If you’re looking for a new cyberpunk game, this one is it. The Ascent isn’t just a twin-stick action RPG, it’s a masterpiece of world-building and atmosphere. Developed by Neon Giant, a small team, this game absolutely overflows with detail, making the massive arcology of Veles feel real—a place where grime, poverty, and neon-drenched opulence smash together.
The visuals alone are worth the price of admission. The isometric, top-down camera angle is genius, showing off the intimidating verticality of the skyscrapers and the complex, cramped lower levels. Every alleyway is packed with animated citizens, soaring drone traffic, and stunning lighting effects. You’ll frequently pause just to pan the camera and appreciate the sheer scope of the architecture. It truly feels like one of the best-looking cyberpunk worlds ever rendered.
But style isn’t everything, and thankfully, the substance backs it up. The combat is fast, crunchy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s not your average button-mashing ARPG; the twin-stick shooting is tactical thanks to a smart cover system and the ability to aim high or low. This simple mechanic—ducking behind concrete walls, then popping up to blast an enemy heavy in the head—adds a clever layer of strategy that keeps the gunfights engaging, even hours into the game. Loot drops constantly, offering new guns and armor that let you customize your build, whether you want to be a heavy tank or a nimble critical-hit specialist. The whole experience really hits its stride when you jump into co-op; two players turning an enemy horde into red mist is pure, glorious mayhem.
For those who finished the main game and are hungry for more, the Cyberheist DLC is a solid add-on. It whisks you away from Veles to the new corporate-run pleasure resort known as the Perkulator. This new location is just as visually stunning as the main game but with a distinct, slightly sleeker flavor. Best of all, it includes a continuation of the narrative and drops a bunch of new weapons—including some long-awaited melee gear—and armor, giving you fresh reasons to jump back into that awesome combat.
The main plot is a bit weak. While the world is deep, the actual story—about the massive corporation that owns Veles suddenly collapsing—can be a bit messy and hard to track. You’re mostly running errands, and sometimes the side missions are more compelling than the main narrative thread. You might also encounter a few performance hiccups or minor bugs, but nothing game-breaking.
Overall, The Ascent is an easy recommendation. If you’re a fan of satisfying top-down combat or desperately need a fresh, gorgeous cyberpunk setting to explore, this is an absolute must-play.
The visuals alone are worth the price of admission. The isometric, top-down camera angle is genius, showing off the intimidating verticality of the skyscrapers and the complex, cramped lower levels. Every alleyway is packed with animated citizens, soaring drone traffic, and stunning lighting effects. You’ll frequently pause just to pan the camera and appreciate the sheer scope of the architecture. It truly feels like one of the best-looking cyberpunk worlds ever rendered.
But style isn’t everything, and thankfully, the substance backs it up. The combat is fast, crunchy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s not your average button-mashing ARPG; the twin-stick shooting is tactical thanks to a smart cover system and the ability to aim high or low. This simple mechanic—ducking behind concrete walls, then popping up to blast an enemy heavy in the head—adds a clever layer of strategy that keeps the gunfights engaging, even hours into the game. Loot drops constantly, offering new guns and armor that let you customize your build, whether you want to be a heavy tank or a nimble critical-hit specialist. The whole experience really hits its stride when you jump into co-op; two players turning an enemy horde into red mist is pure, glorious mayhem.
For those who finished the main game and are hungry for more, the Cyberheist DLC is a solid add-on. It whisks you away from Veles to the new corporate-run pleasure resort known as the Perkulator. This new location is just as visually stunning as the main game but with a distinct, slightly sleeker flavor. Best of all, it includes a continuation of the narrative and drops a bunch of new weapons—including some long-awaited melee gear—and armor, giving you fresh reasons to jump back into that awesome combat.
The main plot is a bit weak. While the world is deep, the actual story—about the massive corporation that owns Veles suddenly collapsing—can be a bit messy and hard to track. You’re mostly running errands, and sometimes the side missions are more compelling than the main narrative thread. You might also encounter a few performance hiccups or minor bugs, but nothing game-breaking.
Overall, The Ascent is an easy recommendation. If you’re a fan of satisfying top-down combat or desperately need a fresh, gorgeous cyberpunk setting to explore, this is an absolute must-play.
Story
Gameplay
Graphics
Music
Cyberpunk Bad-assery
Summary
This one is the closest anyone has gotten to classic Crusader: No Remorse and No Regret.
