Ascendum

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Ascendum is a single player and multiplayer action game. It was developed by The Caecus and was released on April 12, 2023. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

Twin vessels have to work together, which they can do by interacting with golden objects in opposite ways! Guide both vessels to the end of the level while overcoming puzzle and platforming challenges. Test yourself by controlling both vessels at the same time, each with one hand. If you don't want to play alone, bring a friend, and enjoy the game as a Co-op adventure. Solve mind-bending…

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100%

Audience ScoreBased on 24 reviews

gameplay10 positive mentions

Ascendum is an excellent co-op puzzle-platformer that encourages teamwork and communication between players.
The game features clever level design with a variety of mechanics that keep gameplay engaging and rewarding.
It seamlessly supports controller use, making it easy to play without extensive configuration, and offers a satisfying challenge that feels rewarding even when failing.

Chasing levels can be frustrating for less skilled players, and it would be better if they were optional or adjustable in difficulty.
The graphics, while well-executed, are simple and may not compete with more visually impressive titles in the genre.
Some players found the solo gameplay challenging at first, which could deter those who prefer a more straightforward experience.

gameplay
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
83%
17%
The gameplay is highly praised for its innovative use of dual character mechanics, requiring players to support each other for success. It starts off easy to help players acclimate but quickly ramps up in difficulty, keeping the experience engaging and dynamic with varied levels and clever mechanics. Overall, it is considered an excellent puzzle-platformer that offers both solo and cooperative play, enhancing its fun factor.
- “This puzzle-platformer makes excellent use of the two character mechanic.”
- “Great puzzle game with fun mechanics.”
- “I've just played for 2 hours but it's more awesome than I could've thought when I watched the devlogs. Excellent puzzle/platformer, it starts easy just to get you used to controlling both characters at the same time (you use both sticks, but it also supports a keyboard, which must be real tough to do using all of your fingers; a controller is a must here). However, it quickly gets more and more challenging. The mechanics and ways to move through each level become more clever and dynamic, and it doesn't get boring or repetitive because it adds more elements to each level.”
graphics
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
75%
25%
The graphics in the game are generally well-executed, especially for an indie title, though they are simpler compared to larger productions. While some players appreciate the visuals, they note that other games like Trine and Unraveled 2 offer more spectacular graphics and engaging mechanics. A desire for more graphical control, such as brightness sliders, was also mentioned, but overall, the visuals contribute positively to the gaming experience.
- “Graphics are necessarily simple for an indie game like this, but well executed.”
- “Trine still does it best for spectacular visuals, Unravel 2 has better graphics and interesting game mechanics.”
- “Despite the nice visuals, the gameplay itself, the setting, the variability of levels, tasks, and mechanics are absolutely incomparable.”
story
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
67%
The reviews indicate a mixed focus on story, with some players not engaging deeply enough to comment on it, while others highlight games like "Never Alone" for its narrative and character development. Overall, the emphasis seems to be more on gameplay mechanics and cooperative experiences rather than a strong narrative presence across the titles mentioned.
- “Trine still does it best for spectacular visuals, the cave is best for humor and characters, Unraveled 2 has better graphics and interesting game mechanics, Rayman Legends is inventive and fun, Never Alone has a story and characters, and Shift Happens is a fun physics-based indie.”
humor
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
150%
The reviews highlight that "The Cave" excels in humor and character development, while "Rayman Legends" is noted for its inventiveness and fun gameplay. Additionally, "Shift Happens" is recognized for its entertaining physics-based mechanics, contributing to the overall comedic experience in gaming.
- “The Cave is best for humor and characters.”
- “Rayman Legends is inventive and fun.”
- “Shift Happens is a fun physics-based indie.”