The Ascent - Review After 100%

[@chalk-one]

I love this game. It's definitely lacking in progression mechanics, but as a simple shooter with impeccable atmosphere and world design it's still a blast to play. The soundtrack is also brilliantly produced and wonderfully dynamic.

[@gigalagaki]

Love that feedback! How was the game for simplicity? If I wanted to play co-op with my wife, who is relatively new to games and this would be her first experience with a dual-thumbstick game, do you think the mechanics and gameplay would provide a barrier to entry, or be relatively approachable?

[@chalk-one]

@gigalagaki very accessible as the game can be played as a single stick shooter too. The character not only moves in the direction pushed, he/she faces it. The second stick opens up greater combat depth through strafing and pinpoint accuracy, but for a newcomer it's not a necessity. It's also got a very effective dodge roll to get yourself out of harms way.

[@kaibe5241]

I agree. I think if they do a second one, we'll see more of that, which would be phenomenal. It's such a unique title that was so awesomely executed. unfortunately, still some quest bugs/issues I was never able to get around (finding the yellow cases). I've checked every one in multiple runs, none of them have the item.

[@kaidorade1317]

I think the thing I liked best about the game was the way the world looks. It’s freaking gorgeous! That’s a cyberpunk world i could get lost in

[@MeggaMann_theBlueLion]

Yeah the way the world looks makes me wish it could be along the lines of GTAV, endless content with all bugs and kinks worked out. I could easily get lost in it. Especially with the soundtrack

[@markula_4040]

Man, you blow through these games. I remember playing The Ascent for weeks before I was done with it.

[@Rare_Aivila]

I downloaded it on steam sale to play again all the way through this time and finished it in 3 days (Almost all side missions i think) my jaw dropped at the end onto the DLC now really hope we get a 2nd

[@clifcorcoran9917]

The detail on this recording was definitely appreciated for a game that had so much of the environmental ambiance as its main positive. I look forward to it going forward, especially on games that have a lot of small details in the world.

[@Enigmalake]

I loved this game. It was a struggle on Gamepass bc the online was messed up but once you were in a game with 4 play co-op it was amazing bc I played with randoms. You met all kinds and I had a blast. Going to do a 2nd play through soon

[@R3TR0J4N]

The 4 playe co-op was phenomenal

[@ajstone6226]

I actually just finished playing this recently myself. I really loved it for what it was. I hope we get a sequel because if they iterate on this I could see it being great.

[@getro118]

Right with some endgame like Diablo 4

[@Scarecr0wn]

The Ascent is one of my favorite indie games ever. The lore, music, visuals, combat.. everything is just like tailor made for people with my tastes. I really hope Neon Giant will expand this universe in future games. Edit. I am little weirded by your experience with Steam Deck. I can run this game on High details not going under 40 or above 50 fps which is pretty ok for Deck imho

[@Scarecr0wn]

@@shanthagopian7559 I always wonder when I see people like you. Like, I don´t get it. I am singing praises to a game under a positive review of that game. Obviously I loved it. Why did you felt the urge to say that the game is not good? I mean, I am not offended or angry or anything, I don´t even care if you liked it, I just really don ´t understan why?

[@robertchmielecki2580]

Any opinions on couch co-op on this one? This would be my default way of playing it.

[@Scarecr0wn]

@@robertchmielecki2580 Yes, there is both local and online coop. Definitely enhance the experience to play with friends/partner

[@colinclement2752]

Idk...my decks pretty small

[@robertchmielecki2580]

@@Scarecr0wn Awesome, thank you :)

[@FabulousFab72]

Funny thing : bought this game because of... the OST. Composed by Paweł Błaszczak (Witcher 3, Dying Light), I loved it. And then I saw how beautiful the game was, so I got it on sale and had a very good time with it. And, as stated in you review, this game look like a AAA but it's more AA game (explaining the reasonnable price at launch). The core team of Neon Giant is only 11 peoples !

[@wadewade3790]

I like The Ascent a lot, alot of it has to do with its Visuals and presentation, everything from the worldspace to your weapons and abilities look so cool. even if the gameplay is nothing insane its just fun to walk around and get into fights because everything is so awesome to see and use.

[@guilhermeal2170]

Played the s**t out of this game, such a great experience. I remember just constantly stopping the gameplay just to take in the world and visuals the devs managed to create for this game, as far as cyberpunkish worlds none come close to what they created, it is so amazing I can't say enough good things about it.

[@ghostkill3r603]

Why there is bad reviews on metacritic ? I want to buy it but idk man.

[@Tripnotik25]

I remember having a build that would replenish tactical so fast that i could get up to 3 turrets up at once, tore the whole place up. Also remember that one of my negatives is there not being enough game to keep using said builds (you only really have em late(r) into the game). Very much worth a go for anyone thinking about it.

[@Blacksadify]

I did the same. The cooldown on the impervious pocket Mech would basically be off cooldown by the time the buff wore off, basically letting you use it almost indefinitely.

[@Schizm1]

As some1 in love with isometric style of the games, Ascent was such a feast for the eyes. Only Deadfire can challange it's fidelity when it comes to sheer amount of details put on screen. (Different game I know) As for the gameplay - It's great "chill" game. Twin stick shooter with juicy combat and gorgeous world.

[@letsevolve396]

Hi, im also an isometric game fan, can u recommend me any other games with such beautiful world designs? Like ascent, The Thaumaturge, etc

[@Schizm1]

@@letsevolve396 Pillars of Eternity 1 and 2 (Deadfire) are not only one of the best written RPGs but also GORGEOUS to look at. Deadfire is easly one of the best looking games ever made. Baldur's Gate 1 and 2 - Grab enchanced editions. Wastelands 3 (you don't need to play previous games. They are a bit clunky but W3 is fantastic) Divinity Original Sin 1 and 2 Pathfinde Wrath of the Righteous (another gorgeous isometric RPG) There are tons more but those ones are, IMO, must play. Especially Pillars of Eternity games.

[@letsevolve396]

@@Schizm1 thank u

[@freakyfro99]

Pretty much exactly how I felt. The world is absolutely beautiful and I was enjoying exploring it, and then I did side quests and it was a long ass trek to get to where I needed to be, even with the metro, and the run speed was so damn slow! But still I kept going because I was still having fun. And then the combat just got really stale. There just wasn't all that much there to keep me in it. I'd be perfectly fine with them just reusing assets and making another game in the exact same place, just more fleshed out.

[@freakytea2815]

You summed up my feelings perfectly. Beautiful world, but the endless backtracking and repetitive gameplay became so boring that I had to put it down after several hours of gameplay. A lack of visual appeal can be made up for with great story and gameplay, but not the other way around unfortunately, at least for me.

[@CallForGrandPappy]

I genuinely think my favourite moments with this game so far have been walking around the world with the ambient music in the background, great game.

[@stormie5887]

Great review! Would love to see you cover Sunless Sea and Sunless skies at some point though. I don't know if you’d be able to 100% them, but they’re right up your alley for games to review

[@Fourthaboveall]

This game was really good. I feel it really doesn't get the love it deserves. It had it's issues sure, but I do wish a part 2 would go into development. The world was simply amazing to look at.

[@Evanz111]

I was really excited to start this game, but dropped it because I was worried it wouldn’t have enough content or development in mechanics to continue. Really glad you released a review which will help decide whether it’s worth picking it back up again or not!

[@redlath]

Very true. After finishing it, i was not really motivated to have a NG+ due to character progression. It will be awesome a second delivery with more in depth content✊🏽

[@akuesyazwan]

What I like about The Ascent is the beautiful cyberpunk city, and a fun game. Not complicated, but it could be. And for the studio 1st game with 12 main staff, I'd say its a successful game. Hoping for more from them

[@danielcalabrese5769]

I played this on gamepass when I released and I really enjoyed it. Good solid fun and looks great as well

[@erikskoog8415]

Well looks like its time for another run 🥳 Good show sir

[@ericsaari2901]

Better progression mechanics and a bit better story would have made this one of my favorite indie games ever. It's such a beautiful game to look at, and fun to play. If only it could have went just a little further in development.

[@kazen16]

Love the review… eventhough i havent played it the moment you said it didnt push it self to both ends (deeper combat/build or complex story) i can clearly see and feel it on the gameplay vid. Ill definitely grab this once its on sale! Thanks mort

[@pronoydutta614]

Really good review. I agree with what you've said. The game has some glaring technical issues. 2 of my characters got deleted straight up from random and arbitrary crashes on PC. I have had to separately store my progress in independent save files from similar crashes throughout. The very end of cyber heist is riddled with runtime bugs. About the dlc boss fight: Sometimes you can't progress because a requisite number of minions didn't spawn at the beginning, resulting in many reloads. Sometimes you win by killing the Dlc bbg and the game freezes over. Sometimes the game freezes after the winning outro cinematic while loading a form of victory reset position (loading screen freeze). It's a very good game. It's also a game that has had some truly egregious issues with stability. I have never had to make separate saves or see this many system crashes for decisive moments in a game. It has the worst save state erasure of progress I have ever seen. Total destruction of saved characters short of independently saving the files regularly. I've played more than 100s of games since childhood (chronic gamer, don't really get the time now). This needs some depth and bug fixes. It would have been the next GTA esque franchise starter if not for these issues.

[@Alto1960]

Great review. Detailed as usual. This is a wait for a sale game for me.

[@Choteron3]

Like you said, the cyberpunk world they created is stunning. Great review!

[@andrelima6461]

I loved this game, here's a like before I even watch your review! (Good mindless fun, played on XSX)

[@Jasta85]

Might look at giving this another shot at some point, although my backlog is overwhelming right now. 1st world problems.

[@jonridley]

Really wanted to like it , on paper it was perfext for me but i just found it needlessly clunky. It cant decide whether to be an rpg or a pure arcade game and somehow sits awkwardly between the two

[@sephirothjc]

Found this game on PS+ and finished it recently, even if I feel that isometric games can't give you the same level of immersion as free camera games, I really loved the world they built, combat was also fun, especially in Scrapland, where you get to fight precious bosses as regular enemies.

[@perlichtman1562]

Quick comment on your video quality question: the new video definitely looks sharp and good. It’s a little tricky to say to what extent I’m liking the look of the game vs. the improvements to bitrate, etc. but either way I would say that there’s more immediate “pop” to the footage in this one vs. for instance the Divinity rankings video you did recently. So, again, either way, the new approach is looking good.

[@OmkaraHellcore]

This game would have been a 10/10 for me if the combat had been turn based. Like a hybrid between Gears Tactics and Xcom, as well as giving us a fully destructible environment. It's not that i didn't like the current gameplay, but I'm a sucker for strategic thinking games and this game would have lend itself perfectly for it. It could have even gone the hybrid Fallout 3 / 4 and Gears of War way where you can have cover slides, blind firing, 3rd person view and turn based action as icing on the cake, just as you can with Dragon Age: Inquisition, where you can easily shift between game modes. One day... ❤

[@GeneralBananana]

Footage is looking crisp 👌🏾 Thanks for another in depth review

[@MarcusJGrey]

I love this game, I wish they brought out more DLC and world expansion. Unfortunate that it'll never happen but I still run around the game because I enjoy the world.

[@bluerationality]

As a person who is bad with directions and horrible memory, navigating the map eventually became too frustrating. It was fun while it lasted

[@BRoyce69]

I saw the community post and came here sight unseen on the game. Looks cool. As per the bitrate and video quality, it's looking good Mortem! The bitrate increase seems to reduce artefacting from video encoding in effects heavy or 'busy' scenes, and helps with looking at the fine details in more modern titles like this one. Some of it could just be confirmation bias, or the game looking better than average, but maxed out settings in game and on the recording is bound to at least cap out the possibilities of quality increases. Always good seeing the progress tho, and glad the new computers all set for you!

[@mhjmstultiens]

Seems like a fun game to entertain oneself with for a fair few hours. The lack of depth needn't be problem, as long as the game isn't that long. Reviews like these help with managing realistic expectations.

[@derbudz]

For some reason, the game reminds me of a game from my childhood. "Meat Puppet". I didn't speak a word of English back then and of course the game was only available in English. But I got through it nonetheless just because I was so hooked by it's surreal setting. Little did I know I was playing in a Cyberpunk setting, let alone what a Cyberpunk setting actually is. Thanks for bringing up that memory, I will absolutely play The Ascent.

[@LakevusParadice]

I’ve been having a lot problems with crashes in this game. Take the taxi, crash Two players click on dialogue at the same time, crash And others randomly it seems This game is great but the crashing is just so draining having to have to relaunch the game over and over again

[@Malkamok]

I absolutely fell in love with The Ascent, it's just so much fun! I was also quite satisfied with the in-game encyclopedia that has plenty interesting lore for one that wishes to delve deeper in the setting. Easly recommended

[@coconutologist]

Thanks for the review. Onward to 200k. All glory to the algorithm.

[@kiekeyz]

what are the odds that i just started playing this and you're doing a 100% review. sick

[@KayCif3R]

This game was such a great time for me. Loved the visuals. Especially enjoyed how the camera would pan out when at specific points. Basically showing us the vastness of the world. I played it entirely solo because I got it on launch day for PS4 and anytime I tried to go online co-op, it'd crash. I encountered all the bugs. First time I booted, it crashed before I even got into the game. It would also crash after playing for too long. But I still enjoyed. Platinumed it and never deleted. I should give it a try again now.

[@MichaelGalt]

100% agree. It is right on the cusp of being a real RPG and could have been an awesome one. I would love to play a game like this with 80% less combat and 500% more story. I found leveling to be satisfying and the attribute choices to be very important to the success of your build.

[@R3TR0J4N]

Dude same. Like crpg's or an arpg Wasteland Dissco Elysium

[@PeersPodcast]

The atmosphere in this game is excellent

[@The-0ni]

19:01 If you are planning on buying this game not on sale get the bundle with the soundtrack. I just bought it last night to play with my friend and the bundle is the base game + sound track for $25 US. So you literally get $5 off plus a free soundtrack with your game.

[@Omar-Asim]

One thing I really liked is the control scheme. I wish more ARPGs decoupled movement with attacking. It feels so great being able to strafe naturally without relentlessly clicking things.

[@blah8934]

This level of graphics applied to a Fallout game in an asymmetric setting with X-com fighting system. Chef's kiss.

[@matthuck378]

It's $5.99 (or $12.76 with all DLC) on Steam for the Summer Sale right now.

[@Reiner_Miller]

Cool review as always! You reminded me that this game has DLC! Now I'm going to play it)

[@PapaPercules]

You are my favorite gaming youtuber 😪

[@NicoBlackXIV]

Worth mentioning the game is available for free with the Xbox Pass

[@lawrencecuthbertson8539]

Just found your channel, really like your reviews ( only seen 2 so far 😊 ) going to buy the ascent for PS5 after watching this and play through it with my buddy. Thanks

[@mr.desmots2666]

Great work, this Review After 100% state of mind, gives to your videos a lot of credits ! Like you I was frustrated by the game. But I'm surprised that you didn't mention the non intuitive map, fast travel and elevator. I was disoriented and a bit lost sometime. Thanks

[@TGBahr]

I've been playing for quite a while now and I simply love it. I have zero complaints.

[@ToriKo_]

Wow I wouldn’t have considered playing this game before this video, thank you!

[@chrisbullock6477]

I started this game when it came out, got about 1.5 hours into it and stopped. Now I'm interested into getting back into it.

[@dsirius1500]

Great review man, glad I found your channel, instant subscribe. Keep posting.

[@arckmage5218]

This seems pretty cool. If you're looking for something very similar but in the warhammer 40k universe, check out Inquisitor - Martyr. It's a pretty cool Arpg in the warhammer 40k universe, I've been enjoying it a lot this past couple weeks.

[@mickeyfrknmouse6673]

I must suck really bad...im in it at 45hrs, doing side quest an exploring. Still haven't beat it yet...also haven't made it to dlc content either.

[@BombaCat1]

CO-OP is just amazing. Mate of mine clipped through the floor and didn't have anything load for about 5 minutes.

[@humbledumble1546]

Fully agree with this review, the game definitely leaves you wanting more than what it gives after end game, gameplay, etc. Truly hope neon giant doesn't waste what work or effort they put into such an awesome game

[@vojinvmilojkovic7622]

5 months later I wanted to play the game, and i am here for your professional opinion. Thanks Mort :)

[@tehf00n]

Tor Frick is one of my fave modellers in the game industry and this game looks absolutely beautiful. I hope Neon Giant goes on to big things.

[@Xorital]

I just wanna say - this game was on my wishlist after this video and now it's free on psplus premium. It has been a wonderful distraction since my Remnent 2 ultimate won't download. I'm not a isometric rpg fan, because the genre typically has limited level progression - but this has been fun as hell (and doesn't have a level cap)

[@gigipopescu]

100% agreed. The game world is incredible. I think they should reuse it for a more in-depth RPG

[@matthewrossi3923]

I respect your opinion (even though I don't always share it, like for example Fallout 4 vs Fallout New Vegas) and so I was looking forward to seeing what you thought of this one. I'm a sucker for ARPG's but I haven't picked up The Ascent yet. Might do so now.

[@CaidicusProductions]

Fantastic game, similar sentiment to Morti, here. It is so good at what it does that you'll probably find yourself wishing it offered more of itself and/or that it went deeper into itself. I don't think anyone's going to reasonably come away from the game feeling like it wasn't worth the money or the time, but I think, like most who've played it, that it'll likely leave the average gamer feeling like it was both over too soon and fell just a bit short of fully satisfying the itch that the game scratches. Definitely a game that aRPG lovers should try, cyberpunk fans should try, and cyberpunk aRPG fans should certainly not miss.

[@jgreen8543]

The combat got bland very quickly and the RPG elements were too basic to make the combat compelling in the long run. The world looks so cool, but there was just no real interaction. It is good for a basic run and gun, but I wanted more. I think the fact the world looked so amazing and interesting, made me think there was going to be more going on. Glad some people love it, because I would like to see what the devs can do next. Did not work for me but did not regret my purchase either.

[@Steve-nk6vl]

there was something so great about this game tho! It was missing some features but it was such a nice surprise after the cyberpunk release

[@cmdr.jabozerstorer3968]

I'd love for a TTRPG version of this with more RPG elements and maybe some companions as well. I also presumed it'd be easier on the SteamDeck as it was advertised as a twin stick and should be well designed for a controller or handheld with two sticks.

[@megmucklebones7538]

The music in this game is amazing.

[@gporr7004]

Gonna go back to this game. Really enjoyed it especially the atmosphere.

[@cengiztaner4754]

My man now please buy yourself a cup of coffee and take a walk in the park. You are a machine.

[@neftalicruzluciano]

One thing the game lacks is online servers to find and play with other people rather than inviting only. That being said, i suppose that also would need like an endless wave kind of mode to back up the multiplayer.

[@baswallah]

Played this game twice once on the PS5 where I got a Platinum, the 2nd time was on the Steam Deck and It’s freaking awesome 🔥

[@AzNFoLk]

I don't know if I have ever commented before, but you are a champion of gamers.

[@Xorital]

I had no intention of buying this but now I might when I'm out of stuff

[@elimwu960]

this reminds me of old MS DOS GAME - No Regret and No Remorse - I miss those games!

[@roxstar5088]

I absolutely love this game and I truly hope they will make a The Ascent 2 with a (slightly) larger budget to lift it out of the somewhat limited indie market. The world is amazing but it feels like the rest of the game had a slightly lesser budget (resources wise) as result. And a little bit deeper gameplay, progression and mechanics would lift the game to excellent heights. The only problem I had with the game is the tendency of enemies spawning right on top of you or appear out of nowhere behind you constantly. (with a excuse of the climb up from below or a door.) Where they also occasionally snipe you from outside your game screen. So very often I got one tapped from behind off screen.

[@Kuzka_]

I only played multiplayer, had tons of bugs that required restarting. Which includes disappearing hud/life bar, disconnects when buying some items from a shop, etc.

[@n1ng3n]

As a fan of diablo-like games this game is already in my wishlist. I think that for a first game from Neon Giant is a great start.

[@FRANK45CASTLE]

This is one of the best top down shooters I've ever seen and played. Graphics and world design is some of the best ever done. It actually feels like a cyberpunk city and is just beautiful. They will make another one, and I bet it will be even better.

[@thewaywardgrape3838]

Let's not forget that The Ascent is developers - Neon Giant - *first game*

[@salesparza3876]

This is more fun than Diablo 4.

[@AstaIsAMonster]

*Finally got a PS5 a week ago and been wanting this game since it dropped for PS4 but waited until I could get a PS5 first.* Now I got it for $19 for PS5 couldn’t be happier and great review.* 👌🏽

[@Nightbar0n]

Love it.... Have that origin's Crusader no remorse/regret kinda vibe.

[@Ichi.Capeta]

This is the kind of game I would like to kick back on a SteamDeck. If I have one.

[@x_data_x]

Yeh it’s a twin stick shooter more-so than an arpg, but IMO it’s the best twin stick shooter I’ve ever played. I would love to see there next game be a full ARPG/RPG like you were saying. This game is also super fun with a couch co-op buddy!

[@julesgro8526]

The Ascent was a blast for me. Yeah not much build diversity, not that much replay value. But for what it is it was glorious to explore this world,, the music and the carnage

[@NecroticRampage]

Been keeping an eye on this one for awhile, looks like it isn't for me so thanks a lot for covering it. :)

[@Eevolved32]

I got this for like £3 yesterday from G2A and I love it on my steam deck!

[@andreasplosky8516]

I am not a fan of isometric games. I started playing this one, and it got me addicted. I experienced not a single bug. I love the world building, the atmosphere, the weapons, the upgrades, the story, the general mechanics etc. It is awesome. I want this developer to create more cyberpunk games.

[@Zenderstrife]

This is how Cyberpunk should have benn in term of ambiance and world

[@cloverraven]

One of my favorites. Still haven’t played the DLC though.

[@Pedone_Rosso]

A 4090? Ok, taxes are taken care of for the year. (I mean: I hope that's accountable as a work related expense for you) We're going to see great footage, along side the great reviews. Thanks for your videos!

[@FrostRare]

I wanna see their next game. I agree with you. I feel like they marketed this wrong and could have leaned into their strengths in order to really distinguish the game above the cyberpunk/ARPG noise. This game came out almost right off the heels of Cyberpunk2077, so I felt like I was gonna buy a Cyberpunk 2077 Diablo. I felt like the marketing didn’t do anything to dissuade me from that expectation. So, when I bought it and realized that this wasn’t exactly a Diablo kind of grind/loot/tech tree climbing/unique build time vacuum, I was disappointed. I think they should have gone out of their way to make clear that the progression and customization mechanics were simple ON PURPOSE and that the grind/loot cycle of gameplay was not something to expect. They should have gone more heavily into the rogue lite side of things, emphasizing co-op, offering different multiplayer game modes, and otherwise encouraged “weekend marathon with friends” sort of gameplay instead of leading players on to believe that they were gonna shut off social media, lock themselves in a room, and grind out for 24 hours straight. I tried to do that when I first bought the game and I was so let down because it is very linear, simplistic, and repetitive. The linearity, simplicity, and repetition is exactly what makes the rogue lite formula addicting. If they went that way, this game would have gone down in history alongside the likes of Hades and Risk of Rain.

[@poopipoo98]

This game is beautiful.. Completely obsessed

[@usedfuzzbox]

I loved this, almost 100% but 1 side quest bugged out. It was my GOTY when it came out, still a fave, would recommend, simple, yet, looks great and fun whilst it lasts...

[@triniton8262]

I personally loved this game, clearing the same areas constantly sometimes became a bit annoying especially in the lower level and the more populated areas of the city. Hopefully they make proper rpg of this at some point.