ASCENDANT Review: The Ever-Changing Environment and Super Weapons

ASCENDANT, an innovative title by PlayFusion, introduces itself as a unique first-person, team-based shooter that significantly leans into the philosophy of adaptability amidst chaos. Receiving its presence in the gaming community through a closed beta phase, ASCENDANT promises a blend of strategic gameplay, extensive customization, and dynamic inter-team conflicts set within a dystopian biopunk landscape. This review delves into the various facets of ASCENDANT, offering an in-depth look at its plot, gameplay mechanics, unique features, and overall performance during its closed testing phase.

In the realm of modern shooter games, where innovation and uniqueness are coveted, ASCENDANT endeavors to carve out its niche. From waking up in a world where the 80s pop culture still reigns supreme, albeit in a bio-transformed dystopia, to engaging in high-stake matches where customization and strategy can tilt the scales in one’s favor, ASCENDANT.COM is more than just your typical squad shooter. Let’s explore what makes this new entrant into the shooter genre stand out and whether it lives up to the hype it has started to generate.

ASCENDANT Plot Overview

ASCENDANT transports players into a dystopian biopunk future where survival hinges on adaptability. Following a millennium in cryostasis, players find themselves in a world drastically altered by a catastrophic event known as the Cascade. Despite the dire circumstances, the influence of the 80s remains unshakeable, with fashion trends heavily favoring hairspray, sunglasses, and heavy metal. The quest for survival is fraught with dangers, from monstrous creatures to hostile drones and aggressive survivors, making the motto “adapt or die” more relevant than ever.

Not-Your-Typical Squad Shooter Elements

ASCENDANT introduces a fresh take on the squad shooter genre. Players partake in matches with the objective of extracting “biocores,” battling it out in a 3v3v3v3 format across expansive maps. The unique setup demands strategic gameplay and careful conservation of the limited three lives provided to each player. This innovative approach combines elements of traditional capture-the-flag gameplay with the intense competitiveness of squad-based shooters.

A Deep Dive into ASCENDANT’s Gameplay

The gameplay of ASCENDANT is distinguished by its dynamic environments and the inclusion of “super weapons.” Players traverse the map, gathering equipment and defeating enemies to earn currency, which can unlock areas and secrets within the map. The arsenal of weapons, armor, and gadgets available is vast, further enhanced by the existence of special vehicles and powerful super weapons like the “Deathbringer.” This armored vehicle allows teams to unleash devastating firepower while protected from incoming attacks, exemplifying ASCENDANT’s commitment to evolving the squad shooter gameplay.

Vibe in the Shade: The Game’s Social Hub

Within the game’s social hub, known as the Shade, players can relax away from the chaos of battle. This space serves as a community area where players can interact with NPCs to purchase weapon parts, cosmetics, and embark on missions. The hub is integral for preparing loadouts and strategizing before plunging back into the action, emphasizing the social and strategic aspects of ASCENDANT’s gameplay.

Fashion and Arsenal Customization

ASCENDANT places a significant emphasis on personalization, allowing players to customize their characters and arsenals extensively. From altering clothing styles, colors, and patterns to modifying weaponry at a granular level, the game offers a platform for players to express their individual identities. The ability to tailor guns with different ammo types, scopes, and color schemes ensures that each player can create a signature look and strategy, highlighting the game’s commitment to player freedom and creativity.

ASCENDANT’s Closed Beta Experience

During the closed beta phase of ASCENDANT, the first-person squad-based tactical shooter developed by PlayFusion, the game revealed a rich dystopian biopunk world that requires players to adapt or perish. Venturing through its virtually crafted environment, I found the gameplay to be both engaging and challenging. The focus on extracting biocores, utilizing the environment, and deploying an array of weapons and superpowers provides a dynamic and compelling gameplay experience. Moreover, the incorporation of team strategy within the four teams vying for victory introduces an element of unpredictability and intense competition.

The Good, The Bad, and The Potential

The Good:

• Extensive customization options for characters and weaponry allow players to express their unique style and tactical preferences.
• Innovative gameplay mechanics, such as using super weapons and harnessing the power of captured monsters, differentiate ASCENDANT from conventional shooters.
• The player hub, termed the Shade, adds depth to the game by offering missions, customization options, and a reprieve from combat.

The Bad:

• The game currently suffers from performance issues and lacks polish in areas such as shooting mechanics and map navigation.
• Information on weapon stats is not readily available, making it difficult for players to make informed decisions on their arsenal.

The Potential:

• With its unique blend of shooter and battle royale elements, ASCENDANT has the potential to carve out a niche within the crowded multiplayer shooter market.
• Addressing the current shortcomings through future updates could significantly enhance the player experience and broaden the game’s appeal.

Memorable Moments from the Game

One particular victory remains etched in my memory, where my team and I commandeered a “Gorlizard,” an overpowered mutant, to achieve a dominant win by securing all three biocores. This victory, fueled by the surprise and unfamiliarity of our foes with the Gorlizard’s capabilities, was exhilarating. Such moments highlight ASCENDANT’s capacity to deliver unpredictable and memorable gameplay experiences.

ASCENDANT’s Release: Expectations and Wishlist

As the anticipation for ASCENDANT’s official release grows, a few key expectations and wishlist items have emerged among the gaming community:

• Performance Optimization: A smoother gameplay experience with fewer bugs and improved shooting mechanics is highly desired.
• Enhanced Navigation and UI: Clearer maps and a more intuitive user interface would help players navigate the game’s complex environments.
• Weapon Stat Transparency: Providing detailed information on weapon characteristics would enable more strategic gameplay decisions.
• Continued Innovation: Maintaining the game’s innovative spirit by introducing new weapons, environments, and gameplay mechanics post-launch could sustain player interest over time.

In conclusion, while ASCENDANT showcases significant promise with its unique gameplay features and extensive customization options, addressing current performance issues and enhancing certain gameplay aspects could elevate the game to greater heights. As it stands, ASCENDANT is a game to watch, with the potential to offer a refreshing take on the multiplayer shooter genre.

Conclusion

In summary, ASCENDANT.COM emerges as a distinctive entry within the realm of team-based shooters, offering a refreshing dive into a dystopian biopunk world where adaptability and tactical prowess are vital. The game’s blend of intense squad-based gameplay, expansive customization options, and the unique ever-changing battlefield sets it apart from the competition, making it a noteworthy title to look forward to.

The closed beta phase of ASCENDANT has displayed a considerable amount of potential, particularly through its:

• Rich narrative backdrop, setting the stage for immersive gameplay.
• Focus on strategic team play and environmental manipulation to achieve objectives.
• A vast arsenal of weaponry and superpowers at the player’s disposal, providing a depth of tactical options.
• Extensive customization features that allow players to personalize their characters and weapons, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

However, it’s also apparent that ASCENDANT has areas in need of refinement:

• The game’s navigation and UI could benefit from improvements for a more intuitive player experience.
• Performance issues and the generic aspects of its shooter mechanics necessitate further tuning to meet the expectations set by its innovative features.
• A clearer presentation of weapon stats would aid players in making informed decisions in the heat of battle.

Despite these critiques, ASCENDANT.COM has succeeded in carving out its niche by weaving together the best elements of team shooters and battle royales with its unique mechanics and stylistic choices. While comparisons to existing titles are inevitable, ASCENDANT stands out by injecting a fresh wave of chaos and creativity into the genre.

As the game transitions from its closed beta phase, the anticipation for its full release grows. The inclusion of additional content, gameplay refinements, and further exploration of its vibrant world could very well solidify ASCENDANT’s place among the notable new entries in the competitive gaming scene.

For those intrigued by the promise of a chaotic, team-based shooter that encourages both strategic thinking and style, keeping an eye on ASCENDANT.COM’s development and future announcements is highly recommended. Whether it’s to dominate the battlegrounds or to simply express one’s unique sense of style, ASCENDANT offers a multifaceted platform for players to flex their adaptability in a rich, dystopian setting.