ASCENT: Crash Landing
- November 9, 2018
- SPARK Games
Get on Steam"ASCENT: Crash Landing is an open-world 3D platformer, reminiscent of classics like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro. Stranded on an island, Bluu and Blip must escape the Aphid-ruled world. The full release offers a new level, more cutscenes, achievements, save slots, co-op and windowed mode options, enhanced assets, and lively gameplay with boss fights and minigames."
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features cute graphics and a nostalgic art style reminiscent of classic 3D platformers like Crash Bandicoot and Jak and Daxter.
- It's a fun, short experience that can be completed in under 3 hours, making it a great option for casual gamers looking for a quick adventure.
- The gameplay offers a mix of exploration and light challenges, with a vibrant world filled with collectables and enjoyable music.
- The game feels unfinished and lacks polish, with issues such as floaty controls, clunky combat, and low-quality sound effects.
- Many players find the game too short and lacking in content, leading to a feeling of incompleteness.
- There are technical issues, including performance problems on lower-end systems and a lack of options for customizing controls.
- graphics8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally praised for their cute art style and pleasing visuals, reminiscent of classic titles like Jak and Daxter. However, some users report issues with inconsistent graphics performance, which detracts from the overall experience. Overall, the visuals are well-received, with a rating of 4/5.
“I like this game; I think it has a cute art style and reminded me somewhat of Jak and Daxter for the PS2.”
“Very nice art style reminding me of old games like Jak and Daxter.”
“If you're looking for a lengthy and challenging platformer, this isn't for you, but this game does offer a few hours worth of fun exploration, smooth music, and pleasing visuals.”
“- inconsistent graphics”
“Integrated graphics fails to run for me here.”
- music6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's music features a mix of smooth, laid-back ambient tracks and adventurous battle themes, which some players find jarring when transitioning between the two. Overall, the soundtrack is well-received, with players expressing a desire for more musical content in the future.
“This game offers a few hours worth of fun exploration, smooth music, and pleasing visuals.”
“The soundtrack is easygoing.”
“I am looking forward to hearing more music in this game.”
“The very adventurous battle music can be a bit jarring after instantly playing after the more laid-back ambient music.”
“The very adventurous battle music can be a bit jarring after instantly playing after the more laid-back ambient music.”
- optimization3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has been criticized for its poor performance, with users reporting issues such as sound stuttering and minor color inaccuracies. While there are potential fixes available, such as a Proton workaround for the audio problems, the overall experience remains subpar.
“Horrible performance.”
“The only issues I'm encountering are the sound stuttering and a few colors are slightly off.”
“I know there's a fix for Proton that can take care of the sound stuttering.”
- story2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story is well-received, featuring a variety of challenges that include classic platformer puzzles and engaging side missions, such as a glider time-trial. Players appreciate the narrative's quality and its occasional difficulty.
“The story is engaging and can be challenging at times.”
“There is a nice amount of variation in the challenges, too, with some classic platformer puzzles and one-off side missions.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its vibrant level designs and a balance of challenge and reward, making it a worthwhile experience for players. Overall, it received a solid rating of 4 out of 5.
“From the vibrant level designs to challenging but rewarding gameplay, this game is great value for money.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Replayability is strong, as players are encouraged to revisit levels to collect missed items, offering both a challenge and an opportunity to appreciate the game's visuals again.
“Replayability is pretty good! I found myself heading back to levels I had previously left incomplete. Most of the time, I had missed some of the collectible sparks, which provided a nice challenge and a way to enjoy the scenery once again!”
“The game offers a lot of replayability with different paths and choices that make each playthrough feel unique.”
“I love how the game encourages you to replay levels to discover new secrets and collectibles, keeping the experience fresh and exciting.”
