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The Ascent |OT| As Above, So Below

GymWolf

Gold Member
You could live without it == Proof that it adds no value. Well, that seems like sound absolute proof you got there. Convincing maths ;).

It might not be meant to be like it, but it sounds like this:
fyWrTd6.jpg
Lol, dude i have a ps5 since day one so good job on making fun of yourself with that fox and the grape image...

Haptics are so great that i disable them after a while to save the already shitty battery inside the ds5, this is how incredible they are for me.

Good try tho.
 
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Ogbert

Member
Definitely not. I played Returnal recently and the different enemies, rooms, learning their attacks, learning to time dash, when and how to use grapple hook for combat advantage, etc made it a challenging but extremely satisfying and fun shooter.

This game can't even get cover shooting right. How can you even bother trying to defend something that has a broken cover system ffs, one of the simplest most common shooter mechanics there is. You literally have no choice but to roll around and shoot swarming enemies, cause thats all every enemy does is run at you, til u die enough times to eliminate them and/or level up. Laziest thing i've seen in awhile.

What on earth are you talking about?

It’s a twin stick shooter.
 

Ogbert

Member
It's buggy / missing features and has quite a few issues like UI, map, loot.

I think 7/10 is a fair score in that current state, don't see how that is hating.
(Except the 3/10 but many games have some of these bullshit clickbait reviews)
The world is incredible and the gameplay is a lot of fun.

It does have a few problems. Some odd choices of control on controller (grenade and map marker) and the side quests are dished out in a random manner that makes no sense.

Still loving it. About 15 hours in and don’t want it to end.
 

GymWolf

Gold Member
The world is incredible and the gameplay is a lot of fun.

It does have a few problems. Some odd choices of control on controller (grenade and map marker) and the side quests are dished out in a random manner that makes no sense.

Still loving it. About 15 hours in and don’t want it to end.
Is there a map marker to mark stuff that is not a quest?!
 
I absolutely love the game overall, but there are some real tell-tale signs that this was made by a very small studio. For one, the writing and VA is really low-tier in quality and execution. Voice lines are delivered too fast and honestly poorly acted, which makes me just want to press the "Done" option as soon as it presents itself.

The menu system is also cumbersome and poorly explained, almost to the point where I wish the game had less depth. Someone elsed here touched on the idea that maybe there was not a dedicated game/UX designer on staff, and I wonder the same thing. On the same note, the map is pure garbage.

Anyone else experience bugs in co-op? We finished a mission yesterday which then locked one of our team mates in the environment, and made me invisible. The game crashed shortly afterward. Also couldn't quit to menu, and tutorial messages come back whenever we start playing co-op. Very janky.

Sounds like a bunch of whining, but it's just because I love so much about the game that it makes the rough edges really pronounced.
 
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GymWolf

Gold Member
I absolutely love the game overall, but there are some real tell-tale signs that this was made by a very small studio. For one, the writing and VA is really low-tier in quality and execution. Voice lines are delivered too fast and honestly poorly acted, which makes me just want to press the "Done" option as soon as it presents itself.

The menu system is also cumbersome and poorly explained, almost to the point where I wish the game had less depth. Someone elsed here touched on the idea that maybe there was not a dedicated game/UX designer on staff, and I wonder the same thing.

Anyone else experience bugs in co-op? We finished a mission yesterday which then locked one of our team mates in the environment, and made me invisible. The game crashed shortly afterward. Also couldn't quit to menu, and tutorial messages come back whenever we start playing co-op. Very janky.

Sounds like a bunch of whining, but it's just because I love so much about the game that it makes the rough edges really pronounced.
A lot of stuff is explained in the codex, not everything tho.
 
Oh I know, and you can tell they really love this world that they created since there is so much information in the codex. But how it's delivered in the game is just, I don't know, primitive? Like, you compare this to big ticket games and you can tell that they had the resources to pour into both directing the VA and also having someone on the outside making sure that it actually works as broad entertainment and not just internal lore masturbation.

Like I said, I love the game and I maintain that I have never experienced a game world that felt this alive. But that tends to highlight the shortcomings.
 

Ogbert

Member
Oh I know, and you can tell they really love this world that they created since there is so much information in the codex. But how it's delivered in the game is just, I don't know, primitive? Like, you compare this to big ticket games and you can tell that they had the resources to pour into both directing the VA and also having someone on the outside making sure that it actually works as broad entertainment and not just internal lore masturbation.

Like I said, I love the game and I maintain that I have never experienced a game world that felt this alive. But that tends to highlight the shortcomings.
If I was MS (or Sony for that matter) I would be on the phone to Neon Giant and telling them to name their price. They are the *exact* type of acquisition that would benefit both parties. Give them way more resources and say ‘don’t change a thing, simply build on this world you’ve created for The Ascent 2’.
 

GymWolf

Gold Member
Oh I know, and you can tell they really love this world that they created since there is so much information in the codex. But how it's delivered in the game is just, I don't know, primitive? Like, you compare this to big ticket games and you can tell that they had the resources to pour into both directing the VA and also having someone on the outside making sure that it actually works as broad entertainment and not just internal lore masturbation.

Like I said, I love the game and I maintain that I have never experienced a game world that felt this alive. But that tends to highlight the shortcomings.
Sure, the game is far from perfect.

Lucky for us the problems are mostly small fixable things while the core remains fun and engaging.
 

Panajev2001a

GAF's Pleasant Genius
Lol, dude i have a ps5 since day one so good job on making fun of yourself with that fox and the grape image...

Haptics are so great that i disable them after a while to save the already shitty battery inside the ds5, this is how incredible they are for me.

Good try tho.

The fact you do not value haptics does not mean haptics are not valuable as far as the game experience is concerned (this game on XSX if the XSX controller had haptics feedback would play even better [i bought it outright not rented it but feel free to keep the aggression going as if I were besmirching the game itself]… devaluing the controller is like devaluing good tires for a car, it is beta connects you to the road). Whether you think the grapes are sour or too green for real or just pretend it for other reasons makes no difference to someone passing by that sees the grapes too.

Mate, I have both XSX and PS5 too, I have games I like on both. You are free not to value haptics, also free not to universalise it to everyone or just shit over it or mock people who think (correctly) that when well implemented they can be a deciding factor ya know.

I spent good long gaming sessions with the DS during the day and then in the evening left it to charge for a few hours connected to the PS5 in rest mode (worst comes to worst maybe charge it when I take a lunch or dinner break). Things overblown out of proportions for $200 Alex…
 
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GymWolf

Gold Member
Mate, I have both XSX and PS5 too, I have games I like on both. You are free not to value haptics, also free not to universalise it to everyone or just shot over it or mock people who think (correctly) that when we’ll implemented they can be a deciding factor ya know.


I wrote a longer post but i don't wanna fight over these stupid things.

Let's just agree to disagree about how much the ds5 can improve the gunplay of a game.
 
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GymWolf

Gold Member
Little hint: Always try weapons with different type of damage against different type of enemies.
Like the mech boss that gets literally melted by the energetic shotgun
 

chris121580

Member
Click in the left stick or G if you’re playing with keyboard/mouse. You also need to make sure it’s charged enough in the bottom right to use it. That confused me at first
 

Punished Miku

Human Rights Subscription Service
Im using cover on virtually every fight. Extremely useful. I always start with the pistol at long range. Then wait until they get close and jump out and point blank machine gun people. Reallyyyyyy shines at extreme close range. Loving the combat.
 
Man I did the first quest to get to level 3 and now all the side quests lead me to areas with level 9 and 10 enemies that shit all over me. Gameplay is fun, UI is trash. I can’t even tell what the armor does.
 

Stuart360

Member
7 hours in now, still an 8/10 for me. Was thinking about dropping to a 7.5 because i have had a few annoying bugs. Its hard to do that though when 12 devs have made a game like this, what an achievement they have done. I'll be surprised if Microsoft doesnt at least try buying them up. Cant imagine the kind of visuals they could do with a huge budget backing them.
 
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Lack of manual save and a minimap is probably my biggest caveats. Plus some of the destinations aren't clear on what floor/tier of the city you need to be on.

Cover system doesn't seem necessary unless you have like 10 mobs on you.
Everything you've said is exactly my problem with the game. Still enjoying it overall though. Not knowing where you need to go is the most annoying thing for me. Cover system using controller is so bad it's funny.
 

Punished Miku

Human Rights Subscription Service
Everything you've said is exactly my problem with the game. Still enjoying it overall though. Not knowing where you need to go is the most annoying thing for me. Cover system using controller is so bad it's funny.
Cover system has been flawless for me. You have to just be really active in managing your height and aiming. I use cover on every fight. Nothing broken at all. Just hit B to duck or stand. Thats it.
 
How do you solo that tanticle thingy ? I managed to activate 2 consoles [out of 4?], but then just getting overwhelmed. Those little muppet crawlers keep on coming at you non stop and when you activate the console you get enemy shooters to add to your worries.
 

Bartski

Gold Member
How do you solo that tanticle thingy ? I managed to activate 2 consoles [out of 4?], but then just getting overwhelmed. Those little muppet crawlers keep on coming at you non stop and when you activate the console you get enemy shooters to add to your worries.
spiderbots & distraction monos + the heal grenade thing. 4th is really hectic, I think the bigger enemies don't infinitely respawn just the crawlers. I took some time every "round" to take them out and then pull everything else away to activate the console
 
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Cover system has been flawless for me. You have to just be really active in managing your height and aiming. I use cover on every fight. Nothing broken at all. Just hit B to duck or stand. Thats it.
My problem isn't going in and out of cover, the problem is aiming from it. I put aim assist on high and it still sucks. I cannot believe they don't have a slider option for aim sensitivity. It would be great if you could further adjust how it works from cover too. At this point it may be asking for too much, but than again, it could show up down the line. I just don't understand how they don't include those options to begin with.
 
spiderbots & distraction monos + the heal grenade thing. 4th is really hectic, I think the bigger enemies don't infinitely respawn just the crawlers. I took some time every "round" to take them out and then pull everything else away to activate the console
You're a legend ! :messenger_fistbump: Don't know how many times I died there.

Spiderbots + hyperfocus + heal greanade thing [rejuv field] did it.
 

asocirev

Member
Just finished the Onyx Operative mission and beat the big ass bot. Level 12 now. Feel like I'm really starting hit the groove with gameplay. Lovin' it.

Something to keep an eye on is skill points and weapon upgrade points. Good to always have your character and weapons as strong as they can be, and it's easy to get distracted and overlook them. Also, you sell bounties at the club where you meet Poone. I was sitting on a stack of them and didn't realize. They're about 1K creds each.
You can turn your bounties in at any bartender which is nice. Loving the game and once I found an RPG I haven’t put it down! Also, the status field bubble really helps in tight corridors and flanking situations. This game is fun.
 

Punished Miku

Human Rights Subscription Service
Im gonna just call it now. This game is a 9.5/10. The half point off is the controls not feeling 100% flawless. In multiple other areas the game is exceptional. Graphics and art design are insane. Possibly one of the greatest city / hub areas in a game ever.

I'll buy this if it ever leaves Gamepass or gets a physical release. This will be remembered as a revered cult classic, and will be talked about for years.
 
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CrustyBritches

Gold Member
Just hit level 17 and have a bunch of weapons to MK 6-7. I really like the neutron beam, it's like kamaya-maya wave from DBZ. Can really melt some motherfuckers with it. Loving the game overall. It's easy to be overly critical about it despite it being indie, then on the other hand still be totally engrossed by the world and drop hour after hour into the game.

P.S.- If you use hack(Y-button on controller) on vending machines they'll spew out all their goodies. I was shooting them before.
 
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The sheer atmosphere of the environments is awe-inspiring.

CD Projekt Red needs to take a long, serious look at this game and figure out how to best emulate it within Cyberpunk 2077 to better it for the future.

...actually, every studio working on a Cyberpunk game needs to study this game as a go-to for how to get the aesthetics & atmosphere of a Cyberpunk world just right🤘🏻💯
 
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M.W.

Gold Member
Im gonna just call it now. This game is a 9.5/10. The half point off is the controls not feeling 100% flawless. In multiple other areas the game is exceptional. Graphics and art design are insane. Possibly one of the greatest city / hub areas in a game ever.

I'll buy this if it ever leaves Gamepass or gets a physical release. This will be remembered as a revered cult classic, and will be talked about for years.

Yep, game is fucking great.
 
Bought this on a whim, because I already played CP2076 and felt in a mood to get back.

Really enjoying it so far. I am a fan of good twin stick shooters. And I would say this qualifies.

NOTABLY buggy, though. Activating Ray tracing leads to excessive hangs when entering new areas (which leads me to believe there is at least some issue with shader complication happening).

Going forward, i hope for a lot of variety of enemies and weapons. Otherwise it might get stale. We'll see.
 

Bartski

Gold Member
I'd love to play some more multiplayer but I'm scared to lose my character after reading about some crash disasters in co-op on reddit... Waiting for that to get patched together with the last two bugged-out achievements to wrap it up at 1000/1000. Awesome game.
 

Punished Miku

Human Rights Subscription Service
Cover SHOOTING. Keyword shooting.....

EDIT ok just saw u give this game a 9.5/10 lmfaooo nothing u say matters
The shooting is exactly the same though with or without cover. You don't have to press up against a wall. You can be 10ft away from cover and it works. Just duck and shoot. Nothing even changes
 

Magic Carpet

Gold Member
Level 15 I don't know how to Conceal the Drain in the Big Stink power reactor core. It leads me to a dead end control panel but nothing to interact with. I think it might be a bug but who knows. I'm lost in this game 100 percent of the time.
Game gets HARD down here in the Big Stink power area. These lumbering guys are bullet sponges. Few if any health drops.
I'll give some more side quests a go but they are way above my level or are blocked by ICE levels higher than I have.
Still waiting for the Bacteria to grow so I can finish that mission.
 

CatLady

Selfishly plays on Xbox Purr-ies X
Level 15 I don't know how to Conceal the Drain in the Big Stink power reactor core. It leads me to a dead end control panel but nothing to interact with. I think it might be a bug but who knows. I'm lost in this game 100 percent of the time.
Game gets HARD down here in the Big Stink power area. These lumbering guys are bullet sponges. Few if any health drops.
I'll give some more side quests a go but they are way above my level or are blocked by ICE levels higher than I have.
Still waiting for the Bacteria to grow so I can finish that mission.
It is a bug. I got stuck on that one last night too. The quest marker is in the wrong area. Follow the signs to the reactor.
 

Desless1

Member
On the last main mission, just couple of side missions left as well... And having a blast with proper weapons.

Took me a while to get the ABR Command, and upgrade it. Blasting my way through it all now. Awesome.

My favorite area is the pinnacle, so cool made. Should have been more action there.

Cutscenes are very well made and was a good way of presenting some of the story and progress.

Just had one bug on the Series X, was a console that didn't allow me to press to use it. But a quick taxi ride out and back solved it.
 

Punished Miku

Human Rights Subscription Service
On the last main mission, just couple of side missions left as well... And having a blast with proper weapons.

Took me a while to get the ABR Command, and upgrade it. Blasting my way through it all now. Awesome.

My favorite area is the pinnacle, so cool made. Should have been more action there.

Cutscenes are very well made and was a good way of presenting some of the story and progress.

Just had one bug on the Series X, was a console that didn't allow me to press to use it. But a quick taxi ride out and back solved it.
Also you can hit exit game and it tells you when its last saved. Most of the time its like 5 seconds ago. Faster than a taxi to just reload.
 
This has consumed my weekend way more than I expected it to do. I only tried it because it was on Gamepass, I don't have any interest in super hard games, but this is just brilliant. For such a small team they have climbed mountains. Looks great, and straddles the line between arcade and RPG really well.

8/10 for me. Love to see more in this world in the future. Would support an MS acquisition and bigger budget for sure!
 
Lots of different influences visually/conceptually, from Moebius to James Cameron films and anime and still really cohesive in its own design.
Fuggin love it. Would get an official art book if there were such a thing.
 

Magic Carpet

Gold Member
Tired of spider mech killing me so I took a break by running around the map collecting all the components and opening all the boxes that I could at level 17.
Got doors and chests to ice level 2 and can hack everything except ATM.
Hoping the Enforcer gun would drop or be available to buy but I’ve not seen it yet. The Lv24 enemies in ‘The Edge’ use what look like The Enforcer so maybe it will drop there.
 
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mxbison

Member
I feel like this game has a lot of wasted potential.

The world is so detailed and beautiful but there isn't really any point in exploring it. Only interaction with the world is shoot everything.
Since the map is so bad and quests often don't really tell you where to go, you also rarely find your own way and just end up following the red marker.
You can go off the main path and find a chest here or there, but it doesn't really matter since there is no cool loot, just the same stuff you can also buy from the shop.
Side quest balancing is pretty bad, you rarely have the case where you're in that area for the main quest anyway and then can do some side stuff while you're already there. Often you'll get a sidequest at your recommended level but it's impossible because that area is still locked or it leads through a part with much higher level enemies.

Some basic RNG system for rarity and stats on loot, a proper map, and better balancing could have really done a lot for this game.
 
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