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MONSTER

The Ascent

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Ascent
Item: The Ascent
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2021

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Shooter, Open World, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableJul 29, 2021

PlatformXbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X

DeveloperNeon Giant

Overview

The Ascent is a solo and co-op action RPG set in a cyberpunk world. The mega corporation that owns you and everyone, The Ascent Group, has just collapsed. Confusion and chaos ensue, security and order are in disarray, and without protection, everyone is left to fend for themselves. Stop gangs and hostile corporations from taking over and discover what really happened.

Elsewhere

6.6

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

The Ascent impresses with its rich cyberpunk world and engaging lore, but critics largely slam its weak narrative execution. While some praise its atmosphere and twists, many find it shallow, with poor character development and a lack of player agency, leading to a repetitive and uninspired experience. Overall, the game's potential is overshadowed by a disappointing story that fails to connect with players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

29%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

61%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The Ascent has garnered a mix of opinions regarding its story, with some critics highlighting its immersive world and engaging lore. For instance, Shacknews praises the game for its rich universe and interesting lore, while PC Gamer notes the blend of action and quieter moments in social hubs, which adds depth to the narrative experience. Additionally, critics like Screen Rant find the main story compelling enough to keep players engaged, and Checkpoint Gaming acknowledges the presence of twists and turns within the typical cyberpunk framework. The detailed and dilapidated setting is also frequently mentioned as a strong point, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the game. However, the majority of critics express significant concerns about the narrative's execution. Many reviewers, including Merlin'in Kazanı and Digitally Downloaded, criticize the story for being weak and failing to explore deeper cyberpunk themes, resulting in a shallow experience. GamesRadar+ and Destructoid point out the poor character development and juvenile storytelling, while others like AusGamers and IGN Portugal highlight the lack of player agency and repetitive missions that detract from the overall engagement. Critics such as Guardian and Noisy Pixel emphasize that the narrative feels disconnected from the player's actions, making it difficult for players to feel invested in the story. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while The Ascent presents a visually striking cyberpunk world filled with potential, its narrative ultimately falls short of expectations. Many reviewers agree that the story lacks depth, memorable characters, and meaningful player choices, leading to a repetitive and uninspired experience. Critics like MGG Spain and IGN Japan encapsulate this sentiment by noting that the game's intriguing premise is undermined by a confusing and unimpactful narrative. Thus, while there are elements of the story that resonate with some players, the overarching sentiment leans towards disappointment regarding its execution and engagement.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

The Ascent offers engaging twin-stick shooter gameplay and RPG elements, lauded for its satisfying combat and customization options. Critics praise its fluid mechanics and enjoyable co-op mode, blending nostalgia with modern features. However, it suffers from significant flaws, including repetitive gunplay, shallow mission design, and technical issues, leading to a mixed reception. While fun for genre fans, many find it lacking in depth and polish, struggling with pacing and variety. A compelling yet flawed experience overall.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

41%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

54%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of The Ascent has garnered a mix of praise from various critics, highlighting its engaging twin-stick shooter mechanics and RPG elements. Many reviewers, such as Hardcore Gamer and PC Gamer, commend the satisfying combat system, which incorporates a variety of weapons and abilities, allowing players to customize their playstyle. The game’s cover mechanics and movement options are often described as fluid and enjoyable, with critics like Gfinity emphasizing the weighty shots and perfect weapon audio that enhance the overall combat experience. Additionally, the co-op mode has been noted as a positive feature, providing an enjoyable multiplayer experience, as mentioned by Merlin'in Kazanı. Overall, the game offers a nostalgic yet modern take on the twin-stick shooter genre, with several critics appreciating its strategic elements and character customization options. However, the gameplay is not without its flaws, as numerous reviewers point out significant issues that detract from the overall experience. Critics like MGG Spain and RPG Fan highlight the lack of depth and variety in combat mechanics, particularly criticizing the repetitive gunplay and awkward controls. Additionally, many reviews, including those from Metro GameCentral and Xbox Achievements, mention the shallow mission design and limited quest variety, leading to a sense of monotony. Technical issues, such as game-breaking bugs and poor enemy placement, have also been flagged by TrueAchievements, which further complicates the gameplay experience. The overall pacing has been criticized, with some reviewers noting that the game can feel slow and tedious, particularly during backtracking segments. In summary, while The Ascent showcases a solid foundation of engaging gameplay mechanics and nostalgic elements, the overall consensus among critics leans towards a mixed reception. Many appreciate the satisfying combat and customization options, as noted by GameSpot and Eurogamer Italy, but are equally vocal about the game's repetitive nature and technical shortcomings. The balance between enjoyable mechanics and frustrating design choices seems to be a common theme, with critics like IGN and God is a Geek noting that while the combat can be fun, the game struggles with pacing and mission variety. Ultimately, The Ascent presents a compelling yet flawed experience that may appeal to fans of the genre while leaving others wanting more depth and polish.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

The Ascent wows with its stunning cyberpunk visuals and intricate details, earning praise for its immersive atmosphere and advanced graphical techniques. Critics love the vibrant city of Veles but some note issues with originality and technical glitches, particularly in character design. Despite mixed feedback, the game's visuals are a standout feature, solidifying its place as a visually striking indie title in the cyberpunk genre.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

91%

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 The Ascent is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its stunning cyberpunk aesthetic and intricate details. Reviewers such as Digitally Downloaded and AusGamers highlight the game's gorgeous visuals, emphasizing the detailed environments and vibrant neon lighting that effectively create an immersive atmosphere. Critics like GameSpot and GamingBolt commend the striking visual design of the city of Veles, noting its unique elements and the sense of technological splendor that permeates the game. The use of advanced graphical techniques, including real-time ray tracing and high-resolution textures, has also been noted by several critics, such as IGN and New Game Network, contributing to the game's rich and believable world. However, some reviewers have pointed out notable shortcomings in the game's visual design. VideoGamer criticized the game for relying on "rusty Cybercliché," suggesting a lack of originality in its visual presentation. Additionally, Launcher expressed disappointment in the character designs, labeling them as generic and ugly, despite praising the environment's concept of "destroyed beauty." Other critics, such as Player 2 and RPG Fan, mentioned that while the environments are detailed, they can lack artistic distinction and be marred by technical bugs and glitches that detract from the overall experience. This sentiment is echoed by Softpedia and Finger Guns, who noted occasional framerate issues and glitches that disrupt immersion. In conclusion, while the majority of critics agree that The Ascent features impressive graphics and a captivating cyberpunk aesthetic, there are some dissenting voices regarding the originality of its designs and technical performance. The consensus among reviewers like Everyeye.it, PCGamesN, and Game Informer is that the game's visual presentation is a standout feature that contributes significantly to its immersive experience. Despite some criticisms, the overall reception highlights The Ascent as a visually stunning title that successfully brings its dystopian world to life, showcasing the potential of indie game development in the cyberpunk genre.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

The Ascent dazzles with its immersive cyberpunk sound design and neo-electronic soundtrack, earning rave reviews for its emotional depth and aesthetic synergy. Critics hail it as one of the year’s best in audio, with some likening its tones to Blade Runner. However, technical glitches and subpar voice acting detract from the experience for some players. Overall, while it excels in creating a captivating auditory landscape, the game is marred by occasional bugs.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

73%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

24%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of The Ascent have received considerable praise from critics, highlighting the game's ability to create an immersive cyberpunk atmosphere. Reviewers such as Digitally Downloaded and PlayStation Universe noted that the neon-like sound design complements the game's aesthetic, enhancing the overall experience. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and COGconnected emphasized the high quality of the audio, with Checkpoint Gaming calling it some of the best sound design and music of the year. The soundtrack, described as a neo-electronic and trance score, has been lauded for its emotional range and ability to evoke the tone of iconic sci-fi works like Blade Runner. Additionally, the use of the DualSense controller on PS5 was highlighted by PlayStation Country, showcasing how haptic feedback enhances player immersion. However, not all feedback was entirely positive. Some critics pointed out technical issues that affected the audio experience. For instance, ComicBook mentioned bugs that marred the execution of the dynamic nightclub setting, while Xbox Achievements noted frequent audio bugs that detracted from the overall enjoyment of the game. Multiplayer.it expressed that certain audio aspects fell short, negatively impacting the experience. Furthermore, GameMAG criticized secondary dialogue voice acting, which could detract from the immersive qualities that other critics praised. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Ascent excels in its sound design and music, creating a captivating auditory experience that aligns well with its cyberpunk theme. Despite some criticisms regarding technical issues and voice acting, the majority of reviewers, including those from PSX Brasil and VG247, agree that the game's soundtrack and sound effects significantly enhance the gameplay experience. The combination of immersive ambient noise, impactful sound effects, and a well-crafted electronic soundtrack contributes to a rich and engaging world that many players will find appealing.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The voice acting in The Ascent receives mixed reviews. Critics praise the high-quality performances and engaging narratives, with standout characters enhancing the experience. However, some voice work is criticized for being disjointed or unappealing, leading to a lack of character depth and engagement. Overall, while the voice acting can elevate the game, inconsistencies in execution create a polarized reception.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

35%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

47%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

18%

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

The voice acting in The Ascent has received a mix of praise from various critics, highlighting several strengths that contribute positively to the game's overall experience. IGN Japan commends the high quality of voice acting, noting that all main mission characters are fully voiced, which adds depth to the narrative. RPG Fan echoes this sentiment, describing the voice acting as "astounding" and emphasizing how it enhances the narrative experience through engrossing vignettes and memorable characters. Impulsegamer also appreciates the consistency of the voice acting, stating that it effectively moves the story forward. Additionally, But Why Tho? acknowledges the excellent performances of the main characters, despite the reliance on subtitles for alien language dialogues, which adds an interesting layer to the game's accessibility. However, the voice acting in The Ascent is not without its criticisms. Several reviewers have pointed out significant drawbacks that detract from the overall experience. For instance, SpazioGames mentions that the use of an incomprehensible language hinders engagement with the characters and the story. GameMAG criticizes the unpleasant voice acting in secondary dialogues, while GameOver.gr notes a lack of personality in the protagonist, suggesting minimal focus on character depth. Furthermore, GamesRadar+ describes the voice acting as disorienting, with characters perceived as unlikeable or juvenile, which contributes to a lack of engagement with the narrative. This suggests that while some aspects of the voice acting are well-executed, there are notable inconsistencies that affect the overall impact. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the voice acting in The Ascent is mixed, with a divide between those who find it to be a strong asset and those who identify significant shortcomings. Critics like TheXboxHub and Xbox Achievements praise the top-notch quality and strong performances, particularly highlighting memorable characters like stackBoss Poone. In contrast, others like Finger Guns and PSX Brasil note variability in quality, indicating that while some voice performances shine, others fall flat. This dichotomy reveals that while the voice acting has the potential to enhance the game's narrative, its execution varies significantly across different characters and contexts, leading to a somewhat polarized reception among reviewers.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

The Ascent shines on next-gen consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X, offering smooth gameplay and impressive graphics. However, it’s plagued by notable technical issues—glitches, long load times, and significant bugs, especially on PC. Critics agree that while the game has promise, it needs substantial polish to enhance the overall experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

56%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

27%

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

The technical performance of The Ascent varies across platforms, with some notable positives. On PlayStation 5, critics like PSX Brasil highlight that the game runs smoothly even during intense combat scenarios, while Push Square mentions that updates have addressed many bugs and gameplay imbalances. On Xbox Series X, Generación Xbox praises the game for running at 4K and 60 fps without significant issues, and TheXboxHub notes a smooth experience, particularly in co-op play. For Xbox One, BaziCenter commends the technical performance, stating that the game runs well across all Xbox consoles despite missing features like ray tracing. Overall, there are some commendable aspects regarding performance, especially on the newer consoles. However, the negatives are quite pronounced across all platforms. On PS5, critics like Finger Guns and Softpedia report occasional glitches and technical issues that can detract from the experience, while PlayStation Country mentions long loading times and readability issues with the futuristic map. For PC, the situation is more severe, with multiple reviewers like ComicBook and RPG Fan citing significant bugs that disrupt gameplay, including crashes and mechanics failing to work as intended. On Xbox Series X, critics such as TrueAchievements and Gaming Age report a range of technical issues, including game-breaking bugs and framerate dips that affect gameplay. These concerns indicate a lack of polish across the board. The overall consensus among critics suggests that while The Ascent has its strengths, particularly in terms of graphical fidelity and performance on next-gen consoles, it is marred by a multitude of technical issues that impact the gaming experience. Critics like God is a Geek and IGN Japan point out that the game suffers from inconsistent performance, especially on PC, where bugs and optimization issues are rampant. The mixed reception indicates that while the game has potential, it requires significant improvements to address the various technical shortcomings that many players are experiencing across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

The Ascent boasts fun co-op gameplay and diverse character builds that could entice players to return, but critics warn of limited replay value due to repetitive quests, lack of loot variety, and technical issues like a single auto-save. While it offers enjoyable moments, many feel the game's charm fades quickly after the initial playthrough, leaving uncertain incentives for revisiting.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

14%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

69%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

17%

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

The opinions regarding the replay value of The Ascent reveal a mix of appreciation for its cooperative gameplay and the potential for diverse character builds. Critics like Game Informer and Destructoid highlight the enjoyment derived from co-op play, suggesting that teaming up with friends enhances the experience and adds to the game's replayability. Additionally, Gaming Age points out the opportunity for experimentation with different skill specializations and builds, which can encourage players to revisit the game. The inclusion of side missions and the New Game + mode, as noted by COGconnected, also suggests that there are avenues for players to engage with the game beyond the main storyline. However, a significant portion of the reviews indicates that The Ascent suffers from limited replay value due to various shortcomings. Critics like SpazioGames and Player 2 express concerns over the lack of depth in loot and mission variety, which diminishes the incentive to replay. The repetitive nature of quests and environments is a common theme, with Xbox Achievements and GameMAG noting that this repetitiveness can lead to a lack of long-term appeal. Additionally, technical issues, such as the single auto-save slot mentioned by TrueAchievements, further complicate the ability to revisit the game without losing progress, which could deter players from engaging in multiple playthroughs. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a cautious outlook on the replay value of The Ascent. While there are elements that could encourage players to return, such as co-op play and character customization, the repetitive gameplay, balance issues, and limited mission variety overshadow these positives. Critics like Noisy Pixel and ComicBook emphasize that the charm of the game wears off after the initial playthrough, leading to a sentiment that many players may not find sufficient reasons to dive back into the game after completing the main story and side missions. Thus, while The Ascent offers some enjoyable gameplay experiences, the overall sentiment suggests that its replay value is ultimately constrained.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

43%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

55%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The Ascent has garnered a mix of praise from critics, particularly for its stunning visuals and immersive cyberpunk atmosphere. Reviewers like TrueAchievements and MGG Spain highlight the game's impressive graphics and engaging gameplay, noting its potential to captivate players. The sound design and soundtrack have also received commendation, with many critics, including PlayStation Universe and Ragequit.gr, appreciating the overall audiovisual presentation. The game’s twin-stick shooter mechanics and co-op gameplay are often cited as enjoyable elements, with critics like Xbox Tavern and Gamers Heroes emphasizing that fans of the genre may find a rewarding experience amidst its flaws. However, the negatives surrounding The Ascent are significant and frequently mentioned across reviews. Critics like RPG Fan and Metro GameCentral express disappointment in the game's technical performance, citing bugs and design choices that lead to a frustrating experience. Many reviewers, including Hardcore Gamer and GameSpot, point out the repetitive gameplay loop and lack of narrative depth, which detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game. The consensus seems to suggest that while the game starts strong, it ultimately falls into a grind that can be disheartening for players seeking a more engaging experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Ascent is a game with considerable potential but is marred by technical issues and a lack of depth in its narrative and gameplay mechanics. While some critics, like ZTGD and Generación Xbox, find it a worthwhile experience, especially for fans of the genre, others, such as Comicbook.com and Game Informer, recommend caution due to its shortcomings. The game appears to be a mixed bag, where the beautiful cyberpunk setting and enjoyable mechanics are overshadowed by frustrating design flaws and a lack of engaging content, making it a title that may appeal more to die-hard fans than to the general gaming audience.

TL;DR

The Ascent impresses with stunning visuals and immersive cyberpunk vibes, earning praise for its graphics, sound, and co-op gameplay. However, it suffers from significant technical issues, repetitive gameplay, and a shallow narrative, leading to a frustrating experience for many players. While it may appeal to die-hard fans of the genre, others are advised to approach with caution due to its shortcomings.

MONSTER

Reviews

155 reviews found

COGconnected

Jul 29, 2021

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

The Ascent offers an engaging, mechanically elegant, and polished cyberpunk experience with incredible art design, immersive world-building, and challenging gameplay.

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Gaming Age

Xbox Series X

Jul 29, 2021

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

Despite minor technical issues and quest structure concerns, The Ascent is a captivating cyberpunk RPG with engaging gameplay, immersive visuals, and replay value, making it a worthwhile experience for Game Pass subscribers and those looking to purchase the game.

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PlayStation Country

PlayStation 5

Mar 28, 2022

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

The Ascent offers top-notch gunplay, good upgrades, a wide choice of weapons and mods, and quality of life features, making it an excellent game despite potential lack of attention compared to big releases.

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Shacknews

Aug 13, 2021

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

The Ascent is a vastly impressive first outing for Neon Giant, with challenging enemies and a high level of character customization.

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GamingBolt

Xbox Series X

Jul 29, 2021

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

Exceptional worldbuilding, art design, visuals, combat system, and balance between quality and quantity in weapons and abilities, making it one of the most impressive action RPGs despite narrative depth and technical issues.

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Checkpoint Gaming

Jul 29, 2021

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

The Ascent excels in delivering a thrilling cyberpunk experience with its engaging gameplay, impressive visuals, and fantastic sound design. Despite some technical and content limitations, it remains a sensational and fun action-packed game, possibly the best cyberpunk game in the last year.

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Gfinity

Jul 29, 2021

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

The Ascent is a pleasant surprise with its interconnected world, world-building, and exciting combat. It is one of the reviewer's favorite titles of 2021 so far.

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Impulsegamer

Aug 9, 2021

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

The game is considered a decent purchase for its price, with a lot to enjoy in the world, battles, and story.

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Launcher (The Washington Post)

Xbox Series X

Aug 4, 2021

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

Despite its flaws, 'The Ascent' is considered a worthwhile experience, evoking nostalgia and delivering a solid gameplay experience for its price.

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Generación Xbox

Xbox Series X

Jul 29, 2021

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

The Ascent exceeds expectations for an indie title, delivering a visually stunning and engaging action RPG experience. Despite some minor flaws, it successfully captures the essence of the cyberpunk genre.

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