Ashen - from the ashes to light. Review and reviews

One look at the Ashen, and are already asking banal verdict: «Dark Souls in bright colors". Is it so, or in front of us an original action role-playing, only inspired by famous works of From Software? Let's see

Protestirovana game on Xbox One X

Dumal Lee Xidetaka Mijadzaki, that Demon's Souls as much impact on the gaming industry, and its echo will clearly be given in a variety of projects after ten years? Every other developer of action role-playing now tries to reproduce the formula, which underlies the "soul" series: borrow some individual elements, others - the whole approach. It does not hide the source of inspiration and studio Aurora44. But, if you dig deeper, Ashen is creation From Software direct opposite.

Shoulder to shoulder

Thousands and thousands of years of light lit up the world of Ash. But eternity - just an illusion, and even higher once the creation is destined to publish last breath. Sigh, which all plunge into absolute darkness. But if From Software projects every time we see the decline of civilization, Ashen then takes us through the ages of darkness to the beginning of a new life cycle. Divine Ash revives, returning light of the earth. But it is still weak, and darkness was not going to back down. Light need advocates, one of which became our nameless hero.

Ashen - history is not death, but the revival. It does not press grim, heavy atmosphere. Instead, the trip around the world is more like The Journey. The game is made in a distinctive style ascetic, in which the characters and environments are made rough, deliberately deprived parts. characters, eg, There are no features as such. Because of its unusual appearance and muted palette, but still warm shades, Ashen calms and soothes, despite the dangers lurking around the corner. It leaves a feeling of comfort except in dark caves, where no pitch-dark, without a lantern.

Near the beginning of the protagonist establishes shelter vagrant - settlement, which will be home to all the characters met. And the farther you go in your journey, the greater grows the small town, and with it the opportunities available to you. If in the beginning it will be only a tent on the ruins, the closer to the finale shelter already built up with beautiful houses, where you can find many opportunities to improve equipment. Most influence on the course of the construction can not be, but the atmosphere of his native place it is more than atones.

Ashen world is not as ambitious, in any of Dark Souls, and much more linear. Structurally, we face several broad locations, connected in one chain. There is no need to look for shortcuts or cutting. Function fires - save points - carry stones resurrection, and usually get to your destination quickly and easily.

At some point, you will be able to instantly move between the stones, which, coupled with the normal world map makes navigation very simple and convenient.

Despite the modest scale, location strewn with many secrets, to many of which can be reached only by the acrobatic skills. Character easily cling to ledges and tightened, oK jumps. Reach some places will partner - outside the Haven hero is never left alone. Manage partner may AI or live player, which discreetly "pick up" in your session. For each other you will look, settlers from Shelter.

Companions - not just aid in the passage, but full of personality with its own storyline, developing parallel to the main story. With the completion of these associates branches become stronger, yes and no longer perceived simply as a nameless NPC, as well as reliable friends and comrades, on which you can rely on in difficult times.

However, for absolute introverted and antisocial personalities in the menu there are teammates off option. Then you are left alone with all the dangers and complicate your life. Co-op Ashen practically does not cause problems, and even some of the rare bosses for the two fighters are something of a pear whipping. In addition to the final. Oh, he then pat your nerves in the best traditions of the Souls,.

The combat system is almost entirely borrowed from the works of From Software, but offers a little less opportunities. Light and heavy strokes are combined in simple combinations, and shield and roll help to avoid damage. To fend off an attack or conduct powerful finishing moves can not be. Types of weapons, too little - only axes and maces. But each individual sample in many ways is unique. They differ not only damage indicators, but the pace, and movement, whereby each found the weapon you want to try in action. The only pity, that inventory is very limited, and carry everything will not work.

Sooner or later you will have a favorite weapon, with which you will have to part. It can improve on Sanctuary, which would require the trash - the local currency and analogue shower, - as well as special resources. But it is impossible to improve the hero, pumping in Ashen is not provided. style of play depends entirely on the chosen outfit and active mascots, which give certain bonuses.

The game seems to be largely a chamber, but small scale Becomes Her, since the emphasis is on the quality of, not quantity. small world, but each location has its own unique style and atmosphere. New places or accidentally found dungeon cause the joyful feeling of the discoverer.

Ashen tempo accurately verified, and, despite the lack of a wide variety in the combat system, battles do not bother. Developers constantly throws up new variations of enemies, which have to adapt. When the last enemy is defeated, comes the time to look around carefully - around there is always a lot of secrets. The project is not in vain so many years polished. If we leave out the vkusovschinu - not everyone likes such mechanics, and abstract style can come not like connoisseurs of hyperrealism, - then find fault with the game is extremely difficult. Unless that's fixation on purpose during acceleration flies from the enemy. Not very comfortable.

Aurora44 managed to build a distinctive and unique game mechanics on, long ago became accustomed. Do not blindly copy someone else's achievements, and bring familiar things in your own vision. Look forward to, what authors will do next.

dignity:

• interesting and memorable visual style;
• small, but the rich world;
• constantly evolving Shelter hobo gives a feeling of home;
• well-developed associates, which formed the real bonds of friendship.

disadvantages:

• limited stock;
• Sight flies during the run, which is why some bumps uncomfortable to perform.

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