Best New Roguelike: Darkblade Ascent – Intense Action, Permadeath & Epic Loot!
0Darkblade Ascent is an awesome roguelike in development. It has quickly carved out its own niche in the roguelike landscape. Even in its early access stage, this indie title—crafted by a dedicated two-man team—manages to impress with its polished visuals, fluid combat, and rewarding meta-progression system.
Gameplay & Combat:
At its core, Darkblade Ascent nails the first-person combat experience. The blend of dodge, parry, and strategic attacks gives each encounter a satisfying, tactical feel. Weapon and boon choices are more than just cosmetic; they significantly impact how you tackle enemies. However, while the combat is engaging, the enemy variety currently feels a bit repetitive. Future updates that introduce more dynamic ambushes and varied enemy behaviors could raise the stakes even further, making each fight feel fresh and unpredictable.
Procedural Worlds & Replayability:
One of the game’s strongest assets is its procedurally generated environments. Every run offers a new labyrinth of dark forests, eerie ruins, and trap-laden caverns. This unpredictability is a boon for replayability, ensuring that even after multiple sessions, there’s always something new to discover. Retaining player levels upon death is a clever design choice that rewards perseverance and adds a satisfying layer to the meta-progression system—a crucial element in any roguelike.
Visuals & Atmosphere:
Utilizing cutting-edge technology, Darkblade Ascent delivers a visually stunning experience. The art direction is striking, with meticulously crafted environments that perfectly capture a grim, foreboding atmosphere. Yet, while the world is beautifully rendered, it sometimes lacks the personality that deeper character design and narrative elements might provide. Adding more character to both the world and its inhabitants could elevate the immersion to even greater heights.
Technical Considerations & Quality of Life:
From a technical standpoint, the game runs smoothly on high-end systems, though mid-range rigs might experience occasional frame dips. One notable quality-of-life improvement would be the addition of a gamma/brightness slider. Given the game’s dark aesthetic, this adjustment would help players better navigate shadowy environments without compromising the intended atmosphere.
Value & Future Potential:
For fans of first-person roguelikes, Darkblade Ascent is an enticing proposition. The game delivers hours of challenging gameplay at a price that feels more than justified given its depth and potential. Developers have hinted at future multiplayer modes—be it cooperative play or competitive challenges—which could further expand the game’s appeal. While some minor bugs and gameplay pacing issues persist in early access, they’re a natural part of the development process, and it’s clear that the team is actively working to refine the experience.
Final Verdict!
Darkblade Ascent is a commendable debut from an indie team that dares to blend classic roguelike mechanics with innovative combat and immersive world design. With its fluid combat system, engaging progression, and stunning visuals, the game holds a lot of promise. If you’re drawn to dark, atmospheric adventures where every failure is just a step toward mastering the challenge, Darkblade Ascent is definitely worth checking out—especially as it evolves into a more polished final product.
Darkblade Ascent - Early Access Launched on February 12, 2025! on Steam.
Platform: PC (Steam) Price: $18.99 USD
Link:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2406370/Darkblade_Ascent/
Darkblade Ascent is a fast-paced First-Person Melee Roguelike RPG with randomly generated weapons and upgrades, unlockable new classes and persistent leveling. Hack and slash your way through atmospheric dark fantasy locations, unique monsters and bosses.