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. MikeSwiss91
    Aug 5, 2021
    9
    Really Good and Fun. At the Beginn some Bugs with the Map and 1 crash. But one in around 30h. So one of the best Cyberpunk Games. And much better than Cyberpunk....
  2. KWGamer
    Aug 6, 2021
    9
    The Ascent is a mixed bag, a mixed bag that is mostly full of gold with a handful of silver and bronze coins too. As an isometric shooter, it’s almost perfect if not perfect. The guns feels great, the physics and mechanics are excellent. The gunplay is highly satisfying and the addition of shooting behind cover is an innovation for twin-stick shooters and isometric action RPGs. As an RPG,The Ascent is a mixed bag, a mixed bag that is mostly full of gold with a handful of silver and bronze coins too. As an isometric shooter, it’s almost perfect if not perfect. The guns feels great, the physics and mechanics are excellent. The gunplay is highly satisfying and the addition of shooting behind cover is an innovation for twin-stick shooters and isometric action RPGs. As an RPG, the levelling up is somewhat initially confusing, but look beyond the jargon and it’s fairly straightforward. You also have the ability to reset all your attributes (for a price) and redistribute your skill points.

    As an RPG, the quests however are far too generic. Move from A to B and shoot everything that attacks you, kill a boss and maybe shoot some more. There’s no mystery to the quests, no moral choices to be made either or a choice to kill or set free to alter the story line. At launch there are some bugs, the way point is slightly broken. In one mission I’m repeatedly set to a place to deliver something but no one is there to receive it. Sometimes the way point sends me to an edge or a corner which I cannot pass. The missions have recommended levels, sometimes this is misleading since you have to pass an area which far stronger enemies. The sound effects are great, you feel the guns, the music is also good too but requires a bit more variety.

    The graphics…simply amazing. What makes me play on despite the handful of issues is the gameplay, which is amazing, the RPG elements which makes levelling up fun, the “tactics,” and the fairly interesting story where you have to discover why the largest corporation has gone bankrupt.

    Here’s hoping for a sequel, a better quest system, a way to alter the story with choice, secondary fire for the guns and a few more abilities would be welcome.    … Expand
  3. Raf2342
    Aug 5, 2021
    10
    Llevo viciando a este juego de una manera muy enorme es increíble este juego
  4. Mic2
    Aug 5, 2021
    10
    Este juego me encanto me tiene enganchado con su nivel grafico aunque le falta pulir sus disparos o incluso añadir opciones de evitar los dialogos o mini tutoriales
  5. tomyu
    Aug 5, 2021
    10
    ‎Me encanta este juego, el estilo de arte y la jugabilidad son impresionantes. Realmente recomendado para los fans frustrados de Cyberpunk 2077 . Red CD Project necesita aprender de los estudios independientes cómo hacer grandes juegos
  6. Iba3
    Aug 5, 2021
    10
    Un juego increible para el gampeass porfavor denle una oportunidad porque quisa te encante
  7. Ricio
    Aug 5, 2021
    10
    A este juego le falta un poco de pulir pero realmente es increible me tiene enganchado totalmente
  8. Alix32
    Aug 5, 2021
    10
    un juegazo con todas sus palabras, simplemente me fascino y engancho enormemente
  9. GalacticGunter
    Aug 5, 2021
    9
    The “critic reviews are way off on this one. The world they created is some of the best cyberpunk I’ve scene, and it is full of details and lore. The gameplay is top notch, lighting and animations are on point. My two main issues with the game are the sub-par character creator, and the story and lore not coming through the quests as well as I’d prefer. The codex is highly detailed, andThe “critic reviews are way off on this one. The world they created is some of the best cyberpunk I’ve scene, and it is full of details and lore. The gameplay is top notch, lighting and animations are on point. My two main issues with the game are the sub-par character creator, and the story and lore not coming through the quests as well as I’d prefer. The codex is highly detailed, and time was spent crafting the story for this world, it just doesn’t shine through the questing narrative too well. It’s there, you just have to read through the codex to get the full picture. For the character creator, I someone understand, this is a top-down, “twin stick” shooter, so you aren’t that close to your character anyway. That being said, if you’re going to put a creator in a cyberpunk world, it needs to be super fleshed out. I have always loved twin stick shooters, and to see this fresh, rpg approach makes me excited for more of this same style of game in the future. The Ascent proves that just because it’s a twin stick style game, it doesn’t have to be an arcade-like game. You can build really cool worlds and have great rpg mechanics, and get the same feel you would from a 1st or 3rd person shooter, or even a more traditional rpg. The level design is superb, and the camera work does a great job of highlighting just how much detail went into laying the city out. Great game. Once again, the “professionals” got it wrong. Don’t let the critics pull you away from this one. It’s a special game, very unique in my opinion.… Expand
  10. kuytr
    Aug 5, 2021
    10
    Es hermoso el juego y su nivel de detallado este juego con cascos es una gozada luchar contra los jefes
  11. Dleog
    Aug 6, 2021
    10
    Alucinante la manera en la que se esforzaron en este juego tan solo 12 personas es hermoso
  12. Crek3
    Aug 6, 2021
    10
    Un juegazo, espero que sigan apoyando a esta compañía indie porque lanzan un juego tan bueno como su primer titulo es increíble y poco común
  13. NoRods
    Aug 6, 2021
    10
    Demasiado bueno para ser un simple indie o incluso ser el primer juego de esta compañía 10 de 10
  14. LEn3
    Aug 6, 2021
    10
    Me fascino totalmente con su ambientación ciberpunk y por suerte ya parchearon los diálogos en ingles
  15. Farbodltu2
    Aug 7, 2021
    10
    Such a great independent game i had 10 hours of gameplay and i love this game controls are a little tricky but game is very good
  16. ShushBush
    Aug 7, 2021
    9
    Game is a blast to play and has a good amount of replay value if you have friends to play with. Different builds and weapons make playing again with friends a lot of fun. Graphics and sound are superb and with patch released it is an absolute must buy or get on Game Pass.
  17. 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
  18. FolkenZA
    Aug 8, 2021
    8
    I really enjoyed this game. I don't get the bad rep it's getting from critics. Yes, the co-op was a bit clunky at launch, but what MP game isn't... The SP is really solid though. Its a beautiful game with a vibrant Cyberpunk world to rival 2077. And to think it was made by a team of 12. Well done!
  19. 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
  20. mfosa
    Aug 8, 2021
    8
    The Ascent has been on my personal wish list since it was shown during the Xbox preview last year. A few hours and missions in and it has been a fun experience. For a team of 12, the whole end product is super impressive. The environment itself is a character on its own; so beautifully designed and alive. I've been peeking levels below wondering if I could explore those areas.

    A few    The Ascent has been on my personal wish list since it was shown during the Xbox preview last year. A few hours and missions in and it has been a fun experience. For a team of 12, the whole end product is super impressive. The environment itself is a character on its own; so beautifully designed and alive. I've been peeking levels below wondering if I could explore those areas.

    A few quips for me would be Quick Resume not working as intended. Also, the information on the RPG system could be improved. It's a bit hard to decide which item is better/stronger than the other.    … Expand
  21. Nichorko
    Aug 9, 2021
    10
    Really fun game. Looks amazing, I'm having a really good time. Bosses are challenging
  22. 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).
  23. Tjmac1880
    Aug 9, 2021
    9
    Fun game. Great controls. Great visuals, would be a 10 if coop had better matchmaking.
  24. 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.
  25. Phobos1881
    Aug 10, 2021
    8
    Wer Lust hat ein Diablo Style Spiel im Cyberpunk Universum zu Spielen ist hier Richtig. Respekt was ein so kleines Team hingekriegt hat. Klar Kleinigkeiten stimmen noch nicht ganz, aber die Atmosphäre stimmt, die Grafik auch und es ist sogar im Couch Coop spielbar. Leider gibt es davon zu wenige spiele. Kann das Game nur weiterempfehlen. Bin gespannt, was noch von diesem Studio kommt
  26. Cariba85
    Aug 11, 2021
    8
    nice graphics, sound and gameplay, medium story. I wish it had a German language version. All in all a nice game
  27. Junkreviewer
    Aug 22, 2021
    2
    Played this on Gamepass. I usually like top down shooters. But throughout I thought something was off with this game. The aiming of your weapon is difficult. You'll find yourself running backwards a lot of the time to stop getting hit. The world seems vibrant and interesting but you can hardly see it as you're so far away. Story is generic and gets quite repetitive.
  28. 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.
  29. Tomoncio
    Aug 27, 2021
    7
    The Ascent es un buen juego, pero necesita arreglar muchos bugs que posee: ascensores que no se activan, indicaciones en el mapa erróneas, traducción al castellano parcial, desconexiones espontáneas en multijugador... Por esos bugs el juego no se puede disfrutar al máximo, y es una lástima, ya que es un juego de acción con una buena jugabilidad, una estética cyberpunk genial y donde elThe Ascent es un buen juego, pero necesita arreglar muchos bugs que posee: ascensores que no se activan, indicaciones en el mapa erróneas, traducción al castellano parcial, desconexiones espontáneas en multijugador... Por esos bugs el juego no se puede disfrutar al máximo, y es una lástima, ya que es un juego de acción con una buena jugabilidad, una estética cyberpunk genial y donde el componente multijugador es esencial. Es más, es un juego que se disfruta mucho más en cooperativo que en solitario. Eso sí, la historia en mi opinión es un poco compleja, por lo que es necesario prestar mucha atención si no quieres perderte en los detalles.… Expand
  30. 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
  31. Menacing-Fish
    Jul 22, 2022
    1
    No updates for Xbox it's buggy and didn't save my progress avoid this game until they show more motivation and update Xbox version
  32. 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
  33. 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.
  34. 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
  35. 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
  36. RGNS
    Jul 9, 2022
    0
    extremely difficult. i am glad that hacking exists. i go to playlist stupid game for free. stupid mouse aim does not work. do not buy this game. i say again do not buy this game. stupid story difficult combat boring stupid game. the stupid character doesn't even talk. eight zero stupid idiot devs.
  37. 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.
  38. forgedsledge
    Feb 25, 2023
    7
    From Night City to the grimy alien planet of Veles. While both Cyberpunk 2077 and The Ascent are forms of cyberpunk fiction, involving intense gunplay, hacking and upgrading your player character, that's where the similarities end. Veles feels grim and oppressive, built on the backs of slaves, such as yourself, fighting each other for scraps whereas in Night City you feel like you'reFrom Night City to the grimy alien planet of Veles. While both Cyberpunk 2077 and The Ascent are forms of cyberpunk fiction, involving intense gunplay, hacking and upgrading your player character, that's where the similarities end. Veles feels grim and oppressive, built on the backs of slaves, such as yourself, fighting each other for scraps whereas in Night City you feel like you're rising through the hierarchy of the criminal underworld to make a name for yourself. Make no mistake, grim doesn't mean better. Cyberpunk 2077 allows you to tell your own story but the atmosphere of The Ascent is what really sold me.

    I will not pretend, I suck at twin-stick shooters, yet I welcome the challenge. Right from the get-go, you're thrust into this immersive, story-driven world and asked to survive and my lack of skill only amplified the story. Overall, the game feels oddly familiar, like NES games of old with a fresh new coat of paint. While I struggled at first, I started to get the hang of the game and it became far more enjoyable.    … Expand
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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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