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MONSTER

Solar Ash

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Solar Ash
Item: Solar Ash
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2021

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Third Person Perspective, Platformer, Single Player

AvailableDec 2, 2021

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperHeart Machine

Overview

Journey through a surreal, vivid and highly stylized world filled with mystery, wild high-speed traversal, endearing characters, and massive enemy encounters. The Void beckons…

Elsewhere

5.7

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Solar Ash boasts a compelling premise centered on resilience and hope, with praised character development, particularly that of Rei. However, critics largely find the story execution lacking, describing it as simplistic and poorly conveyed, leading to confusion and disengagement. While the game offers emotional moments and aesthetic appeal, its narrative falls short of delivering a cohesive and impactful experience, leaving many players wanting more depth and clarity.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

41%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

52%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The story of Solar Ash has garnered a range of positive remarks from critics, particularly regarding its central themes and character development. Many reviewers, such as Game Informer and Digital Trends, highlight the narrative's exploration of resilience, loss, and hope in the face of overwhelming odds. The character of Rei, a Voidrunner on a mission to save her home planet from the destructive force of the Ultravoid, has been praised for her depth and the evolution she undergoes throughout the game. Critics like New Game Network and Easy Allies note the engaging nature of the story, with some even appreciating the moral complexities and emotional weight it carries. Additionally, GamesRadar+ points out the poignant character backstories revealed through audio logs, adding layers to the narrative experience. However, the overall sentiment regarding the story is marred by significant criticisms concerning its execution and depth. Many reviewers, including Slant Magazine and GameMAG, describe the narrative as simplistic and poorly conveyed, with some feeling that it fails to generate meaningful engagement. Critics like Destructoid and VG247 express that the story often feels thin, lacking the necessary momentum to keep players invested. Furthermore, issues such as translation inconsistencies and vague plot elements are mentioned by Hobby Consolas and GameSpot, leading to a sense of confusion about the stakes and the overall narrative structure. The reliance on scattered journals and dialogues to piece together the plot is seen as a detriment by several reviewers, including Gaming Age, who struggled to grasp the storyline. In summary, while Solar Ash presents a compelling premise with themes of hope and resilience, the execution of its story has left many critics feeling underwhelmed. The narrative's potential is often overshadowed by its predictability and lack of depth, as noted by Multiplayer.it and Guardian. The consensus among critics suggests that while the game has moments of brilliance and emotional resonance, it ultimately falls short in delivering a cohesive and engaging narrative experience. The mixed reviews indicate that Solar Ash may appeal to some players for its aesthetic and thematic aspirations, but many will find the storytelling lacking in substance and clarity.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Solar Ash shines with exhilarating traversal mechanics and fluid movement, delivering an engaging experience for fans of skating and parkour. However, critics warn of repetitive gameplay and simplistic combat that can dampen long-term enjoyment. While the initial thrill captivates, the lack of depth and variety may limit its appeal, favoring exploration over combat complexity.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

53%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

46%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Solar Ash has garnered a range of positive feedback, particularly regarding its emphasis on fluid movement and traversal mechanics. Critics like COGconnected and Digital Trends highlight the game's smooth and exhilarating skating and parkour elements, which create a dynamic experience that many players find enjoyable. The traversal mechanics are often described as engaging and well-integrated, allowing players to glide, jump, and perform acrobatic maneuvers with a sense of speed and momentum. Critics such as Noisy Pixel and Twinfinite appreciate the fluidity of movement and the creativity required during boss fights, suggesting that these elements contribute significantly to the overall enjoyment of the gameplay. However, several reviewers express concerns about the repetitive nature of the gameplay and the lack of depth in combat mechanics. Guardian and New Game Network point out that while the fast-paced traversal is initially thrilling, it can become formulaic and monotonous over time. The combat system is frequently criticized for being simplistic and lacking variety, with critics like Eurogamer Italy and Digital Chumps noting that it detracts from the overall experience. Additionally, the inconsistent movement controls and poorly signposted objectives mentioned by Guardian and NintendoWorldReport can lead to frustration, impacting the player's engagement with the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Solar Ash excels in its traversal mechanics and fluid movement, creating an enjoyable experience, particularly for players who appreciate exploration and platforming. However, the repetitive gameplay loop and simplistic combat mechanics are significant drawbacks that many reviewers, including VG247 and Game Rant, believe diminish the long-term appeal of the game. While the initial hours may be exhilarating, as noted by XboxEra, the lack of variety and depth can lead to a decline in engagement, suggesting that Solar Ash may appeal more to those who prioritize movement and exploration over combat complexity.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Solar Ash dazzles with vibrant, imaginative visuals that critics largely praise for their dreamlike landscapes and bold color palettes. However, some argue the style feels overused and lacks originality compared to similar titles. Despite minor criticisms regarding platform performance and distinctiveness, the game's striking aesthetics and immersive world leave a lasting impression, solidifying its status as a standout in gaming visuals.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

96%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Solar Ash is predominantly positive, with many critics praising the game's vibrant and imaginative aesthetic. Reviewers like Press Start Australia and PC Gamer highlight the striking visuals, emphasizing the dreamlike landscapes and the use of a vivid color palette that enhances the overall experience. Critics such as New Game Network and GameSpew also commend the stylish sci-fi neon aesthetic, noting how the visually appealing locales contribute to a captivating atmosphere. The game's ability to create a surreal and immersive world, as mentioned by reviewers like Destructoid and PC Games, further underscores the strength of its visual presentation. However, some critics express reservations about certain aspects of the game's visual design. For instance, We Got This Covered criticizes the visual style as trite and oversaturated in the indie market, while Slant Magazine describes the environments as "standard-issue wreckage of civilization" that ultimately feel flavorless. Additionally, PC Invasion points out that Solar Ash lacks a distinct visual identity compared to its predecessor, suggesting that it resembles other atmospheric exploration games. TouchArcade also notes the visual cutbacks in the Nintendo Switch version, indicating that the game's graphics may not be uniformly impressive across all platforms. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers is that Solar Ash features a visually stunning and unique art style that captivates players. Many critics, including GamingBolt and VGC, highlight the game's imaginative environmental design and cohesive presentation, which contribute to a memorable gaming experience. The vibrant colors and striking aesthetics are consistently praised, with multiple reviewers, such as PlayStation Universe and TheSixthAxis, noting the game's ability to create a visually rich world filled with contrast and detail. While some critiques exist regarding originality and platform performance, the majority of critics agree that Solar Ash excels in its graphics and visual design, making it a standout title in its genre.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Solar Ash's sound design and music have received praise for creating an immersive atmosphere, with standout contributions from composer Disasterpeace. Critics celebrated the blend of synths and orchestral music that enhances gameplay, particularly during boss battles. However, some noted issues with the soundtrack's memorability and fit with the game's pacing, labeling parts as background noise. Despite this, the overall consensus is that the soundscape enriches the game’s emotional depth, making it a noteworthy aspect of the experience, though some improvements are still needed.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

70%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

30%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Solar Ash have garnered a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting the game's ability to create an immersive atmosphere. Reviewers such as Android Central praised the "stellar blend of dissonant synths and orchestral accompaniment," particularly noting the memorable soundtrack during boss battles. Critics like Destructoid and Digital Trends echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing how the emotive score and eerie atmosphere enhance the gameplay experience. The contributions of composer Disasterpeace were frequently acknowledged, with many reviewers, including Digital Chumps and SpazioGames, commending the soundtrack for effectively complementing the game's emotional and immersive qualities. The sound design, including strong voice acting and sound effects, was also noted for adding depth to character interactions and the overall narrative, as highlighted by GamesRadar+ and Gaming Nexus. However, not all feedback was entirely favorable. Some critics pointed out issues with the soundtrack's memorability and its fit with the game's pacing. For instance, Comicbook.com noted that the ambient soundtrack sometimes felt mismatched with the game's high-energy gameplay, while PlayStation Universe expressed a desire for a more impactful and memorable score. Additionally, PC Gamer criticized the soundtrack for lacking the emotional depth found in Disasterpeace's previous works, describing it as feeling more like background noise than a narrative enhancer. There were also mentions of audio bugs in the PC version by Everyeye.it, which could detract from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Solar Ash features a sound design and music composition that significantly enhance the game's atmosphere and gameplay. While there are some criticisms regarding the memorability of the soundtrack and its occasional mismatch with gameplay intensity, the majority of reviewers agree that the soundscape effectively contributes to the game's emotional weight and immersive qualities. Critics like Press Start Australia and WellPlayed highlighted the ethereal and haunting nature of the music, which successfully grounds players in the game's sci-fi world. Ultimately, Solar Ash is recognized for its artistic sound design, even if some elements leave room for improvement.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The voice acting in Solar Ash is largely praised for enhancing character development and emotional depth, with standout performances from Fryda Wolff as Rei and Echo. Critics highlight its positive impact on storytelling, making characters memorable. However, some reviewers note issues with dialogue clarity and engagement, suggesting that while the voice work is strong, certain parts fall flat. Overall, most agree it’s a key asset to the game despite some criticism.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

55%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

41%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Solar Ash has received a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting its contribution to character development and emotional engagement. Reviewers like Digital Trends and GamesRadar+ praised the strong performances, particularly noting the protagonist Rei's portrayal, which conveys her emotional struggles effectively. Twinfinite also emphasized the strength of the cast, particularly Fryda Wolff's performances as both Echo and Rei, which added depth to the characters. Critics from Gaming Nexus and Vandal echoed this sentiment, describing the voice acting as fully realized and positively impactful on the overall experience. Additionally, Easy Allies remarked on how the voice acting made each character memorable, further enhancing the narrative. However, not all feedback was complimentary, as some critics pointed out significant issues with the voice acting. GameMAG criticized the clarity of the dialogue, describing it as confusing and poorly translated, which detracted from the overall experience. Similarly, PC Gamer noted that excessive exposition and lack of engaging dialogue diminished the storytelling effectiveness. GamingBolt mentioned that while the voice acting was generally good, some lines felt flat, and tonal shifts in the protagonist's performance could be jarring. VG247 also expressed a lack of engagement with the characters and story, indicating that despite solid voice work, it failed to resonate with them. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in Solar Ash is a strong aspect of the game, contributing positively to character development and emotional depth. While there are criticisms regarding clarity and engagement, the majority of reviewers, including Metro GameCentral and Hardcore Gamer, found the performances to be well-executed and impactful. The positive remarks about standout performances, particularly from the main characters, suggest that the voice acting is a significant asset, even if some critics experienced issues with dialogue clarity and emotional investment.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

"Solar Ash" showcases mixed technical performance across platforms. The PS5 and Xbox Series X versions received praise for stability and few bugs, but faced criticism for frame rate dips and camera issues. The Nintendo Switch struggles significantly with lower performance and visual cutbacks. While PC performance is generally solid, it’s not without minor audio and camera problems. Overall, critics agree on a strong foundation but highlight notable technical inconsistencies that impact gameplay, especially on PS5 and Switch.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

40%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The technical performance of "Solar Ash" across various gaming platforms presents a mixed bag of experiences. On the PlayStation 5, several critics noted commendable aspects, such as Gaming Nexus, who highlighted the performance as excellent with no bugs or technical issues, and PlayStation Universe, which echoed similar sentiments, declaring it bug-free and error-free. Metro GameCentral praised the game's generous checkpoint system and stability, ensuring a smooth experience even during challenging segments. Additionally, SpazioGames reported a stable frame rate with minimal bugs, indicating a strong technical launch for an indie title. The Xbox Series X version also received positive feedback, with XboxEra noting that it ran great with little to no slowdown while aiming for sixty frames per second. On PC, Eurogamer Italy praised the stability and solid frame rate up to 144fps, contributing positively to the gameplay experience. However, the negatives are quite pronounced, particularly on the PlayStation 5. Critics like App Trigger experienced constant frame dips and stuttering that significantly impacted immersion. New Game Network pointed out noticeable frame rate drops that affected gameplay, while Digital Chumps mentioned issues with movement mechanics that led to frustrating experiences. We Got This Covered also noted performance issues, specifically stuttering and poor frame pacing. On the Nintendo Switch, both NintendoWorldReport and TouchArcade highlighted performance issues, with the Switch version suffering from a lower frame rate and noticeable visual cutbacks, detracting from the overall experience. The PC version, while generally stable, was not without its faults, as Everyeye.it pointed out audio bugs and localization problems, and Hardcore Gamer mentioned frustrations with camera angles during boss battles. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a divided reception regarding technical performance across platforms. While the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions have their share of praise for stability and performance, they also face criticism for frame rate issues and camera struggles. The Nintendo Switch version appears to lag behind, suffering from more significant performance drawbacks. On PC, while the performance is mostly stable, minor issues with camera and control quirks were noted. The critics collectively suggest that while "Solar Ash" has a solid foundation, it is marred by technical inconsistencies that can detract from the overall experience, especially on the PS5 and Switch.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Solar Ash has some redeeming qualities, like collectibles and speedrunning potential, but critics overwhelmingly agree its repetitive gameplay and lack of engaging side content diminish its replay value. While exploration offers some intrigue, the short playtime and limited depth make it best suited for a single playthrough rather than repeated visits.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

78%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

16%

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

The opinions of critics regarding the replay value of Solar Ash reveal a few positive aspects worth noting. Several reviewers, such as GamingTrend and Metro GameCentral, highlight the game's collectibles and optional suits, which can encourage players to explore beyond the main story. The presence of achievements, like completing the game in under three hours, as mentioned by GameSpew, also suggests that speedrunning could provide an engaging challenge for some players. Additionally, PlayStation Universe points out that the platforming and parkour challenges can keep the gameplay interesting, while Press Start Australia notes that the small story threads within the game's regions contribute to a sense of place, potentially enhancing the overall experience for those who enjoy exploration. However, the criticisms regarding Solar Ash's replay value are notably more pronounced. A majority of critics, including Android Central and GameMAG, express concerns about the game's repetitive nature, which detracts from the overall experience and limits the motivation for multiple playthroughs. Many reviewers, such as App Trigger and Gamer.nl, emphasize the lack of compelling side content and engaging gameplay beyond the initial run, suggesting that players may not find enough incentive to revisit the game. The relatively short playtime, often cited around 5 to 10 hours, further compounds this issue, as highlighted by Digital Trends and SpazioGames, leading to a consensus that the game may not sustain interest for long after the first completion. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Solar Ash offers some elements that could entice players to return, such as collectibles and the potential for speedrunning, the repetitive gameplay and limited endgame content significantly hinder its replay value. Critics like Wccftech and PC Gamer echo this sentiment, noting that the experience may feel stale after the initial playthrough. Despite some positive elements that encourage exploration, the overwhelming sentiment is that the game lacks sufficient depth and variety to warrant multiple runs, making it a title that may be best enjoyed in a single playthrough rather than revisited frequently.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

55%

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 Solar Ash is a mix of appreciation for its artistic design and gameplay mechanics, alongside criticism of its narrative depth and combat system. Many reviewers, such as PC Gamer and Eurogamer Italy, highlight the game’s stunning visuals and innovative movement mechanics, which create a unique and engaging experience. Critics like Easy Allies and Metro GameCentral commend the game for its ambitious design and enjoyable traversal, noting that it stands out among other indie titles. The game's ability to deliver a visually captivating world, as mentioned by God is a Geek, is frequently praised, suggesting that players who appreciate aesthetic and fluid gameplay might find it particularly appealing. However, Solar Ash is not without its flaws. A significant number of critics, including New Game Network and NintendoWorldReport, point out the repetitive gameplay and lack of depth in combat, which detracts from the overall experience. Reviewers like Game Rant and Wccftech echo this sentiment, indicating that while the game is visually impressive, it ultimately suffers from a simplistic combat system and a lack of engaging story elements. Technical issues are also mentioned by several critics, including Digital Chumps and Jeuxvideo.com, which further complicate the gameplay experience and may hinder player enjoyment. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that Solar Ash is a visually stunning and creatively ambitious title that offers a unique experience, but it falls short in gameplay variety and narrative engagement. While some reviewers, such as GamingBolt and Press Start Australia, recommend it for its artistic merits and enjoyable traversal mechanics, others caution potential players about its repetitive nature and lack of depth. Overall, Solar Ash appears to be a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre and those who appreciate its artistic vision, but it may not resonate with everyone due to its shortcomings in combat and story.

TL;DR

Solar Ash dazzles with stunning visuals and innovative movement, earning praise for its artistic design. However, critics slam its repetitive gameplay, shallow combat, and lack of narrative depth, revealing significant flaws that may deter some players. It's a worthwhile experience for fans of aesthetic indie games, but expect gameplay shortcomings.

MONSTER

Reviews

108 reviews found

WellPlayed

PlayStation 5

Dec 3, 2021