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. Nio23
    Aug 7, 2021
    10
    ‎¡Juega! No importa a los demás. Si te gusta lo que ves - usted estará en el ascenso durante horas y horas!‎
  2. Thedevilinside8
    Aug 9, 2021
    10
    I’m not sure what the negativity is about..this is a really fun game to play and looks gorgeous
  3. F3x
    Aug 8, 2021
    10
    Es una maravilla jugar. Realmente me estoy divirtiendo mucho haciéndolo. Muy recomendable, pruébalo y no te arrepentirás, ¡lo único que te arrepentirías es no haberlo probado desde su lanzamiento!
  4. Nichorko
    Aug 9, 2021
    10
    Really fun game. Looks amazing, I'm having a really good time. Bosses are challenging
  5. Fabio2
    Aug 9, 2021
    10
    Je veux mettre une critique positive parce que je pense que les gens ont de mauvaises attentes. Ce jeu est un jeu de tir à deux bâtons avec des éléments rpg. J'ai joué 9 heures pour l'instant. Coop et solo, les deux expériences étaient plutôt bonnes. J'ai rencontré 1 bug (aucun son nécessaire pour redémarrer le jeu).
  6. Pirm2
    Aug 9, 2021
    10
    Unos detalles increíbles con una jugabilidad aun mas increíble, me encanto que a un juego de este porte se le diera un espacio.
  7. 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
  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. 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!
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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
  14. Inuarcer
    Aug 4, 2021
    9
    Stunning looking game, a fresh new formula for me. I am having a lot of fun with it, I can truly reccomend it. Since it is on game pass even better. The swedish studio with 12 core people did a great work here!
  15. Borachon
    Jul 30, 2021
    9
    Great game, the world is gorgeous, the music is fantastic and the gunplay is a tonne of fun. Think some of the critics are rating this game as if it costs 70 quid. It's an indie title made by a dozen people. It's incredible to see the world they've created. Just don't expect a deep RPG experience. It's an isometric shooter with RPG elements. Co op will be incredible, can't wait to try itGreat game, the world is gorgeous, the music is fantastic and the gunplay is a tonne of fun. Think some of the critics are rating this game as if it costs 70 quid. It's an indie title made by a dozen people. It's incredible to see the world they've created. Just don't expect a deep RPG experience. It's an isometric shooter with RPG elements. Co op will be incredible, can't wait to try it with a few mates. If you have Game Pass this is a no brainer.… Expand
  16. John_Remix
    Aug 24, 2021
    9
    Una de las sorpresas del año, un juego de accion super divertido con graficos excelentes
  17. 7hacker
    Aug 6, 2021
    9
    El juego es genial. Tiene muchos errores porque viene de un estudio nuevo y pequeño pero la intención es genial. Las gráficas muy buenas y es divertido. Recomendado.
  18. Huntingassassin
    Jul 30, 2021
    9
    I'm not really much into Diablo or any game with this type of camera angle normally but ill say this a really great game I love the art style the game play is pretty smooth story is interesting plus couch and online coop plenty of options to customize your look and playstyle overall I give this game a 9/10
  19. TheMoil
    Sep 13, 2021
    9
    Impressive game, was unexpected. Played this on both PC and Xbox with play anywhere. Highly recommend it.
  20. Thantris
    Aug 5, 2021
    9
    Really awesome!,, all works fine after last update, incredible adictive atmosphere and gameplay!!!
  21. Ilkayson
    Aug 1, 2021
    9
    Very enjoyable gameplay, full content, I liked it very much. The graphics are outstanding environmental detail is great.
  22. Wolfsschule
    Aug 1, 2021
    9
    Awesome graphics and details. This is what love for video games looks like. Some bugs have to be fixed soon, but the overalls experience is overwhelming. Well done!
  23. JaggaFredde
    Jul 31, 2021
    9
    It’s a great game, 7-9 out of 10 depending on how much you like twin stick shooters. I love the genre so for me it’s a 9 and a total blast. Feels surprisingly fresh with the added RPG elements and dodge and cover mechanic. Looks like a AAA game but made by 12 people, it’s incredibly impressive to be honest, and the sound design is top notch!
  24. Pepe_gamer
    Jul 31, 2021
    9
    excellent twin-stick shooter, mind-blowing world art design putting AAA to shame, insane visuals. Played 2 days non-stop and loved every second of it. Hoping the next project those guys go BIG, the only thing missing there is animation and world interactivity detail like bad clipping everywhere and very limited physics. Wish the destruction had actual gameplay impact rather than being justexcellent twin-stick shooter, mind-blowing world art design putting AAA to shame, insane visuals. Played 2 days non-stop and loved every second of it. Hoping the next project those guys go BIG, the only thing missing there is animation and world interactivity detail like bad clipping everywhere and very limited physics. Wish the destruction had actual gameplay impact rather than being just for the looks, blowing up buildings blowing up cover etc... that would be great.… Expand
  25. Burgermaster
    Aug 2, 2021
    9
    The Ascent is looking gorgeous on Xbox Series X, runs butter smooth and is IMO a pretty good game over all. Yeah, there are bugs and design problems (map!) – but this Cyber–Diablo is really fun to play.
  26. 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.
  27. Panconbasura
    Aug 11, 2021
    9
    I'm playing the game on Xbox series X, and I'm having a blast! It's so much fun! The gameplay and shooting is so satisfying. The graphics are amazing, the textures, illumination, physics and attention to details is top notch. The story so far is engaging, the conversations are interesting, the progression and leveling system is rewarding. I haven't experienced any bug or glitch, it hasI'm playing the game on Xbox series X, and I'm having a blast! It's so much fun! The gameplay and shooting is so satisfying. The graphics are amazing, the textures, illumination, physics and attention to details is top notch. The story so far is engaging, the conversations are interesting, the progression and leveling system is rewarding. I haven't experienced any bug or glitch, it has been a smooth experience so far. Overall, I recommend everyone to play it. My only recommendation is to to not explore new areas without a quest, you will encounter much higher level enemies that will instantly one-shot kill you.… Expand
  28. Alln_lk
    Aug 11, 2021
    9
    Soundtrack 10/10
    Design/stages 10/10
    Graphics 10/10
    Game-play 9/10
    Story 8/10
    Bosses 9/10
    Maps 10/10
  29. The_Matheus27
    Jul 30, 2021
    9
    Simplesmente VICIANTE! Mas necessita urgente de um bugfix, alguns crashs durante a gameplay, apesar disso uma experiência Cyberpunk fantástica!
  30. pablonunez
    Jul 30, 2021
    9
    So funny and fast, few text much action. Nice gungame and graphics. Beautifull ambient Cyberpunk
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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.
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  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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