The Ascent is a solo and co-op action RPG that drops players into a meticulously crafted cyberpunk dystopia. Developed by Neon Giant, this isometric twin-stick shooter blends classic Diablo-style loot mechanics with intense, fast-paced combat set within a visually overwhelming world. Released on July 29, 2021, the game challenges you to survive in a society where mega corporations hold absolute power, and that power structure has suddenly crumbled.

Story and Setting: The Fall of the Ascent Group

The narrative begins with the collapse of the mega corporation that owns you and everyone else: The Ascent Group. With the collapse comes confusion, chaos, and total disarray in security and order. You assume the role of a new indent to the corporation, essentially serving as muscle for less-than-benevolent overseers. Now, without protection, everyone is left to fend for themselves.

As the corporate giant falls, a mad free-for-all erupts. Gangs and hostile corporations scramble to grab assets and seize positions of power. Your mission is to stop these factions from taking over completely and to uncover the truth behind the corporation's demise. The world of Veles serves as a grimy, lived-in backdrop, featuring bustling city areas, corporate high-rises for the elite, and deepStink sewers at the bottom of the world. Inspired by the aesthetic of Ridley Scott's Blade Runner, the setting is defined by vertical scale, relentless rain, and vibrant neon lights that illuminate the constant violence.

Gameplay Mechanics and Notable Features

The Ascent Combat and Progression

The core gameplay loop revolves around aiming, shooting, dodging, and killing in a horde-hunting environment. While the isometric perspective offers a strategic view, the twin-stick shooter mechanics demand precision. Combat involves shooting the cyberpunk equivalent of rats early on, which evolves into epic encounters with powerful enemies. The game features a full character creator and deep RPG systems, including stat points to distribute upon leveling up and a variety of augments to unlock.

Progression is driven by upgrading your primary and secondary weapons, customizable armor, and skills. Weapon and skill upgrades provide tangible boosts to health, reload speed, and energy levels. The game offers a substantial 15-to-20-hour quest, with plenty of sidequests to tackle. Beyond the main story, players can continue working on sidequests and refining builds after the credits roll.

  • Visual Fidelity: Built on Unreal Engine 4, the game is a visual tour de force with stunning specular highlights, particle-laden explosions, and exceptional use of lighting for neon signs.
  • Co-Op Support: The experience can be enjoyed with friends in solo or co-op modes.
  • Customization: Extensive options for weapon mods, armor builds, and skill trees allow for diverse character builds.

The Ascent Platform Availability

The Ascent is available across a wide range of modern hardware. It launched originally on PC and Xbox consoles, including Xbox One and Xbox Series S/X, before making its PlayStation debut. The game supports:

  • PC
  • PlayStation 4
  • PlayStation 5
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series S/X

Reviews highlight that while the game can suffer from performance issues like load times on older hardware, the PlayStation 5 version offers a revelatory experience with smooth performance that matches the game's stunning artistic direction.

Who Should Play The Ascent?

This title appeals to fans of action RPGs who enjoy Diablo-style gameplay but want a fresh twist with twin-stick shooting mechanics. Players who appreciate a rich cyberpunk aesthetic, neon-drenched environments, and vertical level design will find Veles compelling. It is also suitable for those seeking a cooperative experience, allowing friends to team up against hordes of enemies. While the story may not be the most memorable aspect, the gameplay loop and world-building provide enough depth to keep players engaged for over 15 hours of content.