Summary
- Release Year: 2018
- Genres: Adventure, Indie, Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Developers: A44
- Publishers: Annapurna Interactive
Ashen (2018): A Journey Through Darkness and Light
Ashen is a tight, 3rd person, skill-based action RPG set in a sprawling open world. You play as a wanderer in a newly lit world, fighting alongside others to forge friendships and defeat the creatures of shadow determined to cast the world back into darkness.
The game begins with your character waking up in a dark and desolate land. You are guided by a mysterious voice to a beacon of light, which you must use to light the world and drive back the darkness. As you explore the world, you will meet other wanderers who will join you on your journey. Together, you will explore mysterious dungeons, fight epic bosses, and forge alliances to defeat the forces of darkness.
One of the most striking things about Ashen is its art style. The game is rendered in a beautiful and unique painterly style that gives it a timeless quality. The world is full of gorgeous vistas and mythical creatures, and the characters are all beautifully designed.
The combat in Ashen is fast-paced and challenging. You will need to master a variety of weapons and skills to defeat your enemies. The game also features a unique co-op mode that allows you to team up with other players to take on the challenges of the world.
As you progress through the game, you will make choices that will affect the world around you. You will need to decide who to trust, who to fight, and how to use your power. Your choices will shape the world of Ashen, and ultimately determine its fate.
Exploration
The world of Ashen is vast and open, with many different regions to explore. Each region has its own unique look and feel, from the lush forests of the Greenhollow to the desolate wastes of the Shadowlands.
As you explore the world, you will find a variety of different landmarks, including dungeons, caves, and ruins. Each landmark is filled with its own unique challenges and rewards. You will also meet a variety of different characters along the way, who will give you quests and help you on your journey.
Combat
The combat in Ashen is fast-paced and challenging. You will need to master a variety of weapons and skills to defeat your enemies. The game features a unique stamina system that limits the number of attacks you can perform in a row. This forces you to carefully manage your attacks and avoid getting overwhelmed by your enemies.
You will also need to learn how to parry and dodge your enemies’ attacks. Timing is key in Ashen, and a well-timed parry or dodge can make all the difference in a fight.
Co-op
Ashen features a unique co-op mode that allows you to team up with other players to take on the challenges of the world. You can join forces with up to three other players to explore dungeons, fight bosses, and complete quests.
Co-op is a great way to experience Ashen with friends, and it can also be a valuable way to learn from more experienced players.
Choices
As you progress through the game, you will make choices that will affect the world around you. You will need to decide who to trust, who to fight, and how to use your power. Your choices will shape the world of Ashen, and ultimately determine its fate.
There are no right or wrong choices in Ashen. The best choice for you will depend on your own personal values and beliefs. However, every choice you make will have consequences, so choose wisely.
Conclusion
Ashen is a beautiful and challenging action RPG that will test your skills and friendships. Explore a vast open world, fight epic bosses, and forge alliances to defeat the forces of darkness. Your choices will shape the world of Ashen, and ultimately determine its fate.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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