Gamefings logoimg

Review of The Ascent on PlayStation 4

by Jay Aborro Jay Aborro photo Mar 2022
Cover image of The Ascent on PS4
Gamefings Score: 7
Platform: PS4 PS4 logo
Released: 24 Mar 2022
Genre: Action Role-Playing, Twin-Stick Shooter
Developer: Neon Giant
Publisher: Curve Digital

Introduction

Grab your cyber goggles and prepare to mash buttons as we delve into the neon-soaked world of The Ascent! This game is like if your dreams of living in Blade Runner got shot in the foot and had to go through therapy. Developed by a team of twelve indie game enthusiasts, The Ascent is a dazzling action RPG that's sure to keep your trigger finger itchy and your brain buzzing.

Gameplay

The Ascent has you roaming a dystopian arcology, where every NPC looks like they just stepped out of a failed sci-fi fashion show. You can fully customize your character, which is great if you ever wanted to look like a 10-bit version of your favorite action hero with a side of robo-spice. The gameplay unfolds under an isometric view, like a futuristic surveillance camera watching your every move, bringing you closer to those 'whoops, I shot a civilian' moments. The twin-stick shooter mechanics make blowing things up incredibly satisfying, and the cover system is about as reliable as your friend who says they'll 'totally' help you move next weekend. Plus, you've got the ability to hack your way through the game, showing the world just what a little bit of cyberware can do! And in true RPG fashion, there's plenty of gear to collect-because who doesn't love infinite loot grinding? Think of it as a fabulous scavenger hunt, but instead of chocolate eggs, you get shiny guns and awful puns.

Graphics

Holy pixelation, Batman! Have you ever seen something so beautiful yet so terrifying? The Ascent serves up visuals that are like walking through a cyberpunk-themed art installation crafted by someone who's had one too many energy drinks. The neon lights pop like a bad zit, and the destructible environments make you question your life choices as you shoot everything in sight. Whether you're zipping through crowded streets or taking a stroll through a grimy sewer, the art direction shines bright-just like that lamp your roommate broke after a wild night of gaming.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Ascent is a visually stunning escapade through a chaotic world filled with loot, heart-pounding combat, and just a hint of existential dread. While it does suffer from some grinding baggage, don't let that deter you from slicing through hordes of enemies like a lightsaber through butter. It's a love letter to action RPG fans, filled with everything you could want: fast-paced action, cooperative chaos, and a story that's... well, let's just say it's there. So, don your finest cyberware, gather your friends, and prepare yourself to dive into this dazzling digital dystopia!

See Latest Prices for The Ascent on PS4 on Amazon

See Prices for The Ascent on PS4 on Ebay

Related
Latest
image for news article 'Sophie Turner Is Lara Croft — How Tomb Raider's Brutal Skill Ceiling Will Shape Amazon's TV Take'
Hemal Harris - 04 Sep 2025
Sophie Turner will play Lara Croft in Amazon's Tomb Raider series. Here's how the show can capture the games' brutal challenge loo...
image for news article 'Gamescom 2025: From Hornet's Revenge to Gunfights in the Future — The Biggest Reveals, Ranked by Hype (and Probability of Screaming)'
Gemma Looksby - 27 Aug 2025
Gamescom 2025 unleashed release dates, surprises, and enough nostalgia to power a retro arcade. Hollow Knight: Silksong finally la...
image for news article 'From Sidekick to Symptom: An In-Depth Look at How Game Characters Grow (and Break) Over Time'
Tanya Krane - 22 Aug 2025
A witty, in-depth analysis of how video game characters evolve - from antiheroes and companions to tragic villains - and how gamep...
image for news article 'Helldivers 2: The Ultimate Skill Test — How to Survive When Friendly Fire Is A Feature'
Hemal Harris - 22 Aug 2025
Helldivers 2 turns cooperative shooters into a terrifying teamwork exam. From friendly-fire fiascos to stratagem juggling and glob...
image for news article 'PlayStation Plus August Drop: Mortal Kombat 1, Spider-Man, Sword of the Sea and Two Resident Evils — Sony’s Buffet of Beatdowns and Beachside Introspection'
Chucky - 22 Aug 2025
Sony's August PlayStation Plus drop mixes Mortal Kombat 1 and Marvel's Spider-Man with day-one indie Sword of the Sea, EDF6 co-op ...
image for news article 'Tariff Drama and Console Character Arcs: How the PS5 Price Hike Recasts PlayStation's Story'
Tanya Krane - 21 Aug 2025
Sony just raised PS5 prices in the US - but this is more than a number. We break down the cast, the catalyst (hello, tariffs), and...
image for news article 'The Nintendo Switch 2: An Overhyped Second Date That Actually Went Well'
Chucky - 14 Jun 2025
Nintendo Switch 2 has hit the market, and it's selling like hotcakes! Here's what you need to know about this slightly improved se...