Savant: Ascent
- December 3, 2013
- D-Pad Studio
- 5h median play time
"Savant: Ascent" is a rhythm-based platformer game where players control a hero named Savant who uses his music abilities to fight enemies and traverse through levels. The game features a unique combination of fast-paced action and dynamic music that intensifies as players progress through the levels. Players must master the rhythm and timing to overcome various obstacles and defeat bosses to reach the top.
Reviews
- The game features an exceptional soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience.
- Fast-paced action with simple controls makes it easy to pick up and play.
- Visually stunning pixel art and engaging gameplay provide a fun experience.
- The game is very short, with the main story mode lasting only about 10-15 minutes.
- Limited replayability as the core gameplay can become repetitive after a few runs.
- The camera can be frustrating, as it zooms in on the character, making it difficult to see incoming enemies.
- music983 mentions
- 52 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The music in "Savant - Ascent" is widely praised, with many reviewers highlighting the exceptional soundtrack created by the electronic artist Savant. Players appreciate how the music enhances the fast-paced gameplay, making it feel more immersive and engaging, while also serving as a reward system through collectible CDs that unlock new tracks and abilities. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, elevating the game's appeal, especially for fans of electronic and dubstep music.
“It's a pretty cool game that's really driven by an exceptional soundtrack.”
“The whole fight was orchestrated around its soundtrack and it was so amazing that it etched in my memory forever.”
“The soundtrack fits perfectly to the gameplay.”
“The only thing I hated about it is the soundtrack.”
“I like Savant's music, but this game is super boring.”
“The music is okay I guess... I muted it to be honest.”
- gameplay343 mentions
- 54 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Savant - Ascent" is characterized by its simple yet addictive mechanics, primarily involving shooting and dodging enemies while navigating between platforms. Players appreciate the fast-paced, challenging nature of the game, which is enhanced by a fantastic soundtrack that complements the action. While some find the gameplay repetitive and short, many agree that the combination of engaging mechanics, beautiful pixel art, and a rewarding progression system makes it a worthwhile experience, especially for fans of arcade-style shooters.
“The gameplay is easy enough to get a hold of, fast-paced enough to make you feel like you have some kind of decent reflexes, and unforgiving enough to make you want to keep coming back to get just a little further.”
“The gameplay is fast-paced and fun! This game is amazing, using Savant's music and fast-paced gameplay to create an amazing experience.”
“The gameplay is simplistic as it can be, and the soundtrack is sheer awesome. The combination of soundtrack and gameplay style is astonishingly good, plus the art style is a thumbs up.”
“The gameplay is very shallow and the 'upgrades' you unlocked are some of the most useless I've ever seen in a game.”
“The setting changes a little as the gameplay goes on, but the only thing that changes is the color and difficulty of the same enemies over and over again.”
“I paid a couple bucks for this game, neat soundtrack, if it included that as a download I would consider recommending, but the gameplay is painfully simple and repetitive.”
- story188 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 84 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The game's story mode is notably short, typically lasting around 10 to 30 minutes, consisting of just a few stages and a boss fight. While the narrative hints at a more expansive world and intriguing characters, many players feel it lacks depth and complexity, serving primarily as an introduction to the gameplay mechanics. Despite its brevity, the game compensates with additional modes like endless and time attack, which provide replay value and challenge beyond the main story.
“The plot exists, or rather the idea of it: the mysterious main character, the villain, the setting, and the idea of the tower are very powerful.”
“The story mode is short yet sweet, dropping you straight into the action fighting off waves of unique and challenging enemies.”
“The story itself is minimal; you are the savant, who's been kicked out of his tower, forcing you to fight your way back to the top and take revenge.”
“The following could, in all respects, be considered 'spoilers' by those who care about such things; honestly, this game has no plot or 'big twist' to speak of.”
“The story mode is extremely short - like 15 minutes long, and consists of just 3 stages.”
“The game has a poorly implemented story campaign for a somewhat well thought-out and visually appealing arcade score-attack shooter.”
- graphics170 mentions
- 65 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim for their vibrant pixel art style and polished visuals, which enhance the overall aesthetic experience. Many reviewers noted the beautiful artwork and attention to detail, describing it as a standout feature that complements the engaging gameplay and dynamic soundtrack. Despite some minor glitches, the visuals are generally considered stunning and a significant draw for players, especially given the game's low price point.
“The graphics are beautiful, the music is epic, and the gameplay is fantastic.”
“The visuals are outstanding as each background is created amazingly and what will be the best use of $1.99 you could ever get.”
“The pixel art graphics are the best I have ever seen.”
“The graphics are an overload of visual stimulation.”
“It is not a game with a real breadth or depth of play; it will not wow you with its graphics or sophistication.”
“No graphics options, so the picture is stuck in the corner of the screen.”
- replayability57 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
Overall, the game offers a mix of high replayability and limited content, with many players enjoying the challenge of beating high scores and unlocking additional modes like "endless" and "time attack." While some reviews note the campaign's brevity as a drawback, the engaging mechanics, beautiful art, and captivating soundtrack contribute to a satisfying experience that encourages repeated play. Despite its short length, the game is often described as addictive, making it a worthwhile choice for those seeking quick, enjoyable gameplay.
“Great music, awesome game mechanics, lots of replayability, 10/10!”
“The campaign is admittedly short, however the 'survival mode' has a fair amount of replay value.”
“The endless and time attack modes add some extra replay value, with endless mode just getting more and more ridiculous.”
“Oh, another problem I can see in this is that because of how short it is, its replayability may not be so high.”
“Don't expect replay value.”
“I feel it has very little replay value.”
- stability10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 90 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is a mixed bag; while many players report minor glitches and bugs, particularly in earlier versions, recent updates have improved performance significantly. Most users find the issues to be non-game-breaking and manageable, with some even noting a smooth experience in the latest iterations. Despite occasional UI glitches and fullscreen resolution problems, the game remains enjoyable and stable for the price.
“10/10, no glitches or any big game-breaking bugs.”
“The game runs smoothly without any crashes, providing a seamless experience.”
“I haven't encountered any stability issues; everything works as intended.”
“The only bad thing I can say about it is it can be a bit buggy at times.”
“I will mention that I ran into a few minor UI glitches that were in no way game breaking.”
“I do think that there are some glitches still, which I anticipate the developers will work out.”
- grinding9 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 22 % neutral mentions
- 78 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mixed experience; while it can be tedious and repetitive, especially towards the end, many also enjoy the fun and stylish nature of the gameplay. The grinding is seen as suitable for casual play sessions, though some players wish for improvements like the ability to skip cutscenes to enhance pacing. Overall, it offers a unique blend of challenge and enjoyment, despite some frustrations.
“At first, the difficulty curve is a little tedious to learn.”
“It is just memorizing enemy patterns then grinding out the levels.”
“Fun and stylish, but short and pretty tedious towards the end.”
- humor7 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by its clever integration of a musician's persona, engaging modes, and amusing animations, which contribute to an overall entertaining experience. Players appreciate the game's funny elements and easter eggs, making it a delightful and stimulating adventure, especially given its affordable price. Despite some minor bugs, the humor and creativity shine through, earning it positive reviews.
“Hopefully there still exist games like this one; a precise idea and game concept combine to make a funny and stimulating game.”
“Pd: the Vario mode is cool, the Alchemist is better, but the animations and sound of the Vario mode are hilarious.”
“A fantastic game with a great soundtrack; it's a short game but very funny.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised, characterized by an awesome soundtrack and visually stunning graphics that enhance the overall experience. Reviewers note that the attention to detail in the visuals contributes significantly to the game's immersive quality.
“In my opinion, the visuals were crafted with tender love and care; they positively enhance the atmosphere of the game.”
“Awesome soundtrack and atmosphere.”
“I will just add that it is very atmospheric.”
- optimization3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is generally positive, with smooth performance and enjoyable gameplay. However, some users have reported minor glitches in the start-up menu.
“It runs smoothly, plays great.”
“I did encounter a glitch or two in the start-up menu, but other than that, the game itself runs smoothly.”
- character development1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
While the animation and character design are praised for their quality, there is no specific mention of character development in the reviews, suggesting that this aspect may not be a focal point in the game.