User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 184 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 42 out of 184

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  1. Dec 11, 2018
    9
    For me both the visuals and sound design give the game a lot of character and whilst it’s minimalist in areas it still doesn’t stop the game from shining. The combat feels awesome and it remains fluid at all times which means it’s not only a nice challenge when in combat but it’s also fun as well. There’s a decent variety of enemies and bosses you come across during your time with the gameFor me both the visuals and sound design give the game a lot of character and whilst it’s minimalist in areas it still doesn’t stop the game from shining. The combat feels awesome and it remains fluid at all times which means it’s not only a nice challenge when in combat but it’s also fun as well. There’s a decent variety of enemies and bosses you come across during your time with the game and this does keep things fresh and interesting for longer. I really enjoyed traversing through the fantastic world because it feels alive in all areas and it never seems to get dull or boring either. Each weapon feels important when in combat and they all pack a punch as well which means defeating an enemy is very satisfying. The game suffers with a few issues here and there and whilst these bugs aren’t game-breaking they can still be off-putting from time to time. Your A.I companions can be a real nuisance at times and they do tend to do what they want to do instead of what you’d like them to do. Ashen is a game that I’ve read a lot about but it seems like it has been in development forever. As you can imagine then I was very surprised to learn of a release coming out of the blue, but I’m glad it did come out of the blue because Ashen is awesome. Without a doubt you’ll notice similarities with the Dark Souls series in this game and whilst some may call it a clone at least you can say it’s a fantastic clone instead of being something poorly done. Combat is obviously the main aspect in this game and I’m pleased to say that they’ve got this aspect spot on because everything remains fluid and brutal at all times. The weapons also shine in the combat elements as well and trying out each weapon is very fun because they all pack a punch and have tons of variety. Speaking about variety the enemies you have to face also have tons of variety as well and defeating each different enemy and boss always remained satisfying because of this. At the end of the day then Ashen was definitely worth the wait because it has a world that’s worth exploring and it never seems to get dull or boring and if it didn’t suffer with a few bugs and AI problems then it may have got a perfect score because the game is that good and it without a doubt deserves everybody’s attention. Massive two thumbs up! Expand
  2. Dec 21, 2018
    9
    Ashen is a beautiful game.

    The phrase "souls-like" gets thrown around a lot. People use it for Dead Cells, Ori, Hollowknight, Cuphead, pretty much any game that is hard. It makes the phrase utterly useless. But for this game, it is an adequate genre-description. Ashen is a third person perspective action-adventure game with some RPG elements, and it is very much in the same genre as
    Ashen is a beautiful game.

    The phrase "souls-like" gets thrown around a lot. People use it for Dead Cells, Ori, Hollowknight, Cuphead, pretty much any game that is hard. It makes the phrase utterly useless. But for this game, it is an adequate genre-description.

    Ashen is a third person perspective action-adventure game with some RPG elements, and it is very much in the same genre as Dark Souls. Mechanically, it is quite similar, with the main innovations coming from the social interactions allowing for permanent (or at least near-permanent) play with your friends. Albeit in a clunky and purposefully difficult way.

    Graphically, the game retains a very distinctive art style. It has been compared to Absolver, and that is not an unfair comparison. The interpretive style of the art is perfectly in character with the light/dark themes of the levels, and it is in this level design that Ashen masters most cleanly. The use use of light and dark in the design, from art aesthetic to level and creature design, all the way to the aural sensations of the soundtrack and sound effects, are immersive and evocative. They remind me of the same themes in Destiny.

    The game is relatively approachable, and despite the difficulty it never feels truly punishing. It's very narrowly easier than From Software's offerings,though a lot of that ease is the fact that ashen gets the controls right (which took Dark Souls until its 3rd title to do anywhere close to as well). The pacing is more like dark souls and less like Nioh or Bloodborne.

    The whole game takes just around 25 hours for an adequately skilled 'Souls' player. And it is thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end.

    A note for Xbox players. For Xbox One X, Ashen delivers one of the most beautiful games released on the system to date. For Xbox One S, the game is just as beautiful but minor slowdown can occasionally mar the experience. For those utilizing the original Xbox One hardware, you may find yourself dying in frustration due to input lag/dropped frames at key moments. While this occasionally crops up against bosses, it's more common when facing scores of weaker opponents in the already suicidal melees. If you want to avoid these mishaps (and the associated frustration), you'll want to focus more on ranged, and cautious styles of play.

    Mechanically, this game is nearly flawless. Artistically, it is a work of beauty. The multiplayer design is purposeful but bad. Why 'souls' games so utterly hate the idea of making it easy for you to play with your friends is beyond me, but it is what it is. Insofar as difficulty, it is a bit easier than Dark Souls, but on the other hand the controls are handled far better. I found the overall experience better, and I vastly preferred the world Ashen shows to us to that of Dark Souls.

    This is the best 'Souls' available on the market. It's better than Dark souls 1, 2, 3, Demon Souls 1, 2, Bloodborne, Nioh, and The Surge. It is my favorite game in the genre.

    I can't quite call this game perfect, but it is damn close. There are plenty of people who won't like Ashen. And there are also plenty of people who may like it mechanically but won't necessarily appreciate the aesthetic, which is boiled into everything about the game. But if you like the aesthetic, and you if this is your favorite genre, then Ashen is IMO the best game on the market for you.
    Expand
  3. Dec 10, 2018
    10
    Definitivamente é um soulslike que honra o título. Ashen não só usa elementos já conhecidos da famosa série da Fromsoftware como traz sua própria personalidade, o game fornece ao jogador um multiplayer imersivo e divertido, com ótimo desempenho, principalmente visto que falamos aqui de um indie! Outro ponto que lhe faz ser único é sua dinâmica em locais escuro, sempre dependendo de umDefinitivamente é um soulslike que honra o título. Ashen não só usa elementos já conhecidos da famosa série da Fromsoftware como traz sua própria personalidade, o game fornece ao jogador um multiplayer imersivo e divertido, com ótimo desempenho, principalmente visto que falamos aqui de um indie! Outro ponto que lhe faz ser único é sua dinâmica em locais escuro, sempre dependendo de um lampião. O combate beira a perfeição, buscando manter o melhor do gênero, sua arte ainda que simples, faz com que o player pare algumas vezes só pra admirar. Tendo visto isso, Ashen é um jogo extremamente desafiador, divertido e marcante. Seus defeitos ficam pela falta de verba claramente notada na ausência de trilhas sonoras mais bem trabalhadas e nos chefes com baixa riqueza de detalhes. Resumindo, Ashen, se algum dia pudesse ser um AA, seria sem dúvidas um exemplo de rpg para a indústria, que busca inovar e emocionar com a simplicidade que só os gênios do ramo têm. Expand
  4. Dec 11, 2018
    9
    Cross between Dark Souls and Necropolis. If you like the Souls style game, this is definitely worth your time. It's not quite as challenging, probably more akin to the difficulty of Lords of the Fallen, but it's a great indie game in it's own right. The one issue I've had so far is just getting whoever takes over my Jokell to actually do the mission I need to do with me. You can justCross between Dark Souls and Necropolis. If you like the Souls style game, this is definitely worth your time. It's not quite as challenging, probably more akin to the difficulty of Lords of the Fallen, but it's a great indie game in it's own right. The one issue I've had so far is just getting whoever takes over my Jokell to actually do the mission I need to do with me. You can just disable multiplayer and use the AI (who is actually useful) so that isn't a big deal. Otherwise awesome game. Expand
  5. Dec 7, 2018
    9
    Absolutely charming game. I've been playing it since last night and there are Souls-like things to Ashen but how is that a bad thing? Combat is fluid and playing with another gamer is so much fun. Whether you're on PC or X1 PLAY THIS GAME.
  6. Dec 10, 2018
    10
    Olvidad los votos haters, es el mejor Souls alike de la generación y no solo eso, elimina elementos molestos de los souls para apostar por un mundo mas orgánico, la ambientación es increible y artísticamente bebe de SOTC y Journy de manera evidente. Juegazo por mucho que pese a los sonyers que han venido a dar negativos.
  7. Dec 10, 2018
    10
    Jogo maravilhoso! Combate dinâmico e divertido, visuais muito bonitos, direção de arte cuidadosa. Jogão!
  8. Dec 8, 2018
    9
    for a game that has simplistic graphics...its beautiful, the combat is definitely souls-like and that's a good thing, it keeps you thinking especially when you find yourself moving a little too quickly it has a way of slowing you down. its charming , well crafted, and a joy to play....don't believe me ...try it for yourself, you'll be delighted.
  9. Dec 7, 2018
    10
    Enchanting graphics and style with fluid combat, a must play for any PC or Xbox One owner.
  10. Dec 7, 2018
    9
    Nunca fui um grande fã de RPGs, poucos realmente me conquistaram e posso vir aqui falar abertamente que Ashen me conquistou, seus gráficos são lindos, mesmo cartunizados, encantam o tempo inteira , o som, seja do cenário ou dos inimigos é único, o gameplay possui uma dificuldade boa, desafiadora , mas não exageradamente. O jogo possui uma boa variedade de lugares e coisas a se fazer,Nunca fui um grande fã de RPGs, poucos realmente me conquistaram e posso vir aqui falar abertamente que Ashen me conquistou, seus gráficos são lindos, mesmo cartunizados, encantam o tempo inteira , o som, seja do cenário ou dos inimigos é único, o gameplay possui uma dificuldade boa, desafiadora , mas não exageradamente. O jogo possui uma boa variedade de lugares e coisas a se fazer, tornando ele menos repetitivo e muito mais intuitivo, é um jogo que, mesmo tendo o ár de complicação de RPG, é ao mesmo tempo fácil de se jogar. Não vi nenhum glitche que tenha realmente me atrapalhado ou incomodado e os loadings do jogo são oks. Ashen vem com uma grande promessa de entreter quaisquer usuários de Xbox One neste fim de ano, altamente recomendo o jogo. Expand
  11. Dec 8, 2018
    9
    The game system is concise, the atmosphere is excellent, the battle is simple but the test technology. In particular, the first boss War performance is very stunning!
  12. Dec 10, 2018
    10
    great and original graphics, same gameplay of Dark souls with enhancements in controls but not as deep in the possible builds (but still good tho)
    great music and atmosphere, really worth it
  13. Dec 10, 2018
    9
    Ok so this is a neat old school Action RPG, I don't love the Art style, but it's certainly "new" (to me at least). Very slick, very entertaining.
  14. Dec 7, 2018
    9
    Looks and feels great! I played about 7 hours since it dropped yesterday and if you like Dark Souls, you'll like this.
  15. Dec 7, 2018
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Not bad at all. It is what an indie should be, but I think it could have a little more personality Expand
  16. Dec 7, 2018
    10
    I've only played about six hours of this game but I'm in love. If you have ever played a souls-like game this is a great grab for you at 40.
  17. Dec 8, 2018
    10
    Ashen is one of the best xbox console exclusive This Year A44 Games - Ashen made one of the best Games for xbox i give this game a 10 out of 10
  18. Feb 16, 2019
    10
    O jogo é bom mas tem um grau dificuldade meio alto. Vc precisa ter paciência porque vai morrer várias vezes, principalmente nos chefes. Pra chegar nos chefes já é difícil quando chega fica pior.
  19. Dec 10, 2018
    10
    juegazo, una de las grandes sorpresas del año y en el game pass desde el dia 1.
  20. May 20, 2019
    8
    Muy buen juego con temática souls, fácil de adaptarse al sistema y los controles, la historia es floga pero sirve para adentrar al mundo del juego, la opción de multijugador esta bien hecha, recomendado.
  21. Dec 28, 2018
    9
    It surprised me, because I expected it to be a bland, boring copy of Dark Souls. But it wasn't. It is enchanting. It has great style. The fight is much heavier and methodical, more gimmick-driven and careful. The bosses are surprisingly fun and the story and vibe is much more lively and positive! It's a delight to even travel back to the main hub town as it slowly but steadily beingIt surprised me, because I expected it to be a bland, boring copy of Dark Souls. But it wasn't. It is enchanting. It has great style. The fight is much heavier and methodical, more gimmick-driven and careful. The bosses are surprisingly fun and the story and vibe is much more lively and positive! It's a delight to even travel back to the main hub town as it slowly but steadily being rebuilt and repopulated, making for a fun return. It's a great game so far with mechanically smart combat, lots of character and gripping story. Expand
  22. Dec 12, 2018
    9
    Ashen is an incredible game, especially for those who like Darksouls but with characteristics that differentiate them.
  23. Mar 26, 2022
    8
    Um Soulslike lite, interessante para aqueles que gostariam de começar a apreciar este gênero mas que não tem muita paciência em ficar morrendo o tempo todo.
    O visual no xbox one x é muito bonito e o estilo gráfico é original e marcante.
  24. Dec 15, 2018
    8
    This is openly a Dark Souls clone, the game does not try to hide it at any point. but there is more than that to it, it has his own mechanics. If a minimalistic world and a story about death and creation with the mechanics of before mentioned Dark Souls is your thing you will not be dissapointed. The combat is almost identical with the one in DS, which is a good thing in my book. theThis is openly a Dark Souls clone, the game does not try to hide it at any point. but there is more than that to it, it has his own mechanics. If a minimalistic world and a story about death and creation with the mechanics of before mentioned Dark Souls is your thing you will not be dissapointed. The combat is almost identical with the one in DS, which is a good thing in my book. the inclusion of a map, quests and a permanent companion makes things easier, but not exactly a breeze. Expand
  25. Jan 26, 2019
    10
    Estoy disfrutando del juego muchisimo, no recuerdo cuando me tenia un juego atrapado tanto la ultima vez.. Esta pensado para jugar en compania, aunque se parece bastante a Dark Souls, tiene muchas cosas originales que hacen este juego muy bonito, divertido y en momentos de miedo, no deja de ser para mi una obra de arte
  26. Feb 8, 2022
    9
    20 horas de jogo:
    Um ótimo jogo com inspiração SoulsLike e que incentiva bem o coop.
    Os chefes são muito legais e bem feitos, joguei inteiramente coop e platinei com um amigo, foi bem maneiro e gostaria que os jogos da Fromsoftware incentivassem mais o coop assim como esse jogo. Vi pouquíssimos bugs, coisa comum como corpos de inimigos atravessando algum objeto como um muro assim
    20 horas de jogo:
    Um ótimo jogo com inspiração SoulsLike e que incentiva bem o coop.

    Os chefes são muito legais e bem feitos, joguei inteiramente coop e platinei com um amigo, foi bem maneiro e gostaria que os jogos da Fromsoftware incentivassem mais o coop assim como esse jogo.

    Vi pouquíssimos bugs, coisa comum como corpos de inimigos atravessando algum objeto como um muro assim como ocorre em Dark Souls, mas bem raro, nada demais.

    Aqui não ocorre o problema de má otimização do PC, dos drops do 60fps em cenários específicos que não fazem sentido, até pq o jogo roda em 1080p/60fps, então é de boa..
    Além disso, pra ser nota 10 só precisam melhorar um pouco a forma em que a história é contada, você fica muito curioso sobre aquele mundo e no fim do jogo continua sabendo tão pouco sobre.

    Dificuldade: 9/10.
    Gráficos/Arte/Design: 10/10.
    Trilha Sonora: 7/10.
    Narrativa/História: 7/10.
    Gameplay: 9/10.
    Requisitos: 10/10.
    Duração: 10/10.:
    BUGS/Otimização: 9/10.
    Conquistas: 10/10.
    Interface: 10/10.
    Preço: 8/10.
    Diversão: 9/10

    Média: 9.
    Expand
  27. Feb 15, 2019
    8
    Buena Sorpresa de fin de año.
    Ashen sera un juego Souls like pero sabe ganarse una identidad propia.
  28. Sep 28, 2020
    8
    Ashen really court me by surprise! After sinking in around 20-25hours into this game, I feel like I've got a good grasp of it. Firstly, the game looks bloody amazing, such a fantastic visual experience! Also, this game has one of the best soundtracks I've heard for a long time, in any game. Its characters are interesting but none, in particular, stand out for me other than a fleetingAshen really court me by surprise! After sinking in around 20-25hours into this game, I feel like I've got a good grasp of it. Firstly, the game looks bloody amazing, such a fantastic visual experience! Also, this game has one of the best soundtracks I've heard for a long time, in any game. Its characters are interesting but none, in particular, stand out for me other than a fleeting character you meet a few times (Gefn). The motivation for exploration is rather strong as the weapons and armour are all unique and different from the last one you found. The town (Vagrants Rest) sort of acts as your Hub throughout the game. New ways of growing your character unlock as the town grows, which is achieved through playing the game and completing its missions which is very innovative. The story is rather intriguing but a lot of it is left to be desired as lore can be hard to come by within the game that isn't vague quotes from characters. The combat feels, decent, a little clunky but definitely playable. The combats' flaws show against the faster enemies of the game, as well as the bosses. Bosses are unique and can really make you feel intimidated, although they don't really change up the playstyle from the standard enemies very much. The main issue I have with the game is the repetition of enemies. I understand it's a smaller studio but there needs to be a little more variety than what's present. Honestly, this game is something I'd consider a 'hidden gem'. It's relatively unknown, which is a shame, but also it makes me feel lucky to have had experienced it. I'd highly recommend this game and am looking forward to a potential sequel from the Developer. Well done A44, what a bloody brilliant world you have built. Expand
  29. Dec 14, 2018
    10
    Un Hermoso Indie que al principio nos sonara a un DS, pero con las horas se va desmascardon mostrando un poco mas de su personalidad, una historia no muy profunda pero si unas dinámicas muy interesantes y entretenidas que nos mantendrá horas y horas, es un 8.5 en toda regla, le he colocado un 10 solo por que mucho sonyer heater le ha dado 0, pero este juego para los que tienen game passUn Hermoso Indie que al principio nos sonara a un DS, pero con las horas se va desmascardon mostrando un poco mas de su personalidad, una historia no muy profunda pero si unas dinámicas muy interesantes y entretenidas que nos mantendrá horas y horas, es un 8.5 en toda regla, le he colocado un 10 solo por que mucho sonyer heater le ha dado 0, pero este juego para los que tienen game pass les va a hacer el mes. Expand
  30. Dec 15, 2018
    8
    Los jugue aproximadamente 3hs y puedo decir que esta bien, esta bueno: buen concepto artistico, buen primer boss, una historia que te motiva a descubrir, una jugabilidad familiar de tipo soul, co-op.

    Me recordo a los MMORPG cuando tenes algunos NPC aparecen varias misiones y como que es mucha informacion de golpe y es un mundo nuevo. Hay que adaptarse y aprender el mapa. Recomendado.
  31. Jan 16, 2019
    10
    Ashen is a third person perspective action-adventure game with some RPG elements, and it is very much in the same genre as Dark Souls. Mechanically, it is quite similar, with the main innovations coming from the social interactions allowing for permanent (or at least near-permanent) play with your friends. Albeit in a clunky and purposefully difficult way.
    Absolutely charming game. I've
    Ashen is a third person perspective action-adventure game with some RPG elements, and it is very much in the same genre as Dark Souls. Mechanically, it is quite similar, with the main innovations coming from the social interactions allowing for permanent (or at least near-permanent) play with your friends. Albeit in a clunky and purposefully difficult way.
    Absolutely charming game. I've been playing it since last night and there are Souls-like things to Ashen but how is that a bad thing? Combat is fluid and playing with another gamer is so much fun. Whether you're on PC or X1 PLAY THIS GAME.
    Expand
  32. Jan 23, 2019
    8
    This game is genuinely fun and I recommend it to anyone with a consistent co-op partner to play it with. I happen to love the low-polygon art style, and even if you don't, you can't say they didn't work hard on making the game look unique. The combat is Souls-like and it makes no effort to hide this. The game's in-store description uses that exact phrase to describe it. The combat is lessThis game is genuinely fun and I recommend it to anyone with a consistent co-op partner to play it with. I happen to love the low-polygon art style, and even if you don't, you can't say they didn't work hard on making the game look unique. The combat is Souls-like and it makes no effort to hide this. The game's in-store description uses that exact phrase to describe it. The combat is less complex but easier than that of Dark Souls. This may actually be a point in Ashen's favor. It's more accessible, but it can't truly be called easy.

    Ashen gives the player a lot of freedom to explore, and the world is laid out almost like a series of platforming challenges with enemies dispersed throughout. This is where the game shines. Almost every cliff or building in the game can be scaled somehow, and you're constantly rewarded for wandering from the beaten path. Detours in a dungeon might force you to risk all your hard-earned scoria (this game's souls) on an uncertain leap across a deadly gap, or they might throw a few more of the dungeon's harder enemies in your path, but to be rewarded with a new shield or a large stash of scoria at the end always makes it worth your time.

    I'm playing through with my brother, and it's genuinely one of the best co-op experiences I've had on the Xbox. One caveat, this is only because I'm able to communicate with my co-op partner. By default, the game gives you an NPC partner, who is sometimes seamlessly replaced by an online player. The NPC partner is reliable enough in combat, but its pathfinding is often broken. If the computer doesn't think you should be in an area it simply won't follow you, which is a problem in a game that rewards exploration but punishes rushing off on your own as much as Ashen does.

    With random matchmaking, you'll occasionally find a partner who will stick by you and help explore and fight. It is definitely easier to find this kind of player if you try to be this kind of player. More often than not, though, your human partner will drop in only to take your NPC partner away from you while they goof around. Fortunately, when they inevitably leave the area you're in, control of your NPC partner is returned to the computer, so you can return to being your normal flavor of disappointed by your help.

    As a fix for all of this, the game allows you to set a multiplayer filter so you only pair up with other players using the same filter code; essentially making a private multiplayer lobby for you and your co-op partner. Once both of you are using the same filter, both of you must meet up in the game by loitering in the same general area until the game finally puts the two of you in the same instance. Be sure you're not in Vagrant's Rest when you're searching for your partner, either because they won't show up while you're in town. You'll also disconnect from each other every time you enter town, and have to wait around at a designated meeting point to continue your adventure. It's a lot of steps, but this is the ideal way to play. There are enemies who will pin you down and beat you to death if your partner doesn't hit them off of you. There are ledges and doors that require two people to get over and/or through. These are obstacles are easier and more fun if you can yell at your partner until they do what you want them to do.

    The final product is a great game with fantastic atmosphere, voice acting, art, level design , and combat. The major downsides are occasionally wonky AI and that the process of setting up the game so you and your friend can play it together is downright esoteric. An inordinate amount of time has to be dedicated to reminding the game that it is multiplayer, even though the enemies and level design are constantly reminding you of that fact. It's on the Game Pass, so those users can give it a try for "free." Definitely give it a shot. Definitely bring a friend.
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  33. Aug 10, 2020
    8
    Jogo muito bom e muito bonito, tem uma jogatina interessante que me fez gostá-lo da forma que ele é.
  34. Jun 23, 2020
    10
    Great game, very immersive incredible gameplay. Recommended. Looking forward to a sequel.
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 35
  2. Negative: 1 out of 35
  1. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    Feb 27, 2019
    70
    A decent tribute to From Software's masterpiece, elevated by its co-op mechanics.
  2. Feb 4, 2019
    45
    Ashen now holds the dubious honor of being the first game I couldn’t bring myself to finish before posting a review. Well done, Ashen — you broke me. It’s just a shame you didn’t do it in a more interesting or cleverly-designed manner.
  3. Jan 22, 2019
    89
    There’s challenge here in both combat and your patience with the game’s economy system (and in its slow movement), but mastering both and even jumping in with a buddy means you’re in for a gorgeous treat. Our eyes are firmly locked on what A44 does next, especially if they stick to this wonderful new IP and build on it as a franchise-in-waiting. Well worth your time and Dollerydoos in our humble, Aussie opinion.