Solar Ash

 PlayStation 5
User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 49 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 49
  3. Negative: 11 out of 49

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  1. Tyler_The_Gamer
    Dec 5, 2021
    9
    The art, animation and imagery that Solar Ash brings to the table is absolutely astounding. With a unique take on gameplay that has a bit more of a focus on platforming rather than combat it reminds me quite a lot of games like The Pathless, and some of the the 3d sonic games, (although it can take a bit of getting used to) moving though the ultravoid is extremely fluid and satisfying. TheThe art, animation and imagery that Solar Ash brings to the table is absolutely astounding. With a unique take on gameplay that has a bit more of a focus on platforming rather than combat it reminds me quite a lot of games like The Pathless, and some of the the 3d sonic games, (although it can take a bit of getting used to) moving though the ultravoid is extremely fluid and satisfying. The story is somewhat lightweight, however if you take the time to explore and uncover all of the hidden journals, voidrunner caches, and participate in the side quests you will be met with some very good writing and some very good voice acting that will flesh out the world of solar ash and its genuinely interesting and diverse cast characters. Also the sound design is awesome.

    It is also important to mention that this is a complete game, that is technically quite sound (minus a few frame drops here and there). it retails for $40 and no part of the game seems to have been sacrificed in the name of greed. Respecting your games integrity and treating games as an artform is sadly something to be praised for in the year 2021.    … Expand
  2. Brnlv
    Dec 4, 2021
    10
    A worthy successor to Hyper Light Drifter. I only wish there was more of it - I finished it in two days, side quests included. A brilliant, smart, moody game with wonderful traversal, impressive bosses, tight gameplay, and a pervasive atmosphere of melancholy and wonder. A top-tier indie game.
  3. homayoonjende
    Dec 6, 2021
    10
    kheyli aalie vaghean dasteshoon dard nakone , man o ali fa_ghir neshastim darim baazi mikonim kheyli haal mide
  4. Jps71
    Dec 4, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great fun, beautiful graphics. Great world to get lost in. One point off could be a.little.longer.… Expand
  5. gamyprepare
    Dec 5, 2021
    0
    Looks good, plays somewhat okay. Utterly disappointing writing.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
  6. enut_butter
    Dec 4, 2021
    0
    The game is largely a mishmash of quality, but the writing is tragically poor. It feels like they pulled a middle-school kid out of class and told him to do his best.
  7. Thegangstersqua
    Dec 11, 2021
    0
    The story of the game is so stunning for an indie title. Definitly the best game in 2021.
  8. Ender772
    Jan 13, 2022
    2
    I wanted to love this game...But I hate it. The art is amazing, but the gameplay is so shallow. Its basically non existant. You run around for a few minutes then fight the boss then repeat.. The boss fights are extremely lame...and the ice feel of the landscape really interferes with the lots of platform jumping required in Solar Ash
  9. EggoBlyat
    Jan 12, 2022
    9
    An incredibly enjoyable game that is slightly bogged down by its somewhat annoying dialogue. I recommend playing while around friends or simply focusing on the great gameplay and turning a blind eye to the dialogue as it decidedly isn't the main draw of this game.
  10. Jt0429
    Jan 25, 2022
    7
    Pros -
    Art and environmental design
    Soundtrack
    Platforming is well done and has a good challenge to it
    Interesting characters and lore
    Boss design is amazing

    Cons-
    Had some frame drops and performance issues
    Rei feels somewhat uneven (bad lines and tonal shifts)
    Some enemies feel like obstacle courses over a real threat
    Combat is average at best
  11. Aedra
    Apr 17, 2023
    9
    this game is fun as hell. I don’t particularly care about the story or the dialogue of an atmospheric platformer like this, though i acknowledge that they weren’t the greatest. If you care a lot about the story, then you’re probably not going to like this game. However, if you like interesting art, fun gameplay, and sitting back on the couch on a rainy day to play a nice fun game, then ithis game is fun as hell. I don’t particularly care about the story or the dialogue of an atmospheric platformer like this, though i acknowledge that they weren’t the greatest. If you care a lot about the story, then you’re probably not going to like this game. However, if you like interesting art, fun gameplay, and sitting back on the couch on a rainy day to play a nice fun game, then i can’t recommend solar ash enough. I wish it was longer, but I can always just replay it.

    also echo please stop squishing rei, that is very violent and disrespectful.    … Expand
  12. Ecow
    Mar 6, 2022
    10
    One of the best Instagram I ever played it the movements it's smooth the design of the world is great and end tattoo design of Moses bosses is absolutely great reminds me Shadow of the Colossus
  13. etdeagle
    Mar 25, 2022
    8
    The game has a very good rhythm and sense of style, the visuals are simple but aesthetic, the gameplay is dynamic and fluid and the difficulty feels right.
  14. LyokoCypherTV
    Jan 29, 2023
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. As a platformer, I got to say the devs did a good job with the movement and the weight of the character you're playing as. Although the Story is minimal, I found the theme of the game very interesting. In Solar Ash, you play as a character named Rie who's main goal is to save her planet from being sucked into a black hole known as the ultravoid. Rei and her co-workers are well-trained agents known as void runners. The story explores the concept of life and death. Should one accept their fate, knowing that they and everything they know will be gone no matter what or or do they do everything in their power to change their fate? Well the story seems cool and deals with heavy subject matter, the game's overall story had no impact on me. The game doesn't do anything that's horribly wrong it was a pretty smooth experience all the way through. There really is not a lot to say so I keep debating with myself whether or not what score should I give this game. Last thing I will say is I love the art style of the game. You can tell the devs were going for a very stylized look. I appreciate they weren't trying to make the game super photorealistic like most mainstream games are for the past 20 years. Overall I say the game is okay. Not horrible but not amazing.… Expand
  15. GoWofPoor
    Nov 22, 2022
    1
    I want a refund, some youtuber recommended this but it's very bad. Wish I got GOW instead.
  16. DJ_zzedd
    Dec 9, 2022
    9
    Not only does Solar Ash have a unique idea and story, but it also has a beautiful and original world. The combat is fast and exhilarating, always keeping you on your toes. And traversal is top tier. The ending to this game is also one of the best ending I've ever seen in a video game. The twist and beautiful fight at the end was breath taking, with Rei finally learning the truth of herNot only does Solar Ash have a unique idea and story, but it also has a beautiful and original world. The combat is fast and exhilarating, always keeping you on your toes. And traversal is top tier. The ending to this game is also one of the best ending I've ever seen in a video game. The twist and beautiful fight at the end was breath taking, with Rei finally learning the truth of her whole journey.… Expand
  17. HydrophobikFish
    Jun 9, 2023
    8
    The stylish art style compliments the flowing and graceful skating gameplay really well. Overall it makes traversal fun and creates some interesting platforming challenges. Gameplay ends up feeling fluid and zones take advantage of being three dimensional spaces. Boss battles are unique and fun. Story is cryptic yet engaging, with an interesting central theme

Awards & Rankings

56
#56 Best PlayStation 5 Game of 2021
75
#75 Most Discussed PlayStation 5 Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 44 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 44
  3. Negative: 1 out of 44
  1. PLAY
    Feb 23, 2022
    90
    Few games feel as good to play as this, but the demanding platforming might not suit all. A heady mix of challenge and reward. Plus, space rollerskates. [Issue#10, p.76]
  2. Games.cz
    Feb 2, 2022
    70
    Solar Ash will excite the player thanks to its creative visuals and smooth movement but it soon gets too repetitive and loses its originality and challenge.
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  3. GameMAG
    Jan 17, 2022
    70
    Solar Ash feels like a middle ground between something like Jet Set Radio and Shadow of the Colossus. Sadly, the new game by Heart Machine lacks any meaningful ambitions or novelty, and yet if you love the genre, Solar Ash is worth a try.
    Read full review
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