The Ascent throws players into a neon-soaked cyberpunk dystopia, where survival is anything but guaranteed. Developed by Neon Giant and published by Curve Games, this action-shooter RPG lets you take on the role of an Indent—just another cog in the machine of The Ascent Group. But when the corporation collapses, chaos erupts, and survival means carving your path through a world ruled by ruthless factions and relentless gunfire. At Player Opinion, we braved the turmoil, minigun in hand, to see if The Ascent delivers on its promise of high-octane action.
The Ascent Game Review
Gameplay Experience: 15/25
The Ascent throws you right into the action, starting with a task already in progress. The tutorial sets the pace for the rest of the game, making it easy to get hooked and want to keep going. Combat is fast and chaotic, with waves of enemies swarming from all directions—like something out of an old-school arcade shooter. The controls take some getting used to, feeling a bit clunky at first, but they become second nature after some time. While the gameplay itself is fun and rewarding, player choice is limited. Aside from picking gear and skills, your decisions don’t have much impact. The main character doesn’t even have a voice, and all major choices in the world are made for you, making the RPG elements feel a bit shallow.
Presentation & Immersion: 19/25
The isometric perspective creates a controlled, cinematic feel that enhances immersion, though the inability to adjust the camera can be frustrating in some areas. The art direction is outstanding, with a gritty, oppressive atmosphere that makes the world feel alive. Dream World, in particular, is a visual standout, reminiscent of Cyberpunk 2077’s Maelstrom nightclub. Sound design plays a role in reinforcing the world’s tone, adding to the sense of place. However, the heavy use of red tones throughout the game, particularly in the HUD and menus, makes everything blend together a bit too much. While the main story is engaging and well-crafted, side quests feel repetitive, often boiling down to basic fetch quests. The fast-travel system helps, but the overall pace of movement makes them more of a chore than an exciting diversion.
Design & Technical: 18/25
The Ascent lacks some basic quality-of-life features that seasoned players might expect. For example, there’s no confirmation prompt when buying or selling items in shops, which can lead to accidental transactions. Additionally, the quest pathing can feel buggy at times, occasionally leaving you unsure of where to go next, though it becomes easier to navigate with experience. Despite these issues, the game offers a well-balanced amount of content. The main story keeps you engaged, and there’s a solid variety of side quests to tackle, along with plenty of items to collect. The pacing feels just right—any longer, and it might have started to feel bloated. As it stands, The Ascent delivers a satisfying experience that never overstays its welcome.
The Skinny About The Ascent
Final Considerations: 21/25
The Ascent (Steam Link) offers a mostly satisfying experience, with its standout feature being the impressive presentation and art style. The game has zero microtransactions and provides solid replay value, including a NewGame+ mode and co-op play for those seeking more. After spending just under 30 hours with it, we feel that it provides good value for the price. However, the game does have its issues—some quality-of-life features are missing, and certain quests can feel repetitive. The slow-paced travel between locations can also make parts of the game feel like a bit of a slog. Still, the overall experience remains engaging, and we recommend The Ascent, especially if you manage to snag it on sale—it offers a worthwhile experience.
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