Ashen

 Switch
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 4 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. DarkStation
    Dec 30, 2019
    90
    All in all, I have to recommend Ashen to all fans of the Souls-style games, Metroidvanias, challenging games, etc. Anyone who is unfamiliar with these types of titles, then by all means jump in to Ashen, as the option to have AI or a friend by your side can make all the difference in how you play the game, and can really open it up to new audiences. Ashen is out on PC, PS4, Xbox One and now on Nintendo Switch. Personally, the Switch version is a perfect pick-up-and-play game, allowing you to venture deeper into the world one session at a time. While the game is not as large-scale as some of its inspirations may be, it's worth playing all the same.
  2. Nintendo Life
    Dec 30, 2019
    80
    Ashen doesn't try to hide the fact that it's a Souls clone through and through. However, where many before it unwisely try to out-do FromSoftware in terms of difficulty or obtuse systems and lore, A44 has taken its game in a more refreshing, community-focused direction. This is a slightly more relaxed take on a Souls-like; it gets you into its action and gameplay rhythms quickly, isn't interested in punishing you particularly unduly and doesn't outstay its welcome. Its story and setting are enchanting and the sense of togetherness and companionship that it creates as its plot unfolds sets it apart in a genre much better known for relentless loneliness and isolation.
  3. Gaming Age
    Feb 6, 2020
    75
    Will you like it? Obviously, that depends on how much you like Soulsborne games. Even if you do, however, I’d tread carefully before committing to Ashen. It’s got some charms, but also some pretty big drawbacks, and I’m not sure the former is enough to make up for the latter.
  5. NintendoWorldReport
    Dec 30, 2019
    55
    Ashen is not awful, and I think that any hardcore Souls fans who just can’t get enough of this style of combat will enjoy it. The open world adds a new layer to the Soulsborne format that succeeds more than it fails, but it comes at the cost of weakening a core pillar of the genre. The result is a passable experience, and in a genre that’s quickly becoming as crowded as this one, passable just won’t cut it for anyone but the most hardcore of fans.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 34 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 34
  3. Negative: 11 out of 34
  1. alyoska
    Dec 10, 2019
    10
    Soooo good! I love it! The art style of the game is absolutely an amazing experience.
  2. SigmaEldritch
    Jan 20, 2022
    3
    At least not on NS.

    I read reviews before choosing which platform to get it on, and based on those reviews I figured it would be fine to    At least not on NS.

    I read reviews before choosing which platform to get it on, and based on those reviews I figured it would be fine to get it on the NS. No. You get 20-30 fps at most throughout the game but probably every five minutes or so you get a massive drop in framerate to < 10 fps all while docked. Honestly, the game probably would have been fine if it consistently ran at 20 fps, it's the wild fluctuations between 10 fps and 30 fps that make it such a terrible experience for me. If that sounds like something you'd **happily** put up with, go ahead. Just remember, Nintendo doesn't offer refunds. If the game ever goes on sale on PC or something like that I'd be happy to try it out, since it still sounds like a good game. But as of right now, I would recommend people stay away from the NS version of the game.    … Full Review »
  3. Mostly-Nintendo
    Apr 12, 2021
    6
    I was enjoying the combat and world, hit a point (seat of matriarch) that it became unenjoyable. The experience relies heavily on a partnerI was enjoying the combat and world, hit a point (seat of matriarch) that it became unenjoyable. The experience relies heavily on a partner that is often not there, small platforms with lots of enemies can make dodging not practical and the need to hold a lantern also voids blocking. I enjoy souls combat usually but deaths in this specific dungeon often feel cheap and unavoidable.… Full Review »
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