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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

PlatformPC, PlayStation 5

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 has a captivating premise and explores themes of loss and resilience, winning praise for its emotional depth and environmental storytelling. However, critics highlight significant flaws in execution, citing predictability, shallow dialogue, and disjointed narratives that detract from the overall experience. While some players may find the story engaging, many see it as a missed opportunity, leaving it feeling underwhelming.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

39%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

54%

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 mix of opinions, with several critics highlighting its engaging and emotionally resonant elements. Reviewers like Hardcore Gamer and WellPlayed commend the narrative for its themes of loss, determination, and resilience, suggesting that it effectively explores the protagonist Rei's journey in a world threatened by a black hole. Critics such as Digital Chumps and Attack of the Fanboy appreciate the depth of the story, noting that it touches on meaningful themes like acceptance and rebuilding, culminating in a satisfying conclusion. Additionally, the environmental storytelling and world-building elements have been praised by critics like IGN and VGC, who feel that they enhance the overall experience and keep players invested in the narrative. However, despite these positives, many critics have pointed out significant weaknesses in the story's execution. Multiplayer.it and Slant Magazine criticize the narrative for being predictable and lacking depth, with shallow dialogues and a failure to create narrative momentum. GameMAG and Gamer.nl echo these sentiments, noting that the plot can feel simplistic and poorly conveyed, with players often needing to piece together the story from scattered journals and confusing dialogues. Furthermore, several reviewers, including Meristation and GameSpot, mention that the story often takes a backseat to the gameplay, leading to a disjointed experience that may not resonate with all players. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Solar Ash presents a compelling premise and explores meaningful themes, its execution leaves much to be desired. Critics like Eurogamer Italy and Checkpoint Gaming acknowledge the narrative's potential but note that it can be cryptic and lacks the depth needed to fully engage a broader audience. The mixed feedback indicates that while some players may find the story engaging and thought-provoking, others may view it as a missed opportunity due to its predictability and execution flaws. As a result, Solar Ash stands as a title with a captivating setting and premise, but its narrative struggles to reach the heights that many players might hope for.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Solar Ash shines with fluid movement and exploration, earning praise for its exhilarating skating and intuitive controls, akin to Shadow of the Colossus in its boss battles. However, it falters with repetitive tasks, simplistic combat, and frustrating camera issues, which could alienate some players. While it’s a thrilling experience for those who value traversal, its flaws may limit broader appeal.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

57%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

42%

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 remarks from critics, particularly regarding its fluid movement mechanics and emphasis on exploration. Many reviewers, such as PC Gamer and Digital Trends, highlight the exhilarating skating and platforming elements that contribute to a sense of speed and momentum, allowing players to traverse environments with grace. The controls are frequently described as intuitive and responsive, making the experience enjoyable for those who appreciate precision platforming. Critics like Easy Allies and GameSpot commend the engaging boss battles, which are compared to the epic encounters in Shadow of the Colossus, further enhancing the game's appeal. The overall design encourages exploration, with a variety of traversal challenges that keep the gameplay dynamic and rewarding. However, despite these strengths, several critics point out significant drawbacks that detract from the overall experience. A common theme among reviews, including those from Guardian and Destructoid, is the repetitiveness of objectives and tasks, which can lead to disengagement over time. The combat system is frequently criticized for its simplicity and lack of depth, with reviewers like The Games Machine and PC Invasion noting that it often feels more like a nuisance than a core component of the gameplay. Additionally, issues with poorly signposted objectives and camera control, as mentioned by Comicbook.com and Screen Rant, can lead to frustrating moments that disrupt the otherwise fluid experience. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Solar Ash excels in delivering a unique and enjoyable movement experience, it struggles with repetitive gameplay and simplistic combat mechanics. Reviewers like VGC and Attack of the Fanboy acknowledge that the game remains fun and engaging despite its flaws, particularly for players who prioritize exploration and traversal over combat depth. Ultimately, Solar Ash presents a mixed bag of exhilarating movement and exploration paired with repetitive elements that may hinder its appeal to a broader audience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Solar Ash dazzles with its vibrant, colorful visuals, earning praise from critics for its stylish sci-fi aesthetic and imaginative environments. Most reviewers hail its artistic direction, likening it to Hyper Light Drifter and celebrating its captivating landscapes. However, a minority critique its originality, claiming it lacks a unique identity within the genre. Overall, the game's stunning visuals are a standout feature, enhancing the immersive gameplay experience despite some reservations.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

95%

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 its vibrant and colorful aesthetic. Reviewers such as GameMAG and New Game Network highlight the game's stylish sci-fi neon aesthetic, noting the vibrant colors and visually appealing locales that enhance the overall atmosphere. Critics like WellPlayed and GamingBolt commend the stunning visuals, with the latter emphasizing the imaginative environmental design that contributes to an immersive experience. The game's unique artistic vision, drawing comparisons to its predecessor Hyper Light Drifter, is celebrated by several reviewers, including Comicbook.com and GAMINGbible, who describe the visuals as a joy to explore. Despite the largely favorable reviews, some critics express reservations about the visual design. We Got This Covered criticizes the game for its trite visual design, suggesting that it fails to bring anything new to the indie market with its low-poly and cel-shaded style. Similarly, Slant Magazine describes the environments as standard-issue wreckage, noting that while some areas are striking, the overall experience feels flavorless. PC Invasion also points out that Solar Ash lacks a distinct visual identity compared to other atmospheric exploration games, indicating that it may not stand out in a crowded genre. In summary, while there are some critiques regarding the originality and depth of the visual design, the overall consensus among critics is that Solar Ash delivers a visually stunning experience. The majority of reviewers, including Push Square and Dexerto, celebrate the game's vibrant color palette and imaginative landscapes, contributing to a captivating atmosphere. The game's artistic direction is frequently cited as a standout feature, with many critics agreeing that it enhances the gameplay experience significantly. This blend of positive feedback, alongside a few dissenting opinions, underscores the game's strong visual presentation as a highlight of the overall experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Solar Ash’s sound design and music receive mostly positive reviews for their atmospheric and emotional depth, with standout moments like boss battle soundtracks praised for enhancing gameplay. Critics commend the evocative score by Disasterpeace, though some note a disconnect between the ambient music and high-energy gameplay, leading to feelings of isolation. While a few reviewers find the soundtrack less memorable compared to Disasterpeace's past work, most agree the audio effectively immerses players in the game's unique sci-fi experience, despite some noted flaws.

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 generally positive feedback from critics, highlighting the game's atmospheric qualities and emotional depth. Reviewers like Android Central praised the "stellar blend of dissonant synths and orchestral accompaniment," particularly noting the memorable soundtrack during boss battles. Critics such as Digital Trends and Press Start Australia emphasized how the music enhances the eerie atmosphere and emotional impact of the game, with Digital Trends specifically mentioning strong voice acting that adds depth to the characters. The soundtrack by Disasterpeace received accolades for its ability to evoke a range of emotions, with COGconnected noting that the score captures a "litany of emotions" while enhancing gameplay through satisfying sound effects. Overall, many reviewers found the music to be a fitting complement to the game's visuals and themes, enhancing the immersive experience. However, there are some criticisms regarding the soundtrack and sound design. Comicbook.com pointed out that while the ambient soundtrack is moody, it can feel mismatched with the game's high-energy gameplay, suggesting a disconnect between the music and the action. Additionally, Easy Allies noted that outside of boss fights, the music tends to be sparse and dour, contributing to a sense of loss and isolation that may not resonate with all players. Some critics, like PC Gamer, felt that the soundtrack lacks the depth and emotional resonance found in Disasterpeace's previous works, describing it as more akin to background noise than a narrative enhancer. This sentiment was echoed by others who found the music effective yet not particularly memorable, such as Hobby Consolas and PlayStation Universe. In summary, the overall consensus among critics is that Solar Ash features a well-crafted sound design and music that effectively enhance its atmospheric qualities and emotional depth. While many praised the evocative score and immersive sound effects, some critics pointed out inconsistencies in how the music aligns with gameplay dynamics and emotional engagement. Despite these criticisms, the majority of reviewers agree that the audio landscape contributes positively to the overall experience, with critics like SpazioGames and Twinfinite highlighting the soundtrack's ability to complement gameplay and enhance the emotional journey. Ultimately, Solar Ash presents a compelling audio experience that, while not without its flaws, is largely successful in immersing players in its unique sci-fi world.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Solar Ash's voice acting has been praised for enhancing narrative depth and character development, particularly with strong performances from Rei and Echo. Critics highlight emotional resonance and charm, enriching the gameplay experience. However, issues like unclear dialogue, excessive exposition, and inconsistent quality also emerged, suggesting that while the voice work is a strong point, it still has significant flaws that could be improved in future games.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

53%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

42%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Solar Ash has garnered a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting its contribution to the game's narrative depth and character development. Reviewers such as Digital Trends and Twinfinite praised the strong performances, particularly noting the emotional resonance of the protagonist Rei and the character Echo, voiced by Fryda Wolff. Critics like GamesRadar+ and Metro GameCentral emphasized how the voice acting adds charm and relatability to the characters, enriching the overall experience. The performances were described as excellent by GameSpew and Vandal, with many reviewers agreeing that the voice work enhances the storytelling and immerses players in the game's world. However, not all feedback was favorable, as some critics pointed out significant drawbacks in the voice acting. GameMAG criticized the clarity of the dialogue, citing issues with confusing and poorly translated lines that detracted from the overall experience. Similarly, PC Gamer expressed dissatisfaction with the excessive exposition present in the voice acting, which they felt hindered engagement with the story and characters. GamingBolt noted that while the voice acting was generally good, some lines felt flat, and the tonal shifts of the protagonist could be jarring, indicating inconsistency in performance quality across different characters. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while the voice acting in Solar Ash is a strong aspect of the game, there are notable inconsistencies that affect the overall experience. Many reviewers, including Hardcore Gamer and Noisy Pixel, acknowledged the emotional depth brought by the voice performances, yet others raised concerns about dialogue clarity and engagement. This mixed reception indicates that while the voice acting contributes positively to the narrative, it is not without its flaws, leaving room for improvement in future titles.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Solar Ash performs well overall, especially on PC, achieving high frame rates and stability. The PS5 version, while generally praised for its fluid experience and lack of major bugs, suffers from frame rate dips, stuttering, and navigation issues that can frustrate players. Critics agree that despite its technical achievements, the game needs optimization to address these performance shortcomings.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

38%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

54%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The technical performance of Solar Ash has garnered a mixed reception across different platforms, particularly on the PlayStation 5 and PC. On the PS5, several reviewers praised the game for its generally solid performance. Critics like Gaming Nexus and PlayStation Universe highlighted the absence of bugs and technical issues, emphasizing a fluid gaming experience. Metro GameCentral noted the generous checkpoint system, which contributes to a smooth experience even during challenging segments. Additionally, SpazioGames pointed out the commendable technical launch for an indie title, with stable frame rates and minimal bugs, which is a positive indicator of the game’s polish. However, the PS5 version is not without its flaws. Multiple critics, including App Trigger and New Game Network, reported issues with frame rate dips and stuttering that detracted from the overall gameplay experience. Android Central and We Got This Covered echoed these sentiments, describing glitches and performance issues that can lead to frustrating moments, particularly during boss battles. Digital Trends and GameMAG also mentioned camera struggles and navigation problems that hinder the gameplay, indicating that while the game has moments of polish, there are significant technical shortcomings that need addressing. On the PC front, the reviews present a more favorable outlook overall, with Eurogamer Italy commending the game's stability and ability to achieve high frame rates up to 144fps. Critics like The Games Machine and Hardcore Gamer acknowledged that while the game runs well on high settings, there are occasional frame drops and camera issues that can impact gameplay. However, these issues seem to be less severe compared to those reported on the PS5. The consensus among critics suggests that while Solar Ash has notable technical achievements across platforms, particularly on PC, it still suffers from various performance issues that can affect the gaming experience, especially on the PS5. Overall, the game showcases potential but requires further optimization to fully realize its capabilities.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics praise Solar Ash for collectibles and challenges that enhance replayability, but most agree its repetitive gameplay and short length (5-10 hours) severely limit long-term interest. While completionists may enjoy the exploration, the game lacks diverse content, making it less appealing for multiple playthroughs. Overall, it fails to keep players engaged after the initial experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

80%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

15%

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

In analyzing the opinions of various critics regarding the replay value of Solar Ash, there are a few positive aspects that stand out. Several reviewers, such as GamingTrend and Press Start Australia, highlight the presence of collectibles and side missions that can enhance the gameplay experience, encouraging players to explore the game's world more thoroughly. Critics like Metro GameCentral and GameSpew also point out that the game includes features like a Hardcore difficulty mode and speedrunning challenges, which can provide additional motivation for players looking to revisit the game. Furthermore, the allure of unlocking different suits and achievements, as noted by IGN and Game Rant, offers a layer of customization that can entice players to engage with the game beyond their initial playthrough. However, the majority of critics express concerns regarding the game's replay value due to its repetitive nature and limited content. Android Central and GameMAG emphasize that the gameplay loop can become monotonous, which detracts from the desire to replay the game. Many reviewers, including Attack of the Fanboy and Vandal, mention that the game is relatively short, with playtimes averaging between five to ten hours, and lacks substantial endgame content or varied gameplay mechanics. Critics like Digital Trends and PC Gamer further reinforce this sentiment by noting that while the game may offer a satisfying experience initially, it does not provide enough incentive for players to return after completing the main story and side quests. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Solar Ash has some redeeming qualities that could appeal to completionists and those who enjoy exploration, its replay value is significantly hampered by repetitive gameplay and a lack of diverse content. The opinions of critics such as Gamer.nl and SpazioGames reflect a shared belief that the game does not offer compelling reasons for multiple playthroughs, making it less appealing for players seeking a rich, varied experience. Despite some positive elements, the overarching sentiment is that Solar Ash may not hold players' interest for long after their initial journey through its world.

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 surrounding Solar Ash is largely positive, with many critics praising its stunning visuals, engaging movement mechanics, and unique artistic style. Reviewers like PC Gamer and Twinfinite highlight the game's breathtaking aesthetic and fluid gameplay, emphasizing how these elements contribute to an exhilarating experience. Critics from Digital Trends and Game Informer also commend the compelling sci-fi narrative and the game's ability to create an immersive atmosphere. The traversal mechanics receive particular acclaim, with Vandal and TheSixthAxis noting that the game's focus on movement provides a sense of freedom and fluidity that enhances the overall enjoyment. However, despite these strengths, Solar Ash is not without its criticisms. Many reviewers point out the game's repetitive gameplay and lack of depth in both story and combat mechanics. For instance, New Game Network and Wccftech mention that the combat can feel dull and simplistic, detracting from the overall experience. Critics like Slant Magazine and We Got This Covered express disappointment in the game's narrative execution, suggesting that it falls short of the imaginative storytelling found in the developers' previous title, Hyper Light Drifter. Technical issues, such as control problems and a lack of character progression, are also noted by several reviewers, including IGN and App Trigger, indicating that while the game has a solid foundation, it could benefit from further refinement. In summary, the consensus among critics is that while Solar Ash boasts impressive visuals and engaging gameplay mechanics, it ultimately struggles with repetitive elements and a lack of narrative depth. Reviewers like GameSpot and GamingBolt recommend the game for its artistic merits and enjoyable platforming, but many also caution potential players about its shortcomings. Overall, Solar Ash is seen as a commendable effort that showcases the developers' talent, yet it leaves some critics wanting more in terms of innovation and storytelling depth.

TL;DR

Solar Ash impresses with stunning visuals and fluid movement mechanics, earning praise for its artistic style and immersive sci-fi narrative. However, critics highlight repetitive gameplay, lackluster combat depth, and technical issues as major drawbacks. While recommended for its aesthetic and platforming, many feel it falls short of the narrative ambition set by the developers' previous work, Hyper Light Drifter. Overall, it’s a commendable effort that leaves room for improvement.

MONSTER

Reviews

103 reviews found

WellPlayed

PlayStation 5

Dec 3, 2021