Ascendant: The Game (2024) Review

• Developer/Publisher: PlayFusion ?️
• Platform: PC, multiplayer-first platforms ??
• Release Date: TBA, 2024 ?
• Genre: Squad-based Tactical FPS ?
• One-liner Elevator Pitch: A chaotic, ever-changing, biopunk world where adaptability and teamwork are the keys to survival! ?️

Overview ?️

Ascendant throws players into a vibrant, biopunk future, where every match feels fresh, unpredictable, and chaotic. Waking up from a thousand-year cryosleep, you find yourself in a world shaped by a mysterious event called the Cascade. The landscape is filled with biotech marvels, and players must extract resources called biocores while fending off both enemy teams and hostile creatures in a game that never plays the same twice. The core hook? Adapt or die.

Gameplay ?

At its core, Ascendant is a 3v3v3v3 first-person tactical shooter with objectives revolving around retrieving biocores. Imagine capture the flag, but with a twist—there are four teams and only three biocores, making every match a tense, high-stakes experience. The maps are designed to change dynamically every game, meaning that new paths open up or close off, and strategies must constantly evolve. Whether you're using the colossal Deathbringer tank or setting up strategic ambushes, Ascendant forces you to think on your feet.

Story ?

The world of Ascendant is deeply rooted in biopunk lore. You awaken in a world that's been irreparably altered by the Cascade, and biotech is now fully integrated into every part of life. This backstory sets up the constant conflict as players battle it out in this strange future landscape.

Graphics and Sound ??

The game opts for a slightly stylized, vibrant biopunk aesthetic, mixing vivid environments with grotesque creatures like Burrowers and Gorlizards. The sound design complements this chaos, with strong effects for battles, such as the spine-chilling missile barrages. It all adds to the game's intense, fast-paced feel.

Performance ⚙️?

Though still in development, the game has already impressed during beta tests with smooth gameplay and minimal technical hiccups. Load times are reasonable, and bugs seem to be under control, offering an experience that is surprisingly polished for its pre-release state.

Replayability ?

Thanks to the game's dynamic nature, Ascendant offers a high degree of replayability. With constantly shifting maps, enemy types, and random events like missile strikes or the appearance of hulking vehicles, no two games feel alike. Its unique "adaption shooter" label promises that players will never be bored, as they constantly adjust their strategies on the fly.

Comparison ?

Ascendant stands out in the crowded tactical shooter genre with its ever-changing map mechanics and chaotic, fast-paced gameplay. While it has elements reminiscent of Apex Legends or Escape from Tarkov, its focus on unpredictable, constantly shifting scenarios makes it a unique offering. Fans of team-based shooters looking for something more dynamic will find this refreshing.

Pros ?

• Innovative, ever-changing maps keep the gameplay fresh.
• Intense, team-based action with high-stakes objectives.
• Wide range of tactical options thanks to vehicles, unique weapons, and gadgets.

Cons ?

• Potential for over-reliance on teamwork, which could frustrate solo players.
• Learning curve may be steep, given the constant need to adapt.

Conclusion ?

Ascendant brings something new to the tactical shooter table with its "adaption shooter" mechanics. If you enjoy games where every match feels like a unique challenge, full of surprises, and you’re okay with some chaos thrown in, this could easily become your new obsession. Rating: 8.5/10 ⭐

Tags: FPS, multiplayer, biopunk, tactical shooter, squad-based