"Ascension" Review

Publisher:  RinmaruGames

Website:  http://impqueen.com/ascension-123.html

Genre:  Visual Novel

Summary:  After investigating an ancient ruin with her friend Sky, Aida finds herself involved with political plots, assassins, and ancient magic.  New friends, revelations about her own past, and, possibly, romance await.

Gameplay:  The first chapter has occasional grab-with-the-mouse games that aren't required to proceed but give bonuses in the form of gold or the like.  Later chapter puzzles have similarly unnecessary rewards, but involve things like memory challenges and riddles.

Beyond this, gameplay mostly involves decisions.  Aida's responses can be diplomatic, clever, or mean, and sometimes success on a particular quest or at least method will require concentration on one of these methods over the other.  There are also plot decisions like who to romance, as well as minor choices like how to dress.

Unfortunately, the game is online-only.  It worked fine as far as I could tell (although I don't believe saved games will last if you close your browser), but I worry about websites disappearing someday.

Style:  I enjoyed the art style, and I really loved having options when it came to the protagonist and occasionally her friends' hair and clothes.  Everyone's expressions go well with their dialogue, and the occasional brief animation really adds to the game.

The spelling and grammar are horrendous and almost turned me off the game at the beginning.  Fortunately, they gradually improve.  Also, the music, while lovely, is often way too loud and I could find no way to turn it down.

Story:  Ascension is well-paced over its three chapters, each of which tells a complete tale while also being part of the overarching story.  I wouldn't say the story of Ascension is unique, but it did manage to surprise me at moments.

I also enjoyed the fantasy universe with copious races, legends, histories, and magics.  (I appreciate any game that has the option to read unnecessary setting details.)  And I liked all the choices in romance and quests and even outfits.

But the best part of the game for me was the overall snarky humor.  Not every line works, but there were still many laughs.  I really appreciate when I want to hear a sarcastic response and then I do.  Plus the humor doesn't undermine some genuine emotional moments.

Conclusion:  Ascension's weaknesses in design and grammar are fortunately outweighed by a long, entertaining story with choice, drama, and fun.