Ascendant
- May 13, 2014
- Hapa Games
- 25h median play time
Have some high points, but they soon give way to glaring faults. Not the worst, but difficult to recommend.
Get on Steam"Ascendant is a hack and slash game featuring stunning graphics, excellent mechanics, and a good soundtrack. Play single-player or in local co-op mode with up to 2 players in split-screen. As a demigod, invade planes controlled by rivals in a brutal roguelike experience with permadeath and procedurally generated environments. Explore, discover weapons, spells, and blessings to survive and prevail in this unforgiving world."
Mac OS
PC
Playstation 4
Windows
Linux
PlayStation
Reviews
- Beautiful graphics and art style that enhances the gameplay experience.
- High replayability due to procedurally generated levels and a variety of upgrades and character builds.
- Engaging and skill-based combat mechanics that provide a satisfying challenge.
- Lacks sufficient variety in enemy types, leading to repetitive gameplay.
- No save option, requiring players to complete runs in one go, which can be frustrating.
- Control issues, particularly with keyboard input, detract from the overall experience.
- gameplay24 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by engaging roguelike mechanics combined with fighting-game elements, offering a fun and challenging experience with high replay value. Players appreciate the variety of combat mechanics, such as blinking, parrying, and dashing, which enhance the flow of battles and keep the action dynamic. However, some users note that the control scheme can be awkward at times, though the overall mechanics and artistic presentation are well-received.
“The replay value is incredible, and the mechanics always work perfectly with just the right amount of challenge to them.”
“It has fun gameplay mechanics, where you're able to blink to attack enemies from afar, parry attacks, dash, etc., and I've never felt that at any point in time the mechanics in the game weren't important, since certain enemies move faster than your character making the blink important, parrying projectiles one-shots most enemies, and you can avoid enemy fire to get behind them with your dash.”
“The game is artistically beautiful, the characters are unique and offer variation to the gameplay, and the bosses are fun and rewarding.”
“Some of the controls and mechanics are really awkward, but it could just take some getting used to.”
“As for the gameplay itself, it's very simple combat, nothing too complicated. The only thing I've had a slight struggle with is being precise in smacking enemies into other enemies that aren't right next to you, and timing the block/parry attack (which is very useful if you can perfect it).”
“You will need to memorize their attacks and skills, and even if you are overpowered, their shields, environment, or their particular mechanics will kill you.”
- graphics22 mentions
- 55 % positive mentions
- 32 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many praising the unique and vibrant art style, as well as the beautifully stylized environments and characters. However, some players found the visuals to be average or forgettable, particularly in the context of production values. Overall, while the art style is often highlighted as a strong point, opinions vary on its impact on the overall experience.
“The art style is gorgeous, the environments are amazing, the music is lovely, and the enemies are unique!”
“Ascendant is absolutely beautiful in its art style and the combat is solid and enjoyable.”
“The art style uses 3D models and environments but looks completely 2D because of how well implemented it is.”
“Visuals are average.”
“Production values don't help it--the soundtrack and graphics are both totally forgettable, and you will get bored of the appearance of the early levels very quickly.”
“Bad control scheme outweighs pretty visuals, game and fun mechanics.”
- music17 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 35 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players appreciating its beauty and thematic fit, while others criticize it for being repetitive and boring due to short loops. While the soundtrack enhances the overall experience for some, it can detract from prolonged gameplay, leading to a warning for those sensitive to repetitive audio. Overall, the music is seen as a highlight by some, but its limitations may hinder enjoyment for others.
“The art style is gorgeous, the environments are amazing, the music is lovely, and the enemies are unique!”
“It has a unique vibrant art style and amazing soundtrack to support the theme of a demigod fighting to become a god.”
“I believe Hapa Games should be rewarded and encouraged for the stunning art, beautiful soundtrack, and inspired fighting mechanics of this game, and I reservedly recommend it on those grounds.”
“The music being the same loops over and over forever is rough.”
“Production values don't help it--the soundtrack and graphics are both totally forgettable, and you will get bored of the appearance of the early levels very quickly.”
“Although it fits the theme of the game, the music can detract some from wanting to play it, and because of that I give a warning to those who are easily bothered by repetition to not purchase this game.”
- replayability9 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 11 % neutral mentions
- 22 % negative mentions
The game boasts high replayability due to its numerous upgrade combinations, unlockable content, and character variety, making each playthrough feel fresh and engaging. Players appreciate the balance of challenge and mechanics, likening it to other successful titles while avoiding frustrating progression systems. Overall, the game is described as addictive and rewarding, with a strong emphasis on exploration and combat that encourages repeated play.
“The replay value is incredible, and the mechanics always work perfectly with just the right amount of challenge to them.”
“There are a lot of combinations of upgrades you can get, as well as some unlockable content, which lends to the game's replayability.”
“Overall, Ascendant is a pretty solid game with a lot of replayability through the blessings and character variety.”
- story9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's story is largely criticized for being minimal and lacking depth, with many reviewers noting that it fails to engage players or provide meaningful character development. Comparisons to other titles highlight its simplicity, with some likening it to the story mode of Super Smash Bros. Brawl, but ultimately, it does not deliver a compelling narrative experience. Overall, players seeking a rich story should look elsewhere.
“It reminded me a lot of the kind of story mode in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, except it was fun.”
“Each demi-god has its own story and reasons for wanting to be god.”
“If you would like a more detailed reasoning behind why, keep reading; there will be very minor gameplay/story spoilers as it is impossible to talk about certain mechanics of the game without referencing them.”
“The story is nonexistent for the most part; the music consists of nothing but 15-second loops.”
“The plot of the game is simple.”
“There's no story at all.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is praised for its vibrant and engaging qualities, creating an enjoyable auditory experience, though some players feel that the combat mechanics do not match the overall ambiance.
“Vibrant without being twee, atmospheric without devolving into sonic punctuation, [i]ascendant[/i] is an absolute delight to listen to.”
