Summary
- Release Year: 2018
- Genres: Adventure, Indie, Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: Linux, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Developers: OtherSide Entertainment
- Publishers: 505 Games
Underworld Ascendant (2018): A Deep Dive into the Stygian Abyss
Underworld Ascendant is the long-awaited follow-up to the critically acclaimed Ultima Underworld series, a pioneering dungeon crawler that helped define the genre. Developed by OtherSide Entertainment, a studio founded by Ultima Underworld creator Paul Neurath, Underworld Ascendant aims to recapture the magic of the original while bringing the series into the modern era.
Set in the stunning fantasy realm of The Stygian Abyss, Underworld Ascendant is a first-person action RPG that emphasizes exploration, puzzle-solving, and strategic combat. Players take on the role of the Avatar, a customizable character who awakens with no memory of their past. Guided by the mysterious ghost of Tymon, the Avatar must navigate the treacherous Abyss, uncover their true identity, and ultimately confront the ancient evil that threatens to consume the realm.
One of the standout features of Underworld Ascendant is its focus on environmental interaction. Players can use the environment to their advantage in combat, solving puzzles, and traversing the world. For example, they can use water to extinguish fires, create ice bridges, and conduct electricity. They can also use objects in the environment to create traps, such as dropping rocks on enemies or setting off explosions.
The game’s combat is also designed to be strategic and challenging. Players must carefully consider their approach to each encounter, using their environment, abilities, and spells to their advantage. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to combat, and players must adapt their tactics to the situation at hand.
Underworld Ascendant features a deep and involving story that unfolds as players explore the Stygian Abyss. The game’s world is filled with a cast of memorable characters, each with their own motivations and secrets. Players will encounter allies who can help them on their journey, as well as enemies who will stop at nothing to thwart their progress.
The game’s world is also incredibly detailed and immersive. The Stygian Abyss is a vast and varied realm, with everything from lush forests to treacherous dungeons to explore. Players will discover hidden areas, solve puzzles, and uncover the secrets of the Abyss as they progress through the game.
Overall, Underworld Ascendant is a worthy successor to the Ultima Underworld series. It captures the magic of the original while bringing the series into the modern era with stunning graphics, deep gameplay, and a compelling story. Fans of dungeon crawlers and action RPGs will find a lot to love in Underworld Ascendant.
Key Features
- Explore the stunning fantasy realm of The Stygian Abyss, a world filled with danger, intrigue, and ancient secrets.
- Use your environment to your advantage in combat, puzzle-solving, and traversing the world.
- Engage in strategic and challenging combat, using your abilities, spells, and the environment to defeat your enemies.
- Uncover a deep and involving story as you interact with a cast of memorable characters and unravel the mysteries of the Stygian Abyss.
- Experience a vast and detailed world filled with hidden areas, puzzles, and secrets to discover.
Critical Reception
Underworld Ascendant received mixed reviews from critics upon release. Some praised the game’s immersive world, deep gameplay, and challenging combat, while others criticized its technical issues and lack of polish. However, the game has a loyal following among fans of the Ultima Underworld series and dungeon crawlers in general.
Awards and Accolades
- Nominated for “Best RPG” at the 2018 Golden Joystick Awards
- Won “Best Role-Playing Game” at the 2019 SXSW Gaming Awards
Conclusion
Underworld Ascendant is a deep and rewarding dungeon crawler that captures the magic of the Ultima Underworld series while bringing the series into the modern era. With its stunning graphics, deep gameplay, and compelling story, Underworld Ascendant is a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
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