Deeds were Done 2: Project Ascend is an indie adventure game built entirely by one developer in a PSX-inspired visual style. The experience centers on a realistic narrative about human experimentation and military ambition, with no supernatural elements or combat systems. Players take on the role of Jack, a new recruit drawn into a classified government initiative known as Project Ascend.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around a seven-day structure that begins with measured pacing and gradually accelerates the delivery of story beats. Exploration takes place across a large map filled with environmental details and subtle narrative clues. A unique task system guides progress through notes, letters, and direct assignments from superiors, while multiple storytelling methods blend dialogue, documents, and implied events scattered throughout the environment. Movement and interaction follow the deliberate rhythm of a walking simulator, emphasizing observation and decision-making over action sequences. The entire project was handcrafted without any AI assistance, resulting in consistent artistic direction across models, textures, and audio cues.
Game Modes
The game operates as a single continuous narrative experience with no separate multiplayer or competitive modes. Progression follows the fixed seven-day timeline, allowing players to revisit locations and uncover additional layers of implied story elements on subsequent playthroughs. The task system integrates directly into the main campaign, presenting objectives that shift in scope as trust with key characters grows. No branching endings or alternate scenarios are confirmed beyond the core linear path supported by environmental storytelling.
Story and Setting
Project Ascend focuses on efforts to enhance soldier capabilities by studying and exploiting the physical and psychological limits of the human body. The setting remains grounded in a fictionalized government facility where everyday human interactions drive tension. Jack starts with routine duties and gradually receives more sensitive assignments, revealing the project's true objectives through conversations and discovered materials. The realistic tone highlights the unsettling aspects of institutional power and personal compromise without relying on horror tropes or external threats.
Is It Worth Playing?
This title suits players who enjoy slow-burn narrative adventures and atmospheric exploration in a compact package. The handcrafted approach and focus on implied storytelling reward close attention to details across the seven-day span. Early feedback on the itch.io release highlights strong atmosphere and story delivery, though some note occasional pacing in quieter sections. With its upcoming Steam launch and ongoing developer updates focused on quality-of-life improvements, the game offers a focused singleplayer experience for those interested in realistic, character-driven indie adventures. Availability on PC makes it accessible for anyone seeking a concise, story-first title without additional modes or expansions.
