The Ascent stands out as a cyberpunk action RPG with twin-stick shooter mechanics, set in a sprawling corporate dystopia. You take on the role of an indentured worker in a massive arcology on the planet Veles, where the sudden collapse of the ruling megacorporation sparks chaos and power struggles. Combat revolves around precise aiming and movement, blending gunplay with tactical augmentations that enhance your abilities in battle. This title appeals to those who crave intense shooting action wrapped in a gritty sci-fi narrative, complete with character progression through skill points and gear upgrades.
Gameplay
At its core, The Ascent delivers fast-paced twin-stick shooting where you control movement with one stick and aiming with the other, allowing for fluid dodges while unleashing firepower on enemies. RPG systems let you allocate skill points to attributes like vitality or tactical sense, which influence health regeneration or reload speeds. Augmentations serve as special abilities, such as deploying energy shields or explosive bursts, adding layers to combat encounters. Exploration involves navigating vertical levels filled with side quests, loot, and hidden areas, all while managing resources like ammo and cyberdeck modules for hacking terminals.
Mechanics emphasize cover-based tactics, with destructible environments that can turn the tide in fights against robotic foes or corporate enforcers. You upgrade weapons and armor through vendors, customizing loadouts to suit aggressive or defensive playstyles. Cooldowns on abilities encourage strategic timing, especially in crowded battles where positioning matters. The game rewards experimentation with different builds, from close-range brawlers to long-distance snipers, within the confines of its cyberpunk metropolis.
Game Modes
The Ascent supports solo play through its main campaign, where you progress the story alone, tackling missions and boss fights at your own pace. Co-op mode allows up to four players to join forces online or locally, sharing the experience of battling through the arcology's districts. This cooperative setup enhances replayability, as teaming up can make challenging sections more manageable with coordinated attacks and shared loot.
World and Factions
On Veles, the Ascent Group once dominated life in the arcology, but its downfall unleashes rival factions vying for control. Groups like feral gangs and corporate remnants clash in the underbelly, creating opportunities for alliances or betrayals. The setting features neon-drenched streets, industrial hab-blocks, and high-tech enclaves, each with unique threats from mutated creatures to automated defenses.
Additional Content
Expansions like the Artbook + Weapon Pack enrich the experience with a digital artbook showcasing concept art and renders of the game's world, characters, and branding across 85 pages. It also introduces two exclusive weapons available from in-game vendors: The Persuader, a rare spray-and-pray gun with a disco flair, and the Bitsplit Shotgun, designed to shred robotic enemies with digital projectiles while sparing organic targets.
Is It Worth Playing?
If fast-paced twin-stick action in a detailed cyberpunk environment sounds appealing, The Ascent offers solid value through its exhilarating combat and co-op features. Players often highlight the stunning visuals and atmospheric world-building as strengths, though some note a lack of depth in progression systems. With ongoing availability on PC and support for cooperative play, it suits those seeking a shooter with light RPG touches rather than a deep narrative epic. For fans of arcade-style mayhem with friends, this title holds up well, especially if you appreciate exploring a chaotic sci-fi setting without heavy commitments.
