The Ascent Open World Design Talk - Walking the Walk Game Design Series

[@NYSOUN]

Yes yes yes our prayers have been answered!! Every walking the walk is like an early Xmas present, love you Karak

[@JL-rj9fl]

Yeah, I love these. Thanks Karak!

[@Vash_Vadderung]

I was going to say the same thing! Karak, we love your walking the walks. Please bro - give us more when you can!

[@HadesTimer]

I couldn't agree more. I didn't see this until I was pointed to it by someone else. I guess I never got notified originally.

[@phoenixzappa7366]

This game reminds me of Redeemer. Another great twin stock sgooter

[@mpandunky]

The detail in this game is truly awe-inspiring. How they manage to turn a drab & dystopian world into something so beautifully done is nothing short of a masterstroke.

[@awakeandwatching953]

needs a first person mod

[@Tavicx]

It's very good. Dev's did a great job!

[@niklaslundh8944]

Truly beautiful, one of the most atmospheric and immersive game world's created.

[@Moose1223]

I loved how you highlighted the literary history of cyberpunk as an extension of science fiction and described how that feeds into this gameworld. You're actually providing me the language to describe the games I love for myself with these types of videos. Very well done, I hope more like these videos will follow.

[@slowmotionfirefight9219]

The insane level of detail is incredible, and how if serves the world building puts most other devs to shame. I've been playing on xbox so I'm unable to use the breakaway camera, but I could just stare at things in this game all day. Most of the detail is overkill but greatly appreciated. I guess at some point maybe they did consider having a 1st person camera or at least a more zoomed in view point. Thanks for the video, absolutely fascinating. Can't wait to see what the devs do next, here's hoping something 1st person in the same world with a bigger budget.

[@liamgamer9592]

It definitely has a unique style that feels so familiar, it takes its scale from a lot of the early 90's Warhammer 40k artwork, there's elements of Blade Runner and I think a touch of FF7 too. I'm still amazed what was created by such a small team, and how much this showed up Cyberpunk 2077, especially when you compare budget and resources. One of the gems of the year.

[@freekvd6472]

​@Brupcat Yeah, also getting lots of Moebius vibes in the character and vehicle design, as well as lots of Necromunda. One of the character artists commissioned for this also has made artwork for Warhammer 40k

[@nickelakon5369]

Another thing I think you can feel is actually a bit of star wars. A lot of the light armor outfits feel like smuggler outfits you'd see in that world.

[@inkpoison8395]

I really dig The Ascent. The cyberpunk world is is so grungy and beautiful at the same time. Also I love the alien races. Definitely my top twin stick shooter.

[@ACGreviews]

Please make sure to share this forums, facebook, wherever. IF you like these I would appreciate a comment or even if you don't. So I can get feedback. These are huge timesinks but a love of mine so if you want to see more please make sure you are subscribed and notify all is checked. Patreon is also another way to support these kinds of videos! thanks all! www.patreon.com/AngryCentaurGaming

[@Vi-XiphiqiX]

I'm playing through again. Hope for more content, expansion etc. So much fun. It's amazing what 12 people can accomplish. Best game I've played in two years. Also, yes, this type of video is interesting.

[@dusathemaid]

No fucking way, this was made by 12 people?!? Holy shit!

[@freekvd6472]

They outsourced LOADS though

[@phrozac]

Way more than 12. 12 is just the core team. They outsourced a lot of work to other companies and probably independent contractors.

[@dusathemaid]

@@phrozac That makes more sense

[@phrozac]

@@dusathemaid Yeah, still pretty cool. That approach is becoming more common these days with as many outsourcing companies there are.

[@Scarxful]

Hey Karak, thanks so much for these kind of videos! I love how you take the time to treat games like the form of art that they truly are to go in depth with stuff like character design, story and world building. In my opinion this truly sets you apart from other channels who "just" do reviews. Please keep it up, even if it gets less publicity than your other work. I'm sure there are other people out there who don't comment who like me just absolutely adore this sort of content. Regardless thank you so much for this episode!

[@bbqR0ADK1LL]

The Ascent has such an amazing sense of verticality. It really shows how misled CDPR's statement about CP2077 was when they gave reason for it being in first person. I played on Game Pass, so unfortunately there were some weird bugs & ray tracing didn't work for me. Still one of the best looking games I've ever played - & those visuals really contribute to sp many aspects of the game.

[@andrewfanelli666]

I love this series! A critical analysis that addresses technical and qualitative aspects of game/work of art is exactly the sort of content I look for. Thank you for your work!

[@bepkororoti8019]

Your Walking the Walks are amazing, I hope they do well enough for you to put time into them in the future!

[@originalityisdead.9513]

The world design is jaw dropping in The Ascent what a great game and without a doubt one of my favourite games ive played this year so far.

[@heroicgoo915]

I LOVE this game!!! I quite literally went & ordered an Xbox Series X literally on the strength of this game alone. This game manages to tick SO MANY of my required boxes in a game. I REALLY liked this vid too dude....GREAT JOB!!!

[@JB2FROSTY]

Dude i think it is so fascinating what content creators like you do! The way you utilize your intelligence and integrate it into speaking on specifics of something you love and have a fun time enjoying such as a hobby is absolutely awe-inspiring. It really motivates me. Its like i could break down a game and give the facts and my opinions and possibly gain a fan base of like-minded individuals who I can get together with to discuss my interests further. What is so beautiful about it ACG is that (and this is IN NO WAY WHATSOEVER belittling the fantastic things you do) people put their life and soul and millions of dollars into these games but all we have to do is talk about it! It is a beautiful privilege. Its like we can eat off of their plate. Better yet, its like a buffet. You can capitalize off of it but not in an evil way because you're doing what you love and it is by no means easy work. I just stream every once in a while so my wife and i can go back watch when we dont feel like gaming. I dont have a fan base but my goal is to get a computer and make videos like these and Skill Ups and Nick360. It is so motivational how you can make hour long videos about the games you play. I love to write and i love to play video games. I wish I was a part of your podcast big brother because it is so damn great!

[@alpheratz83]

Was actually thinking when I played this after your review I’d love to hear you doing this video! Love them!

[@FRANK45CASTLE]

I love this game, it is a pure true cyber punk world. I was floored when i first made it into the main city hub. The ascent set a new bar for twin stick shooters thats for sure. I hope this company makes some more games like this. Twin stick shooter or maybe a diablo style of game.

[@spyctaco]

Huge fan of the channel and hope that you keep uploading Walking the Walk videos because despite having fewer views than your reviews or other videos, I actually really enjoy these videos.

[@michaelscott6880]

Glad you are bringing these back.

[@thecstineman]

I think the lat/long is the nyc city hall

[@YDINO69]

Yes the moment I have been waiting for 🍿 Great work Karak

[@jibblerino]

It's frustrating this doesn't get a lot of views. Having someone who can explain this in a compelling manner is appreciated! There's so many little nuances going on that the average player will just gloss over, so thank you for making this content. I'm only level 11 but the world is the best part for me. It is a bit of a trudge to get through on solo though.

[@7910norris]

I love these videos, the Witcher 3 open world one is what caused me to buy the game and I'm still playing that once a year.

[@AbbreviatedReviews]

It blew me away to see how much of the game is designed, rendered, and textured that you basically couldn't see unless the camera was hacked.

[@alpsalish]

Feels like a game failure in some sense. The world was undersold by the constraints put on it. Still it isn't a bad game

[@Cassiebee42]

Yeeeeeesssssss!!!!!!! Return of walking the walk...thank you so much ACG. These videos are amazing. If this is anyone's first time seeing these walking the walks I fully recommend going and checking them all out. Just a fantastic source of information and insight

[@four2nothin]

First of all, I really enjoyed The Ascent. I dont typically care for top down shooters but the way they mixed light rpg and looter elements as well as THE WORLD of course, it all kept me interested and I really enjoyed my time with this game. Also, I do enjoy these kinds of videos, and would love to see more like this!

[@razorbackroar]

Bro this was the most enthusiastic review of anything over ever seen. Loved it

[@Vash_Vadderung]

Karak thanks for the new walking the walk! Keep up the great work bro, we love it! You're one of a kind!

[@drewd4952]

Loved the video Karak, watched in parts and I'll most likely watch it all again. I was surprised by your game choice when you dropped this but DAMN you showed just how much detail and thought was put into the game world. You brought a lot of good outside knowledge into your break down of The Ascent. It's videos like these that really show how good you are at analyzing games. I know you always mention these videos mess with your KZbin metrics, but thank you for this one. I'll replay The Ascent now with a few new things in mind and probably pester my wife to check out "the arcology" now.

[@stormp2982]

The Ascent Deserve it the detail is just insane 🔥

[@Ghostofmandela]

Awesome with another walking the walk. Thanks for still making these! They deserve so much more attention man!

[@tru_spartan_117]

Wow loved this walkthrough. Hopefully it comes out on the PS5 some day

[@Cellardoorkidd]

Really enjoy these, Ive said what you say, to myself as I play so many games, and I love hearing you appreciate the same kind of detail that I feel goes unnoticed too. Please keep these coming.

[@JustinLatham]

I love these in-depth video essays, love to hear your thoughts on games my guy!

[@rooksgate5574]

This. Was. Awesome. I love your walkthroughs. And I love The Ascent. So 10/10.

[@alpheratz83]

Beautifully written! one of my favourite worlds I’ve explored for a long time, you’ve shown so much more of the world then I’ve explored and really jaw dropping stuff so few devs are striving to produce! To also know how few people worked on this title blows my mind!!!

[@edvinljung6666]

THANK YOU KARAK! Sorry for the echo I'm providing ,but I love these ' Walking the Walk' videos:) It's uniquely yours

[@shweenz]

Starting now! I always look forward to these videos because I feel you do a good mix of passive and active observation (let us see for ourselves vs. you drawing our eye to something).

[@cantankerusgoat5918]

Love it man. Getting to see all the unseen details with the camera. Would love to seen them make a 1st or 3rd person game in this world.

[@stonwall9065]

I don’t know how I never heard of this until yesterday, because it just looks so well done. Running with a buddy of mine. Only progressing and exploring when together

[@HAL1138]

Always killer videos! Walking The Walk is the crown jewel of KZbin!

[@FreshAirGamer]

I loved this walking the walk. I'm always looking at the background and what's going on in the corners while playing this game. But the freecam footage you have here was fantastic. Hopefully they will add a photo mode that allows this type of camera control within the game at some point. This inspired me to watch your Ghost of Tsushima Walking the walk today. Great work as always.

[@danielkristiansen2298]

I love walking the walk videos! Possibly my favorite kind of ACG videos, which says a lot because they are all fantastic :)

[@akadiggerwitz]

This game completely warrants the level of observational commentary you’ve so eloquently delivered here my dude 🤟 Nailed it

[@randomhagile9056]

This is the kind of video I was waiting for for the ascent. Great job. Looking forward to seeing your other vids.

[@kaleidoscopickait]

Glad these are back! I’m definitely going to play this game one of these days. I’ve always loved the cyberpunk genre. Awesome content as usual!

[@ΔημητρηςΖαχαριαδης-μ9ω]

Those videos are always very informative and help me see many more layers of a game when I'm playing it.

[@Nelkhael1]

This guy knows his cyberpunk. Admirable work in this video. 💙

[@RaizelSX]

I wish I got to see these earlier, this kind of video goes perfectly with the poetic patern of speech I normal hear in reviews. Plus being able to explore there world under this kind of guide makes you want to get it

[@Slyclientthetechdad]

This game is so dope. I'm taking my time and loving it!

[@skyboxmagee8038]

Thanks for the vid ACG. Literally speaking my language here. Love the design deep dives

[@mt_front]

Yes! My favorite gaming KZbinr doing my favorite walking the walk series on my recent favorite open world design game! Yes more!

[@Grandmastergav86]

Finally played this game, the HUB in this game is phenomenal, I was blown away!

[@liammccaul6587]

Love your discussion of the ‘arcology’ of this game. As can be seen in cities throughout Japan, in some of the narrower streets of Tokyo, Osaka and some regional towns, the adding on of ever more exterior elements to buildings (air cooling systems, phone lines, cables) makes them seem like some new organism.. When I look at your choice of s

[@epitomicmess]

Idk if this is a weird compliment but you have the perfect voice to do reviews lol you sound professional while also not robotic. Good shit, subbed

[@EdwardViaTomato]

One of my favorite games this year. The world constantly blew my mind. I imagined either an obsessive designer crafting every square foot of the world... or some SE Asian sweatshop asset studios. One of those.

[@seanivey9013]

Thank you for the deeper dive into a game's design and genre. This kind of video essay doesn't get the clicks/views that 'straight' reviews do. They take more time to do well. These do complement Karak's credibility. Karak knows his subject. KZbin monetization aside, I appreciate this type of content. Thanks, man!

[@LivinLifeLifeless]

Love these walking the walks mr ACG-Karak!

[@deaconfuse3850]

Hell yeah this is one I have been waiting for. Love the Wtw especially with games like these with so much hidden detail.

[@williamwallace7847]

Fantastic in depth walk-the-walk. ACG FTW. I continue to be blown away that a small studio of 12 produced this masterpiece ! GOTY.

[@Luke-ig1xz]

I'm a big fan of these types of videos, keep them up!

[@Scarecr0wn]

Cybeprunk is one of my favorite genres across all entertainment media, so The Ascent was a godsent for me. I absolutely love everything about the game. Thank you for this great video man!

[@samueltheprideofafrikarobi9319]

I'm so glad that this game proved popular/financially solvent enough for the studio to be able to get a physical release approved now in 2022. I've got my copy pre-ordered at GameStop and I can't wait to finally dive into it. It's my most anticipated release of the year. Cyberpunk is by far and away my favorite genre of fiction. I love the look and feel of the overabundance of overly used, rusted and neon-drenched tech and the ideas of transhumanism. And The Ascent feels a lot like the little known game Ruiner expanded out past a surface-level idea and pushed to its perfected state. I LOVE this.

[@shweenz]

I love photographing games, and this looks great for that.

[@EggChen2]

While I rely on your reviews, I love these WTW videos. Keep it up!

[@vincentcabalo6458]

Love these videos. Points out lots of details that we take for granted or miss.

[@AJDraws]

I think you'll really like the 'Monster Building' in Hong Kong. It is an actual Cyberpunk level Mega Structure where about 10,000 people live and includes stores and restaurants, including and entire mall below it. It would be really shit to live there due to noise pollution and in the case of a pandemic, but it just perfectly encapsulates the future of where we would be going in a Cyberpunk future and is probably the closest we can currently see to one of the original architectural Cyberpunk inspirations, the Kowloon Walled City.

[@brendan2415]

Could you do Microsoft Flight Sim next?

[@ldm125]

This was super interesting and a great insight to a underappreciated game.. thanks for all your hard work and insight, keep it up!

[@zaddyzeeseburgnutz]

the ascent is a mind blowing game, never thought a twin stick could be this engaging.

[@nomadscorpio]

Just dropped on PlayStation downloading now... Can't wait to play. Love all your "walking the walk" videos. Nothing else like it on KZbin. 🤘😎

[@headintheclouds999]

I'm 20 hours in the game, it opens up more and more, it's beautiful, absolutely recommend it!

[@8butsideways295]

I feel it's altered carbon but the untold stories of that world with a cyberpunk aesthetic. Also i understand that wtw is about the world and what makes the world what are its guts but i think a segment about music would be really great in the next one 👍

[@headspaceastronaut]

I need to get this game, I love how detailed the world is

[@troikas3353]

I'd love to get an open world first person RPG in this setting. It really is gorgeous and the amount of detail is mind blowing.

[@crawlingamongthestars3736]

Speaking of actual, real world arcologies, let's not forget about Kowloon City. I mean if there ever was one, that was it, right?

[@ACGreviews]

Design wise it has reflections of it but no its not considered built in that way

[@vikray17]

This game is so gorgeous, and your video gave me a deeper appreciation of the art and design of it all. Can't wait to get a PC with a decent graphics card so I can actually play it for myself!!

[@ed-edd-n-eddy]

Unfortunately, there were a few issues that prevented me from being completely immersed in the world such as the elevators not working or map markers being misplaced. Truly one of the best looking games on the market today, looked like the new blade runner movie.

[@thejuiceweasel]

One thing I always love in games like these is when non-roman-alphabet writing isn't nonsensical. I can read Korean hangeul and Japanese kana (and some kanji), most of what I've seen makes sense. There's also cyrillic in the game, can't comment on that, but I have the feeling that the devs took some time to make it accurate enough.

[@ian6239]

I do enjoy these videos. The Ascent is my backlog though so I can't watch yet. I try to avoid looking too much at games before I play them

[@theezrabeast7590]

I am watching this before I go deep into the game so that I have a level of appreciation for the styles the game is support to convey. And I feel more in immersed in the world than just "wow the graphics are sick"

[@julesb1447]

Walk, now walk Walk, now walk Walk, now walk Walk, now walk

[@Sh4un1r1k]

Thanks for brilliant WTW, not my type of game but I really appreciate the lived in, microdetail crammed into this game world. For something designed for a top-down like perspective it felt more alive than the First-person Cyberpunk 2077 even to details you wouldn't never see.

[@JaguarDave54]

This was a fantastic exploitation of a game’s environment. I love the exploration and even late into the game I just would wander around(usually looking for boxes contains components for weapon upgrades ) and a message would pop up and say “new area” or something like that adding an extra dopamine release for me.

[@carlosalvarado7887]

Loved the game. Such a 💎 on Xbox/PC.

[@BlodofUlfhednar]

Yes, definitely love the Walks vids brother. Pump em' out!

[@BlodofUlfhednar]

As an add-on: I really enjoyed the game for the first 10 hours or so but after continually losing unlocks, having minor to moderate glitches, several crashes, and a few bugs I just had to give up on it. I'll return to it in a year or so after (hopefully) most of the issues have been ironed out.

[@7RubStef7]

great game, difficult... but superbly made. the audio of the gunshots and the cries of badguys dying is so masterfully done...

[@connorhatch]

I love these videos so much, man...

[@kangazoos2083]

For a game that is top-down this is such a beautiful, detailed world.

[@ricepony33]

My favorite series, walk it!

[@theotherserge]

Mad props for recognizing Paolo Soleri!

[@Zytri92]

This game is a masterpiece and I loved my time with it. That being said, I burned out before the end due to all of the traveling. Even with taxis it was just tedious to get around when the quests keep sending you from one level to another and locations you haven’t unlocked yet. You hoof it all the way over (or from the nearest taxi spot) and on the way there if you die you might respawn waaaaaay back and have to do it all over again. It just wore me down.

[@AdnanAhmed]

Ascent is one of my favorite games of the year and likely my favorite game world of the year.

[@wayward-saint]

Minneapolis feels a little like an archeology with it’s connected skyways. You can practically walk across the city without ever going outside. Not super vertical, but feels like you’re living in a moonbase, especially in the winter.

[@Coddlesworth]

Bolts be like the Wilhelm Scream. Once you know about it, you always find it.

[@KahlevN]

If the combat design, AI team, and dialogue writers had lived up to the quality of the art, music, world design and overall story writing, this could have been game of the year. It’s still definitely worth a playthrough, and I desperately hope it gets a sequel because I’d love to spend more time in this world with that fantastic art, but I really hope they bring some more innovation and creativity to the overall combat/ai and scene to scene dialogue writing.

[@Charles_Bro-son]

Syd Mead, Moebius... certainly genius draftsmen and designers I am looking up to.

[@hgu123454321]

I would love to have a game like this as an RPG. I'm not really into twin-stick shooters, but I just love the worldbuilding and I would love to have more way to interact with it...

[@crazy-acid-trip9765]

Like your walk the walk . I listen to them at work and really nice and like your input . Just the past week picked up Hong Kong massacre, fury unleashed & shapes and beats . Triple A games just not what they used to be . This looks pretty cool . Think I’ll check this out and keep up the amazing work

[@ComicsLamar]

Really love this world and the art style. Waiting for them to patch the game up a bit before I buy.