There are many games that try to copy the Dark Souls formula. some hit the mark, others miss it completely. Ashen, created by A44, takes what it needs from the Souls games while adding their own touches. The fight mechanics are similar, but Ashen focus more on a community that must band together to fight off the darkness. Released originally a year ago, the game is finally coming to multiple platforms.
Darkness is not just a metaphor in Ashen. The world has no sun to speak of. Any light comes from eruptions that happen frequently. The player is searching for a very common thing: a place to call home. Setting off, the player will come into contact with people who will aid them on their quest. Exploring a world that has been overrun with monsters, the player must find weapons and loot in order to survive.
Ashen’s town folk are the real inversion of the Souls formula. While the latter always hammered you with the fact that you are alone, Ashen encourages you to create a party of adventures. They are damn useful too, as they attack enemies and can heal you if you get knocked out. You get to choose who comes with you and who stays behind. The characters are distinct and have their own personalities. Sometimes, a fellow human player will control one of your party members.
The art style of Ashen is interesting to look at. No hyper realism here, just a low look cell shade. Characters do not have a face and floating creatures fly over you. The monsters range from a giant to a monstrous scorpion. the areas are large and beautiful to look at. Don’t feel afraid to explore, as the path home is easy to get back to. For a world where there is no sun, the art style is bright and colorful.
Ashen’s environment is something you have to deal with as well. Wind and other natural events have an affect on you and your party. One of the enemies have an acid that can actually erode and change the land. Weapons have variety, but if you are looking for ranged you will find very slim pickings. Different weapons have different move sets, and some are very heavy to wield.
Ashen works because it brings it’s own traits to the table that Souls set up years ago. The different party members feel like real characters. If you missed this one when it came out, as I did, now is a perfect time to experience it. Ashen should be recognized as a new take on an old formula.
8/10
Available on PC, PS4, Xbox, and Switch.
