The Ascent

 Xbox Series X
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 453 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 346 out of 453
  2. Mixed: 40 out of 453
  3. Negative: 67 out of 453
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  1. franjau
    Sep 7, 2023
    8
    Amazing atmosphere, best Cyberpunk game by far in it's kind, colorful world and great game design, you will not be dissapointed, one of the, if not the most immersive game of 2021 to this date.

    I do recommend it for the Xbox Series X
  2. carlm332
    Jul 25, 2023
    9
    Every review has subjective side, it's acceptable. But this game is really a great one. I always doesn't care what editors says because their tastes and my tastes not common with them. But for this game I don't know :/ must play
  3. Prometheus495
    Aug 3, 2021
    10
    This game is amazing I had a blast in my 50 hour play through. The Ascent is dripping with cyberpunk Atmosphere and really good music that sucks you into the cyberpunk world. The world is Breathtaking and stunning and the explosions and Send me encounters or fun. I’d recommend this game to anyone Who likes Bladerunner or top down shooters or people looking to try something new.
  4. Lt_Maverick
    Feb 16, 2023
    10
    Easy recommendation. Great graphics and performance. Great 3d sound in “indent” audio mode on a home theater. Story is actually interesting. The combat is phenomenal. The enemies are interesting. The quests are all fully voice acted and the actors sell it well. The world is more cyberpunk than cyberpunk. Easy 10/10.
  5. Awanka
    Nov 10, 2022
    8
    Excellent run and gun twin stick shooter similar to arcade games like Smash TV. Game looks fantastic, and really gives the feeling of being in a giant vertical urban center. The environment here does some heavy lifting, and swings between hi-tech and a slum aesthetic like something between Coruscant and a hive city from W40k.
  6. ImYrHuckleberry
    Sep 15, 2022
    8
    Surprisingly fun, great gameplay and a beautiful world that keeps you wanting to come back for more. The story is ok, but the gameplay and visuals are what shines.
  7. fredda
    Jan 7, 2022
    9
    Been playing this 2 player co-op with my girlfriend the last few days. We are having a blast. The game looks nice, and manages to create an unique steampunk atmosphere with the neon and the very fitting soundtrack. I played it first on XOne, then on XsX. The loading times are shorter and thing looks abit nicer on the XsX, but overall I would give this 8 on XOne and 9 on XsX. (Loading timesBeen playing this 2 player co-op with my girlfriend the last few days. We are having a blast. The game looks nice, and manages to create an unique steampunk atmosphere with the neon and the very fitting soundtrack. I played it first on XOne, then on XsX. The loading times are shorter and thing looks abit nicer on the XsX, but overall I would give this 8 on XOne and 9 on XsX. (Loading times steals a point from the XOne score)… Expand
  8. Nataraja
    Dec 27, 2021
    9
    This is a time when the critics just don't get what makes a good game. While the story is okay, the gameplay loop, exploration, the setting and atmosphere, sound (except for a few sound bugs in isolated locations) and music are all top notch. It's challenging to play but so worth the $30 price tag. The game has a lot more going for it than games from much larger and better fundedThis is a time when the critics just don't get what makes a good game. While the story is okay, the gameplay loop, exploration, the setting and atmosphere, sound (except for a few sound bugs in isolated locations) and music are all top notch. It's challenging to play but so worth the $30 price tag. The game has a lot more going for it than games from much larger and better funded studios. As the first game from this studio, I for one really look forward to what they do next. The amount of polish and smoothness of this game is amazing for a dev team of only 12 people.… Expand
  9. JasperThorn
    Nov 14, 2021
    8
    Having fun playing this game with friends I wanted to wait because of all issues but the game is in a very good state
  10. rubensmiranda
    Nov 11, 2021
    10
    I really enjoyed the game. The cyberpunk design is amazing. The effects of shots and explosions in the scenarios were also amazing.
  11. LouiseVictoire
    Nov 7, 2021
    8
    Aesthetically it's perfect. The gameplay is very good. The story is suite linear and has nothing exeptionnal.
    A really good moment.
  12. nigh5
    Oct 23, 2021
    10
    Great game. The map and travel system like others have said, is such a burden, but when the game finished I wanted to play it again. A game worth its price, and no question if you have gamepass.

    It's unfortunate that you don't get an extra aug/mod towards the end.
  13. madwolf81
    Sep 16, 2021
    10
    great good looking game that gave me a lot of fun. I love this game and i suggest to not look at critics and go play it
  14. TheMoil
    Sep 13, 2021
    9
    Impressive game, was unexpected. Played this on both PC and Xbox with play anywhere. Highly recommend it.
  15. Bghse52
    Sep 13, 2021
    9
    I'm playing with Gamepass, what a great scenario setting. I was waiting for this game and I liked to see the level of details that the guys managed to put in the game, the sounds of the weapons and the game in general are amazing. I would love to see a remake of Future COP ps1 with this atmosphere it would be fenomenal.
  16. Corchaump1010
    Sep 8, 2021
    10
    The world in this game is amazing the shooting mechanics are excellent the gameplay loop is fantastic.. could have done slightly better with the story but it didn't matter this game is super fun and the attention to detail is second to none great job by a small team on their first endeavor I recommend
  17. LazyWolf0
    Sep 2, 2021
    9
    Fantastic game, great fun. I don’t even like twin-stick shooters, but here the gameplay and gunplay is so satisfying. World design and atmosphere are simply brilliant. Visuals are stunning, and performance was rock solid on Series S.

    Don’t expect branching quests or deep story/RPG elements here, the game is simple at its core. But this core is extremely well done, and various character    Fantastic game, great fun. I don’t even like twin-stick shooters, but here the gameplay and gunplay is so satisfying. World design and atmosphere are simply brilliant. Visuals are stunning, and performance was rock solid on Series S.

    Don’t expect branching quests or deep story/RPG elements here, the game is simple at its core. But this core is extremely well done, and various character builds are very different.

    I had one crash during the playthrough, and experienced couple of unpleasant bugs. And some elements like how you can get sidequests before the areas they take place in unlock are rough, that’s why I score it 9 and not full 10.    … Expand
  18. naora2035
    Aug 28, 2021
    10
    Отличная игра! Ничего подобного давно уже не видел. Поразительное внимание к деталям. Есть некоторые проблемы с исполнением заданий, но не критично.
  19. ResidentWeazel
    Aug 26, 2021
    10
    Love this game visually it's absolutely stunning & the soundtrack is amazing.Combat is fun & engaging
  20. Soobinnie
    Aug 25, 2021
    9
    Scenario is amazing, story is also very nice, gameplay as well, I have no complains about this game. But only that would be amazing to play it on First/Third person, that would make the game so dope.
  21. John_Remix
    Aug 24, 2021
    9
    Una de las sorpresas del año, un juego de accion super divertido con graficos excelentes
  22. PMG-Writer
    Aug 24, 2021
    8
    First of all, we have to praise the small developer studio of "The Ascent". The game looks simply great and very appealing. In addition, there are elaborate effects and the fantastic soundtrack. Unfortunately, the gameplay and storyline can't quite keep up as the game progresses. So you can also play the title alone or in co-op. This simply adds more fun to the experience. If you want moreFirst of all, we have to praise the small developer studio of "The Ascent". The game looks simply great and very appealing. In addition, there are elaborate effects and the fantastic soundtrack. Unfortunately, the gameplay and storyline can't quite keep up as the game progresses. So you can also play the title alone or in co-op. This simply adds more fun to the experience. If you want more than just a solid action title with bombastic graphics, you should give "The Ascent" for the Xbox Series X a chance. If you own the Xbox Game Pass, you can even get the game for free.… Expand
  23. The_Chune
    Aug 22, 2021
    8
    Playing this co-op is a must. Solo feels like a slog but I am having an absolute blast blasting away baddies with my buddies.

    It has a decent amount of design quirks and bugs but is still beyond impressive for a studio of 12 people. I can't even get 12 people to help me move without breaking half my stuff. Ha ha ha ha ha.
  24. Alonsox123
    Aug 22, 2021
    10
    Loving the game until the last beat, great combat system and great graphics. Recommended
  25. TheoreticalHero
    Aug 21, 2021
    10
    Beautiful game the Cyberpunk style is just amazing if you love Cyberpunk games this one is for you do not listen the bad reviews the game is just so good
  26. AlphaTitan
    Aug 20, 2021
    10
    beautiful game and plays really good now that the first update fixed most of the bugs, a must try
  27. Voodoo123
    Aug 17, 2021
    8
    +Gorgeous visuals
    +Moreish gameplay and upgrade structure
    +Great setting and soundtrack
    +Gamepass
    -Gets repititive over longer play sessions
    -Storyline was a pass but could've been stronger

    This has a been a pleasure to play through - I will been keen to see what this studio come up with next!
  28. Jonyps
    Aug 16, 2021
    8
    No entiendo el Hate y las Notas tan Bajas de la Prensa.
    No me esperaba nada pero es una Joya como todo lo que tiene Xbox este año.
    Se ve de Lujo en Xbox Series X.
    Y lo que queda por llegar.
    Muy recomendable
  29. Turbodowg
    Aug 14, 2021
    9
    The Ascent is a true gem, a creative masterpiece compared to many of the bland AAA games released over the past year. All the more impressive considering it was worked on by a small team of 11 people.
    The game is visually stunning, blending bright neon against a dark, industrial cyber-scape. There is so much detail to the world which makes exploring it a joy. It feels like you are in the    The Ascent is a true gem, a creative masterpiece compared to many of the bland AAA games released over the past year. All the more impressive considering it was worked on by a small team of 11 people.
    The game is visually stunning, blending bright neon against a dark, industrial cyber-scape. There is so much detail to the world which makes exploring it a joy. It feels like you are in the world of Blade runner, mixed with Starwars and Cyberpunk 2077.
    The visuals are complimented by a haunting synth-wave soundtrack that pumps up during the battle sequences. Some of the tracks are so good, like the Dream World nightclub track, I have downloaded them to listen to away from the game.
    The combat is exciting due to a large arsenal of weapons to choose from. Add an enhanced cyberdeck into the mix with cool augmentations and tactical weapons and you have diverse ways to cause carnage. Leveling your character skills will make you a stronger more efficient killer, so it’s worth exploring to find upgrade material and rare items. Characters appearances are customisable so you can create the perfect cyberpunk to traverse the dystopian future.
    There are tons of missions to complete throughout your playthrough providing hours of gaming. You’ll meet loads of interesting NPCs (human an alien) as you progress. Side quests can offer some great rewards and have some fun questlines so they’re well worth doing.
    You can play online or couch co-op. I played a large part of the game with my daughter at home. The couch co-op worked perfectly and provided a really fun experience.
    There are some downsides to the game. The mini map needs improving. It’s frustrating having to pause the game and scroll across to the map. You’ll end up doing this often to find chests. A quick map button would make life a lot easier. There is a bit of back tracking, but once you have unlocked the taxi service, it makes life a lot simpler.
    All in all I really enjoyed The Ascent. It could have ended up just another generic twin-stick-shooter, but the addition of RPG elements coupled with the beautiful visuals and imaginative setting has really made the game stand out. Free on XBOX Game Pass it’s well worth checking out.    … Expand
  30. John_S117
    Aug 13, 2021
    8
    I don't understand how this game has a 60 from the critics, it's a very solid 80. Amazing graphics and details, cool story, adictive gameplay and FUN.
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Awards & Rankings

70
#70 Best Xbox Series X Game of 2021
7
#7 Most Discussed Xbox Series X Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 34
  3. Negative: 1 out of 34
  1. CD-Action
    Oct 12, 2021
    85
    Style over substance – I bet Neon Giant has this cyberpunk principle printed above the office entrance. The design of their game is absolutely breathtaking, with huge, vertical, crime-infested cities and masterful use of lights and shadows. Add a pulp-style story and good dialogues (or rather monologues, as the protagonist is silent) immersed deeply in the cyberpunk lore, and you’ve got a pure gem for anyone who enjoys this setting. The shooting mechanics and progression system might be overly simple, but they get the job done and make it easier to catch the game’s flow. [10/2021, p.56]
  2. PlaySense
    Aug 19, 2021
    75
    A visual feast that, along with the great audio design, makes for a very atmospheric experience. It's not perfect, though. Navigation leaves a bit to be desired and some technical shortcomings put a damper on the fun.
    Read full review
  3. Meristation
    Aug 18, 2021
    75
    The Ascent offers cyberpunk lovers a setting where they can unleash their dreams of steel and neon.
    Read full review
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