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. Joan_Futur
    Jul 31, 2021
    9
    Se juego bien, como todos los juegos de este tipo. Además la ambientación está muy bien conseguida. Lo recomiendo a los usuarios de Xbox.
  2. Fair_judgement
    Jul 31, 2021
    8
    I found this game very interesting and fun I definitely got sucked into the gameplay the story wasn’t that interesting or captivating and customization was lacking but overall a good game
  3. Medsinso
    Jul 31, 2021
    10
    Para ser un juego de tan pocas personas se ve increíble, también la jugabilidad esta entretenida aunque no me mi tipo de rpg se reconocer que esta muy bien, si tuviera todo el tiempo del mundo o un poco mas al menos lo pasaría como nunca antes, no me imagino lo que será jugar en cooperativo.
  4. Kluc
    Jul 31, 2021
    9
    The Ascent est un super jeu magnifique, nerveux et très riche que je recommande vivement. Le mode multijoueur rencontre des soucis sur Xbox one mais rien qu'un patch ne peu à priori régler. Bravo aux développeurs pour un rendu aussi surprenant sur Xbox one.
    Je vous invite à tester le jeu par vous même et vous verez. Ne vous laissez pas induire en erreur par ces notes farfelus de gens qui    The Ascent est un super jeu magnifique, nerveux et très riche que je recommande vivement. Le mode multijoueur rencontre des soucis sur Xbox one mais rien qu'un patch ne peu à priori régler. Bravo aux développeurs pour un rendu aussi surprenant sur Xbox one.
    Je vous invite à tester le jeu par vous même et vous verez. Ne vous laissez pas induire en erreur par ces notes farfelus de gens qui sont là juste pour critiquer.    … Expand
  5. Captainjy
    Jul 31, 2021
    9
    Amazing micro details of a cyberpunk world filled with mindless destruction. This game is a ton of fun with amazing visuals on Series X. The checkpoint system is a little rough, but nothing to ruin the game.
  6. Mackbigtmack
    Jul 31, 2021
    8
    This game is nothing short of amazing. Only a few crashes and online needs to be patched. This game is a hidden gem. Don't let the 65 score fool you. Try it for yourself and see.
  7. leonard009
    Aug 1, 2021
    10
    increíble su nivel técnico y apartado grafico , un juego con bastantes problemas en varios puntos pero nada que estorbe tu partida, una experiencia increible para un juego indie
  8. ZaaLan
    Aug 1, 2021
    8
    Deffinetly a must play on Xbox! :) Especially of you are a #GamePass member. World ist insanely detailed. Story is casual. Gunfight get intenser the more you play. Loot system could be better. Map is not good. Buggs happend. But the game may become the first in the series. If the team gets bigger and gets more funds, the Ascent2 may become even better game.. Hope MicrosoftGamesStudiosDeffinetly a must play on Xbox! :) Especially of you are a #GamePass member. World ist insanely detailed. Story is casual. Gunfight get intenser the more you play. Loot system could be better. Map is not good. Buggs happend. But the game may become the first in the series. If the team gets bigger and gets more funds, the Ascent2 may become even better game.. Hope MicrosoftGamesStudios understands that ;)… Expand
  9. Major_xs
    Aug 1, 2021
    10
    Très bon jeu, j'adore quand on sait que seulement 12 personnes on travailler sur le projet, le résultat est quand même assez bluffant.The ascent est très fun à jouer.
    C'est beau en terme de graphisme.
    Top 5 de mes jeux favoris cette année.
    A découvrir d’urgence dispo Game pass.
  10. Toboinetsu
    Aug 1, 2021
    9
    Fantastic game! While the bugs are a given for any game this $30 game can be mistaken for a $60 game. This indie studio is really on the level of an AAA studio.

    Graphics: With Unreal Engine 4, I am impressed how detailed the developers can make this game. The amount of NPCs present in the game, looking over cityscape rooftops, seeing hovering vehicles with trains at different corners,    Fantastic game! While the bugs are a given for any game this $30 game can be mistaken for a $60 game. This indie studio is really on the level of an AAA studio.

    Graphics: With Unreal Engine 4, I am impressed how detailed the developers can make this game. The amount of NPCs present in the game, looking over cityscape rooftops, seeing hovering vehicles with trains at different corners, and the whole feel of the environment makes this the best looking ARPG to date.

    Combat: This is where a lot of people get confused in the beginning, and might put a lot of people off with the combat system. This is not a game where in diablo you can aim at anything with a click of the button. This game you will need to think a bit on how to defeat your enemies. If the enemy height is lower you can't use the aim button or else you will miss. You will be dodging a lot since there is no melee in the beginning until you get an augmentation mod for it. When there are a lot of enemies you have options to hide behind barriers and shoot with the aim button or find explosive objects and lure them in for the kill. Of course you can always do guns blazing if you put in the right skill points, but when it comes to defeating a bunch of enemies you will need to be more strategic.

    Once you get the hang of the combat system everything should be a breeze. Just a reminder, the higher the enemy level the more punishing they get, but you can also use tactics to pick off high levels while under cover. I managed to kill 3 level 18 NPCs at level 5 because I lured them near an explosive barrel.

    Controls: This is the only area where I had problems. I find using the controller better than using mouse and keyboard. For some reason they decided to change the WASD movement instead of sticking with the original ARPG movement. There is no way to change the settings so the mouse is the only way to rotate your character. You are basically strafing with WASD instead of a full rotation so it takes time to get used to. I feel they can improve it more with different layout styles.

    Using the controller the left stick will make you move at a full 360, the right stick is for aiming. The sensitivity level of the joysticks cannot be adjusted so you will need steady thumbs to get it to aim properly which can also be a bit frustrating when you got enemies engaging and you can't dodge anywhere.

    Sound: From the soundtrack all the way down to the SFX, it's just really good. It really brings the game to life.

    Overall I haven't really encountered bugs that users have been complaining for both PC and console (using Microsoft store not steam), but the game itself is unique and it's great to bring a fresh game on board.

    if you are into turn based RPG, Cyberpunk 2077, looking for a unique ARPG etc.. this game is for you, but if you are looking for Diablo run and gun type game, I would not recommend it.    … Expand
  11. leonar7
    Aug 1, 2021
    10
    Increible videjuego y una increible entrada para alguien interesado en este tipo de indies
  12. BluNtM4N
    Aug 1, 2021
    10
    12 man team. Game is incredible. Nicest looking game this gen in my opinion. Super atmosphere throughout and interesting battles. Well worth it.
  13. pepe743
    Aug 1, 2021
    10
    Increible expereciensia para un juego de tan poco presupuesto y una jugabilidad adictiva solo le falta un poco de pulido pero realmente me fascino su nivel artistico y su banda sonora
  14. pepinero322
    Aug 1, 2021
    10
    Un 10 em 10 uma maravilha, um gênio do jogo, um nível para um jogo com um orçamento tão baixo.
  15. angelica2
    Aug 1, 2021
    10
    que un juego de este nivel este en el gamepass es simplemente increible 10 de 10
  16. Val1ntina
    Aug 1, 2021
    10
    beautiful video game, an incredible soundtrack with a very elaborate gameplay
  17. martine3
    Aug 1, 2021
    10
    Simplemente esto merece un 10 una verdadera sorpresa y un verdadero gustazo.
  18. Anuragkumar27
    Aug 1, 2021
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The game is full of bugs and the camera management is poor, should have not been released this year… Expand
  19. Orrson
    Aug 1, 2021
    10
    Um jogo incrível com gráficos incríveis, uma jogabilidade incrível e viciante ao mais puro rpg
  20. gyomei
    Aug 1, 2021
    1
    game has major issues with co op not connecting properly and camera management is poor, it is just something to fill space till halo
  21. Jerjef
    Aug 11, 2021
    8
    The Ascent is a gorgeous twin stick/ARPG shooter with solid gameplay and one amazing soundtrack. My main gripe is with the back and forth treks from point A to point B to point C that all are 1.5 km or more and there's no run mechanic. Yes there's a fast travel, but you have to pay for it. As well many of the side quests are buggy, often requiring a main story pre-req that isn't pointedThe Ascent is a gorgeous twin stick/ARPG shooter with solid gameplay and one amazing soundtrack. My main gripe is with the back and forth treks from point A to point B to point C that all are 1.5 km or more and there's no run mechanic. Yes there's a fast travel, but you have to pay for it. As well many of the side quests are buggy, often requiring a main story pre-req that isn't pointed out to the player. I am enjoying the story and world that has been built though and here's hoping for a sequel with a bigger budget and team next time.… Expand
  22. ResidentWeazel
    Aug 26, 2021
    10
    Love this game visually it's absolutely stunning & the soundtrack is amazing.Combat is fun & engaging
  23. 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
  24. PretzelJones
    Aug 10, 2021
    9
    Great gameplay, amazingly gorgeous world, addictive combat and satisfying leveling and build customization. The difficulty is challenging without being over the top. A few minor bugs but nothing game breaking. I’ve invested nearly 48 hours into the game in just a week. I can’t put it down. My favorite is the year so far!
  25. 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
  26. 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.
  27. regnaston
    Aug 7, 2021
    9
    Fun game. Not earth shattering but it does the twin stick shooter very well and adds the element of cover based mechanics. Graphics on the Xbox Series X are outstanding.
  28. 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!
  29. NBMTX
    Aug 7, 2021
    9
    I completed the game with about 24 hours of playtime, and it's probably the best cyberpunk game I've played to date. (I comment on bugs at the bottom)

    Some people will immediately write it off because of it's genre and isometric perspective, but that's just unfortunate because this game has helped me come to realize that the perspective choice is probably the best option for any game    I completed the game with about 24 hours of playtime, and it's probably the best cyberpunk game I've played to date. (I comment on bugs at the bottom)

    Some people will immediately write it off because of it's genre and isometric perspective, but that's just unfortunate because this game has helped me come to realize that the perspective choice is probably the best option for any game wanting to use such a setting. Just about every section of every region is just "gorgeously" crafted and often decrepit.

    The story is solid and rooted in the awesome worldbuilding throughout the game. If you like cyberpunk movies/games, then you'll be feeling that love shared by the devs, the whole way through. The protagonist is an indent(ured servant) so they'll always be fairly minute against the backdrop of the world, so don't expect much of a hero or anything. And you'll certainly be reminded of your place along the way (it's fun). This part of the review would be a lot more fun with spoilers, but they're probably be more fun experienced spontaneously, so I'll leave it at that.

    The combat is solid twin stick action. Lots of variety and feasible builds to suit all sorts of tastes, although I do wish they gave the option to use one armor's stats but another's aesthetics (Xenoblade has done this, and it's awesome). Upgrading weapons is very gratifying, but you're probably best off if you pick a favorite 2-4, and devote resources to that. Probably best to upgrade an energy weapon, but you can also use an augment that will convert ballistic weapons to deal energy damage, which I found to be my preferred solution. This just goes back to the builds thing. There's also a sex toy that's actually a very feasible weapon, when usually such things are purely novel.

    The world is also mixed with enemies of different levels, so there's always a sense of danger (as there should be), as you walk through. Some areas you'll have to return to full explore after doing additional leveling. This works out because you'll have to do a fair bit of backtracking, and will also help you level, because things can get pretty challenging.

    BUGS: I played on Series X, and on day one there was this sound bug that was pretty annoying. I think they may have fixed it already (about a week later at this time), because I didn't encounter it as I was finishing the game, after an update had arrived.

    There was a time my gun disappeared, I think after using a tactical skill, and I think it was fixed by going into the menu and changing the equip to something else and back. Not sure if that bug is still there.

    Not exactly a bug, but there were a couple of times where I died and the checkpoint was basically further than I'd been, so dying basically just skipped the part I died at, and topped off my health. Not the worst thing, but popping up in an area you haven't been to can be a bit confusing at first.

    With that sound bug seemingly fixed, or perhaps it's tied to the early game, I don't think these bugs are worth docking any points. That day one sound bug would've been a -1 until fixed, but without it, the others are really more than tolerable. They're not consistent, like with a broken game, but just something going on with some rare mix of things.

    TLDR: 9/10, best cyberpunk game I've played.

    Major bug has seemingly been fixed already, making a disproportionate number of the mixed and bad reviews for the game worthless. Minor bugs aren't worth any substantial deductions. Even with the major bugs on day one, I didn't want to stop playing. So the game's very good.    … Expand
  30. 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.
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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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