dichotomy illustrates that while the game has the potential for a rich audio experience, execution issues have left many critics feeling that it falls short of its goals.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Remnant: From the Ashes features a mixed bag of voice acting; while some critics praise the depth and individuality of characters, others highlight major flaws like lack of emotional engagement and inconsistently performed lines. Critics affirm that while certain language versions shine, others—like the Italian—fall flat, resulting in an overall uneven experience that affects player immersion.

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 several critics, particularly regarding the depth and individuality of the characters. For instance, PlayStation Universe praised the well-crafted dialogue and the interesting backstories of NPCs, contributing to a sense of authenticity in their portrayals. Gameplanet echoed this sentiment, noting that the NPCs are well-acted, which enhances the overall gaming experience. Additionally, GameStar highlighted the quality of the English and German voice actors, with commendations for the German voices and texts. Generación Xbox and SomosXbox also appreciated the Spanish voice acting, calling it a commendable addition that adds a special touch to the game, particularly for a title with a limited budget. On the other hand, several critics pointed out significant shortcomings in the voice acting. Everyeye.it expressed disappointment with the Italian voice acting, indicating that it detracted from the overall sound design. IGN criticized the sparse nature of the voice acting, stating it lacked depth and emotional engagement, making it difficult for players to care about the story. New Game Network described the performances as painfully inconsistent, suggesting that subpar voice acting undermined the game's serious tone. Furthermore, Worth Playing noted that the limited pool of lines for the protagonist led to repetitiveness, which could detract from immersion. Windows Central also found the voice acting questionable, with repetitious dialogue being a common complaint. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the voice acting in Remnant: From the Ashes is mixed. While some reviewers like PlayStation Universe and Gameplanet found merit in the character portrayals and overall quality, others highlighted significant flaws that hindered the experience. Critics such as IGN and New Game Network pointed to a lack of depth and consistency, which ultimately suggests that while the game has its strengths in voice acting, it also suffers from notable weaknesses that prevent it from achieving a uniformly positive reception. The varied experiences across different languages and platforms further complicate the overall assessment, indicating that the voice acting may resonate differently with players depending on their language preferences and expectations.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

"Remnant: From the Ashes" shows promise in technical performance across platforms, with praise for stability on PS4, Switch, and PC, but faces significant issues. The PS4 version suffers from frame rate drops and crashes, the Switch has long loading times and low frame rates, and the PC version experiences bugs and disconnects. While enjoyable, the game needs more optimization and polish to enhance the overall player 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 various platforms, "Remnant: From the Ashes" has received some commendations for its technical performance. On the PlayStation 4, critics like Multiplayer.it highlighted impressive technical aspects without specifying issues, while KeenGamer noted that the game runs well overall, with only minor long loading screens. On the Nintendo Switch, MMORPG.com praised the smooth performance, stating there were no major frame rate drops or bugs, and God is a Geek echoed this sentiment by reporting no drop in frame rates. On PC, Attack of the Fanboy reported a smooth and stable experience during pre-launch testing, and Vandal mentioned that the PC version is technically well-optimized, even on high-end systems. These positive remarks suggest that the game has a solid foundation across platforms, providing enjoyable gameplay experiences. Negative Aspects of Technical Performance: However, the technical performance of "Remnant: From the Ashes" is not without its issues. On the PS4, critics like Everyeye.it and PlayStation Universe pointed out frame rate issues and crashes, indicating a lack of polish that detracts from the overall experience. Digitally Downloaded noted game-breaking bugs and crashes that, while not significantly impacting fun, are concerning. On the Nintendo Switch, several reviews highlighted long loading times and performance problems, with Pure Nintendo mentioning low frame rate issues that complicate gameplay. Critics like Movies Games and Tech pointed out tiny map sizes and potential performance problems, suggesting that the Switch port is less polished than its console counterparts. On PC, while some reviews praised stability, others like Gameplanet and Hardcore Gamer reported various bugs, disconnects, and performance hitches that affect gameplay, particularly in co-op sessions. Overall Consensus: The overall consensus among critics suggests that while "Remnant: From the Ashes" has made strides in technical performance across platforms, significant issues remain that affect the player experience. The PS4 version is marked by bugs and crashes, with some reviewers like PlayStation Universe indicating that these issues impact enjoyment. The Nintendo Switch version, while praised for its portability, suffers from loading times and visual compromises, as noted by critics like Screen Rant. On PC, although there are reports of stability, many critics, including Gameplanet and PC Gamer, highlighted ongoing technical issues that need addressing. Ultimately, while the game has potential and offers enjoyable experiences, it requires further optimization and polish to fully meet the expectations of players across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Remnant: From the Ashes shines with its procedural generation and diverse gameplay, making replayability appealing through random worlds, co-op modes, and varying difficulty levels. Critics praise its unique boss encounters but note flaws like limited customization, repetitive maps, and confusing objectives that can dampen long-term enjoyment. While the game has solid replay value, its depth may falter over time, leading some to question its long-term engagement potential.

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 overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Remnant: From the Ashes is largely positive, with many critics praising its procedural generation and varied gameplay experiences. Reviewers like Attack of the Fanboy highlight the game's random world generation system, which keeps playthroughs fresh and introduces different bosses and layouts, enhancing the replayability factor. Critics such as Digital Chumps and XboxAddict also note the appeal of the game's cooperative mode and the diverse loot and character progression systems, which encourage players to explore different builds and strategies. The inclusion of multiple difficulty levels and a New Game Plus mode further contributes to the game's replay value, allowing players to experience the content in new ways, as pointed out by MGG. However, despite the positives, several critics have raised concerns about the game's replayability. Meristation mentions limited customization options and a lack of replayability as minor flaws, while DarkStation and RPGamer point out that the procedural maps can lead to repetitive and tedious gameplay. Critics like New Game Network and Jeuxvideo.com echo these sentiments, noting that confusing objectives and frustrating dead ends can detract from the overall experience. The criticism of superficial content in some regions, as highlighted by Slant Magazine, suggests that while the game offers variety, it may lack depth in its execution, leading to a sense of stagnation in later playthroughs. The overall consensus among critics is that Remnant: From the Ashes does provide a solid foundation for replayability through its procedural generation and diverse gameplay mechanics, but it is not without its shortcomings. While many reviewers, such as IGN and Hardcore Gamer, appreciate the high replay value offered by randomized elements and unique boss encounters, others caution that the game may not deliver the infinite replayability that some players seek. Critics like Game Informer and Screen Rant suggest that while the game is built for multiple playthroughs, the addictive nature may diminish after a few runs. Ultimately, Remnant: From the Ashes is viewed as a game with potential for replayability, yet it is tempered by design flaws that may affect long-term engagement.

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 towards Remnant: From the Ashes is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its unique blend of genres and engaging gameplay. Reviewers like Windows Central and Gamer.nl highlight the game's addictive gameplay, stunning visuals, and enjoyable co-op experience, making it a standout title of the year. Critics such as PC Gamer and Cultured Vultures commend the game for its creative worlds, challenging bosses, and unique loot system, which contribute to a refreshing alternative to traditional titles in the genre. Furthermore, the game's character itemization and customizable builds are noted as compelling elements by Slant Magazine, while Hobby Consolas points out the rewarding experience it offers, especially when played with friends. However, Remnant: From the Ashes is not without its flaws, as numerous critics have pointed out significant technical issues and gameplay shortcomings. Reviewers like Pure Nintendo and Screen Rant express concerns about the Switch port, citing performance problems that hinder the overall experience. Additionally, critics such as IGN and Gamer.nl mention a lackluster story and shallow content in some randomized regions, which detracts from the game's potential. The game’s steep learning curve and uneven difficulty balance are also highlighted as potential deterrents for some players, as noted by C.G. Magazine and TrueGaming. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that Remnant: From the Ashes offers a unique and enjoyable experience, particularly for fans of cooperative gameplay and challenging mechanics. While many reviewers acknowledge the game's strengths, such as its engaging combat and immersive environments, they also emphasize the need for improvements in technical performance and narrative depth. Overall, the game is recommended for those who appreciate its challenging gameplay and cooperative elements, but potential players should be aware of its shortcomings, especially on certain platforms like the Nintendo Switch, as noted by critics such as Movies Games and Tech and Starbit.

TL;DR

Remnant: From the Ashes is a thrilling blend of genres with addictive gameplay and stunning visuals, winning praise for its co-op experience and unique mechanics. However, it suffers from notable technical issues, especially on the Switch, along with a weak story and steep learning curve. While it’s a standout for fans of challenging gameplay, be prepared for some flaws.

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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