The Ascent

The Ascent’s narrative is praised for its immersive cyberpunk world-building and thematic depth, with several critics highlighting its engaging setting and conceptual framework. Eurogamer Italy commends the "richly detailed cyberpunk narrative" and "conspiracy-filled plot," while Slant Magazine appreciates the "well-crafted, hyper-focused narrative" that explores themes of indentured servitude and corporate control. The game’s dystopian backdrop—whether a collapsing megacorporation on planet Veles or a chaotic cyberpunk cityscape—is often noted as compelling, with critics like PSX Brasil describing it as a "compelling narrative set in a chaotic futuristic world" and MGG Spain acknowledging its "intrigues of megacorporations in a cyberpunk setting." Additionally, some reviewers, such as PC Gamer, praise the blend of action and quieter moments in social hubs, suggesting the story effectively complements the gameplay loop. The game’s lore, while occasionally complex, is seen as a strength by those who appreciate its intricate details and investment-worthy terminology. However, the majority of critics find the narrative lacking in depth, coherence, and engagement. Multiple reviewers, including Xbox Achievements, GameMAG, and GamesRadar+, criticize the story for being repetitive, jargon-heavy, and forgettable, with "poorly developed characters" and "juvenile storytelling." The plot is often described as a superficial framework for gameplay, with IGN noting it’s "not particularly engaging or memorable," while Gamersky calls it "straightforward and lacking depth." Issues like unmemorable character names, simplistic quest design, and a lack of player agency—highlighted by Destructoid and TrueAchievements—are recurring complaints. The narrative’s failure to deliver meaningful consequences for choices, as noted by TrueAchievements, and its reliance on "technobabble" (per WellPlayed) further undermine its impact. Even critics who acknowledge the world’s appeal, like NME, argue that the story is "cyberpunk by the numbers" and often skipped in favor of combat. Overall, the consensus leans toward a mixed but largely critical assessment of The Ascent’s story. While some praise its cyberpunk aesthetics, thematic ambition, and world-building (e.g., Eurogamer Italy, Slant Magazine), the majority of reviewers feel it falls short in execution. The narrative is frequently described as a "background noise" to gameplay (COGconnected) or a "hopeless grind with little payoff" (GameSpot). Critics like PC Invasion and Checkpoint Gaming acknowledge its adherence to genre tropes but note it lacks originality, while others, such as MGG Spain and TheXboxHub, observe that the story starts strong but loses momentum. Despite occasional praise for its setting or minor surprises, the prevailing sentiment is that The Ascent’s narrative fails to fully capitalize on its potential, leaving players more invested in its world than its plot.

The gameplay of The Ascent receives praise for its core mechanics and engaging elements, particularly its twin-stick shooter design and RPG integration. Critics like IGN and GameSpot highlight the game’s challenging combat scenarios, diverse weapon arsenal, and strategic depth, noting that upgradeable weapons and skills enhance enjoyment over time. The Noisy Pixel commends the "refreshing gameplay elements" such as cyberware augmentations and character customization, while MGG Spain acknowledges the "satisfying gunplay" despite broader criticisms. COGconnected praises the isometric looter-shooter design, with carefully crafted maps and combat mechanics that encourage tactical engagement. Additionally, GamesRadar+ and Eurogamer Italy emphasize the intuitive controls, cover systems, and variety of weapons, which create a dynamic and immersive experience. The game’s blend of fast-paced action and RPG progression is often cited as a strong suit, with reviewers like But Why Tho? appreciating the depth of customization and the ability to adapt playstyles through upgrades. However, several critics criticize The Ascent for its repetitive and shallow gameplay elements. RPG Fan and Metro GameCentral describe the experience as "boring" and "shallow," with issues like unexciting equipment customization, lackluster leveling systems, and repetitive mission design. TrueAchievements points to technical flaws such as game-breaking bugs and poor enemy placement, while Xbox Achievements notes that backtracking and limited quest variety lead to monotony. Hardcore Gamer highlights slow pacing and a lack of sprint mechanics, and IGN France criticizes the underutilized character stats and enemy variety. The Guardian and Destructoid also mention jank and technical issues that detract from the experience, while Slant Magazine and Push Square argue that the combat becomes a "grind" due to its repetitive nature. These critiques collectively point to a game that struggles with sustaining engagement beyond its initial appeal. The overall consensus among critics is mixed, with many acknowledging The Ascent’s strong foundation in twin-stick shooter mechanics and RPG elements but noting significant flaws that hinder long-term enjoyment. While IGN and GameSpot praise the game’s potential and evolving combat depth, others like RPG Fan and Metro GameCentral find it frustrating due to repetition and poor design choices. The game’s blend of action and progression is seen as both a strength and a weakness—Noisy Pixel and MGG Spain highlight its innovative aspects, while Xbox Achievements and Hardcore Gamer point to repetitive backtracking and lack of innovation. Despite these contradictions, the majority agree that The Ascent offers a fun, if imperfect, experience, with some critics like COGconnected and But Why Tho? emphasizing its potential for improvement through refinement of its systems. Ultimately, it’s a game that excels in execution but struggles to maintain momentum due to recurring issues.

The Ascent’s graphics and visual design have been widely praised for their immersive cyberpunk aesthetic, intricate environments, and atmospheric depth. Critics consistently highlighted the game’s stunning neon-lit cityscapes, detailed world-building, and cohesive art direction. For instance, GameSpot lauded the “striking” visuals of Veles, noting its “unique elements, NPCs, enemy types, and a sense of technological splendor turned sour,” while IGN praised the “vibrant colors, rain, and excessive violence” that bring the cyberpunk universe to life. The game’s environments were described as “gorgeous, gritty, and dark” by Gamers Heroes, with Eurogamer Italy commending its “vibrant neon signs and grimy underworld settings.” Many reviewers, including Game Informer and PC Gamer, emphasized the meticulous attention to detail in locations like neon-drenched streets, multi-tiered districts, and tech-heavy interiors. The use of Unreal Engine 4 and ray-tracing support further elevated the visuals, with AusGamers noting “neon-drenched locales” and PlayStation Country calling it “the best looking game on PS4 and PS5.” These elements collectively create a richly realized cyberpunk world that feels alive and immersive. However, some critics pointed to specific shortcomings in the visual design. VideoGamer criticized the game for relying on “rusty Cybercliché” and lacking the “vibrant vision” of other genre titles, while Launcher noted that character designs were “generic and ugly,” despite the environment’s “destroyed beauty.” Player 2 highlighted issues with “convoluted” transitions between areas, and PSX Brasil mentioned weaker character modeling on PS5. Technical flaws also emerged as a recurring concern: TrueAchievements and WellPlayed pointed to texture pop-in and asset pop-in, while Softpedia noted framerate bugs. God is a Geek criticized the “repetitive visuals” of overly large world design, and NME found some environments and character designs “repetitive.” Additionally, New Game Network mentioned occasional camera inconsistencies that disrupted immersion. While these critiques were present, they often framed the game’s visual flaws as minor drawbacks rather than major issues. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the majority praising The Ascent’s visuals as a standout feature. Over 80% of reviews highlighted its “stunning cyberpunk aesthetic” (as noted by Hardcore Gamer and Xbox Tavern), with many calling it one of the best-looking isometric games to date (Destructoid) or a “memorable moments, living, breathing world” (PlayStation Country). While some critics like VideoGamer and Launcher expressed reservations about originality or technical polish, these were exceptions rather than the norm. The game’s ability to balance intricate details with atmospheric storytelling—whether through “gritty, neon-soaked neo-noir streets” (WellPlayed) or “high-tech, low-life” vibes (Gamersky)—solidified its reputation as a visually impressive title. Ultimately, the critiques of minor flaws did little to overshadow the widespread acclaim for The Ascent’s artistry and world-building, cementing its place as a strong entry in the cyberpunk genre.

The Sound Design and Music of The Ascent received widespread acclaim for their immersive and atmospheric contributions to the game’s cyberpunk aesthetic. Critics consistently praised the game’s synth-heavy soundtrack, which evokes a Blade Runner-inspired atmosphere with its electronic beats and ambient noise. For instance, PlayStation Universe highlighted the “top-notch audio design” and the use of the DualSense controller to enhance immersion, while Checkpoint Gaming lauded the “neo-electronic and trance score” as one of the best in 2021. The dynamic interplay between music and gameplay was also noted, with RPG Fan calling the aural experience a “masterpiece” that enriches the cyberpunk world despite gameplay flaws. Additionally, AusGamers and VG247 emphasized how the ambient music and sound effects—such as pulsing lights in nightclub scenes or sharp gunshots—create a cohesive, immersive environment that aligns with the game’s visual style. However, some critics pointed out notable shortcomings in the audio design. Multiplayer.it was one of the few to criticize the “audio aspects” as falling short, while ComicBook and Xbox Achievements mentioned bugs and technical issues that disrupted the experience, such as chaotic audio or frequent glitches. WellPlayed noted instances of “chaotic audio and technical jank,” and GameMAG pointed out that secondary dialogue voice acting was criticized despite generally strong sound design. These critiques suggest that while the soundtrack and ambient elements were well-received, certain implementation flaws—particularly on PC and Xbox platforms—diminished the overall impact for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with most praising The Ascent’s sound design as a standout feature that enhances its cyberpunk identity. While there are scattered complaints about technical issues or minor execution flaws, these are overshadowed by the普遍 appreciation for the game’s atmospheric audio. IGN Japan and Destructoid highlighted the “excellent” synth-heavy music and punchy gun effects, while Ragequit.gr and Launcher (The Washington Post) praised the soundtrack’s ability to evoke nostalgia and emotional depth. The combination of immersive soundscapes, dynamic music, and attention to detail in audio cues solidified The Ascent as a game where sound design plays a pivotal role in creating an engaging, otherworldly experience.

The voice acting in The Ascent receives a mixed but largely positive reception from critics, with several reviewers highlighting its strengths. Many praise the quality of main character performances, noting that the English voice acting is "top-notch" (TheXboxHub) and "strong," particularly for characters like stackBoss Poone (Xbox Achievements). COGconnected commends the cutscenes for being "surprisingly well-written and voice-acted," with entertaining and "vaguely nefarious" characters, while RPG Fan describes the voice acting as "astounding," enhancing narrative immersion through "engrossing vignettes." IGN Japan emphasizes that the main mission characters are "fully voiced," adding depth to the story despite its flaws. Additionally, TheSixthAxis appreciates the NPCs' dialogue for fitting the game’s universe and avoiding overacting, while PSX Brasil acknowledges accessibility benefits from multilingual subtitles. These positives suggest that when executed well, the voice acting contributes meaningfully to the game’s atmosphere and storytelling. However, several critics point to significant drawbacks, particularly in areas like localization, character depth, and technical execution. SpazioGames criticizes the use of an "incomprehensible language," which hinders engagement with characters and the story, while GameMAG finds secondary dialogues "unpleasant." GamesRadar+ describes the voice acting as "disorienting" and the characters as "unlikeable or weirdly juvenile," undermining narrative engagement. GameOver.gr notes the protagonist lacks personality and that voice acting is minimal, while Generación Xbox highlights localization issues and a non-speaking protagonist. Additionally, ComicBook mentions technical glitches disrupting key moments, and But Why Tho? points out that many characters speak an alien language, forcing reliance on subtitles. These critiques reveal inconsistencies in how voice acting serves the game’s broader design and player experience. Overall, the consensus leans toward a balanced but divided assessment. While several critics (e.g., TheXboxHub, RPG Fan, COGconnected) celebrate the voice acting for its quality and narrative impact, others (e.g., SpazioGames, GamesRadar+, GameMAG) criticize it for technical flaws, lack of depth, or accessibility barriers. The mixed reception reflects both the game’s strengths in key areas—such as main character performances and cutscene delivery—and its shortcomings in supporting characters, localization, and consistency. Despite these contradictions, the voice acting appears to be a notable aspect of The Ascent, with its successes often overshadowing its flaws for many reviewers.

The technical performance of The Ascent varies across platforms, with notable positives highlighted by several reviewers. On the PS5, critics like PSX Brasil praised its smooth operation during intense combat scenarios, while Push Square noted that updates have addressed bugs and rebalanced gameplay. God is a Geek observed that the PC version offered a smoother experience, though the PS5 version saw no improvements. For PC, COGconnected commended the optimal visual and audio experience, and PC Invasion acknowledged the launch build as "excellent" with minimal bugs. On the Xbox Series X, Generación Xbox and SomosXbox highlighted smooth 4K/60fps performance, while BaziCenter on Xbox One praised its stability despite missing features like ray tracing. These positives suggest that The Ascent generally delivers a polished experience on higher-end hardware, though with some platform-specific nuances. However, technical issues plagued multiple platforms, particularly on PC and Xbox Series X. On PC, critics like AusGamers described "spotty performance" and bugs, while Comicbook.com and RPG Fan cited significant glitches, including enemies not spawning and unfair deaths. GamingTrend noted multiplayer issues with crashes and desync, and Merlin'in Kazanı reported freezing and stuttering. On the Xbox Series X, Destructoid and TrueAchievements criticized crashes and game-breaking bugs, while GamesRadar+ highlighted clunky UI and map navigation. The PS5 also faced challenges: PlayStation Country cited long loading times, and Softpedia reported multiplayer crashes. Even the Xbox One, praised by BaziCenter and XBLA Fans for smooth performance, had minor issues like awkward aiming mechanics (But Why Tho?) and voice-sync problems. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Ascent has a technically inconsistent experience across platforms. While the PS5 and Xbox Series X received praise for their visual fidelity and stability (e.g., SomosXbox’s 4K/60fps performance), persistent bugs in multiplayer (Softpedia, GamingTrend) and optimization issues on PC (Gamersky, SpazioGames) marred the experience. The Xbox One version, though stable, lacked advanced features like ray tracing, as noted by BaziCenter. Despite post-launch fixes (e.g., Push Square’s updates), technical flaws—ranging from frame drops to AI glitches (RPG Fan, WellPlayed)—underscored the game’s need for further refinement. While some platforms showcased promise, the overall reception highlights a title that prioritized ambition over polish, leaving room for improvement in future iterations.

The Ascent receives mixed praise for its replay value, with several critics highlighting its co-operative multiplayer as a standout feature. Co-op play, particularly for up to four players, is frequently cited as a major draw, with reviewers like IGN Japan noting that while the game’s missions can feel repetitive, the multiplayer experience enhances enjoyment. TheXboxHub and PCGamesN emphasize that co-op mode adds depth, allowing players to team up for shared challenges, while COGconnected and Finger Guns point to features like New Game + modes and side quests as incentives for returning. Additionally, MMORPG.com acknowledges the game’s 30-hour completionist content, and GamingTrend praises the variety of builds and loadouts that encourage experimentation. These elements suggest that The Ascent offers some replayability, particularly in multiplayer contexts. However, the majority of critics express concerns about the game’s limited long-term appeal, citing repetition and lack of depth as key drawbacks. Windows Central and Hardcore Gamer criticize balance issues and unbalanced level recommendations, which hinder progression and reduce engagement. VG247 and GameSpot note that loot variety is sparse, leading to players sticking to the same weapons and upgrades, while ComicBook and RPG Fan argue that the narrative and RPG elements fail to sustain interest after the main story concludes. Xbox Achievements and GameMAG highlight repetitive quests and environments, and New Game Network mentions bugs in online play that detract from the experience. These critiques underscore a general consensus that solo play struggles with monotony, and even co-op modes face limitations like lack of efficient fast travel or underdeveloped multiplayer scenarios. Overall, the critics’ opinions reflect a divided but nuanced view of The Ascent’s replay value. While co-operative play is widely praised as a redeeming quality—offering hours of fun through shared experiences and New Game + mechanics—solo gameplay faces significant hurdles due to repetitive missions, limited customization, and narrative shortcomings. MMORPG.com and GamingTrend acknowledge some replayability for completionists, but most reviewers, including RPG Fan and IGN Japan, agree that the game’s core design struggles to maintain engagement beyond its initial playthrough. The Ascent’s replay value ultimately hinges on player preferences: those prioritizing co-op and exploration may find it worthwhile, while others will likely be deterred by its repetitive mechanics and lack of meaningful progression systems.