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Ascend to Zero

Ascend to Zero

PCXbox
Released

Release Date: July 13, 2026

Action, Science Fiction, Roguelike, Isometric View, RPG Elements, Time Manipulation, Xbox Play Anywhere, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Singleplayer, PC Game Pass

8.1

OpenCritic

8.4

Steam

Rate It!
Ratings
[1:00] Ascend to ZERO - Launch Reveal Trailer Videos: 1
Screenshot Images: 8
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Platforms:

PC Windows

PC Windows

Xbox Series X/S

Xbox Series X/S

Developer: Flyway Games

Publisher: Flyway Games

Features

System Requirements

System Requirements for Ascend to Zero Video Game:

PC Windows

PC / Windows

Minimum System Requirements:
Intel Core i5-4570 / AMD FX-8300, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB GeForce GTX 960 / 3 GB Radeon R9 280, 2 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit.

Recommended System Requirements:
Intel Core i7-6700 / AMD Ryzen 5 1600, 12 GB RAM, graphic card 8 GB GeForce GTX 1070 / 6 GB Radeon RX 5600 XT, 2 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit.

Ratings

Game Ratings for Ascend to Zero Video Game.

8.1

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 83% of Critics. There are 11 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

Press Attack: 7.5 / 10 by Bruno de Souza Bom

It only took a few minutes to realize that Ascend to ZERO wasn't trying to be just another roguelike inspired by Vampire Survivors. The core structure certainly resembles other games in the genre, featuring hundreds of enemies filling the screen, constant upgrades, and that addictive "just one more run" loop. The difference lies in one mechanic that completely changes how every run is approached: time. Here, the clock is much more than a survival timer. It represents almost everything. The duration of each run depends on it, your progress through each stage is directly tied to the remaining seconds, and every decision has to be made quickly to avoid wasting a resource that is just as valuable as your own life. The story follows Chrono Child, a young girl sent through time after a scientific experiment leads to humanity's destruction at the hands of a machine invasion. Alone in a devastated future, her mission is to return to the past and prevent that catastrophe from ever happening. While the narrative provides an interesting backdrop, its primary role is to support the game's time manipulation mechanics, which ultimately become the true centerpiece of the experience.

Full Review

DayOne: 8 / 10 by Jesse Norris

Ascend to Zero brings some of my favorite elements to the roguelite genre. Its late-game focus on gear sets adds one last unique element to a fun, great-sounding, surprisingly deep Survivors-like.

Full Review

Nexus Hub: 8.5 / 10 by Ryan Pretorius

Ascend to Zero's chaotic roguelike gameplay will no doubt scratch that Hades or Vampire Survivors itch, but it's more than that - a challenging, fun and deceptively layered experience.

Full Review
84%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Very Positive (971)

STEAM
User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

  • Unique Time Manipulation Mechanic: The ability to stop time adds a strategic layer to gameplay, allowing players to plan their moves and attacks effectively.
  • Fast-Paced Gameplay: The game offers quick runs, which can be addictive and encourage players to keep trying for better results.
  • Variety in Characters and Builds: Multiple characters with unique abilities and gear provide a diverse range of playstyles, enhancing replayability.
  • Satisfying Progression System: Players experience a sense of growth and achievement as they unlock new abilities and gear over time.
  • Engaging Art and Soundtrack: The visuals and music contribute positively to the overall experience, making it enjoyable to play.

The main cons of the game

  • Repetitive Gameplay: Many players feel that runs become monotonous due to similar level layouts and enemy patterns, especially in the late game.
  • Poor Late Game Experience: The fun of the early game can diminish significantly as players encounter frustrating mechanics, such as bosses that ignore the time stop ability.
  • Heavy Reliance on RNG: The game's progression can feel overly dependent on random drops and gear, leading to frustration when players don't get the items they need.
  • Unclear Attack Patterns: Bosses often have confusing attack telegraphs, making it difficult for players to dodge effectively.
  • Localization Issues: Many players noted poor translations and unclear explanations of mechanics, which can hinder understanding of the game.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

  • More Variety in Levels: Players desire additional levels or procedurally generated environments to reduce repetitiveness.
  • Quality of Life Improvements: Suggestions include better inventory management, clearer stat explanations, and more intuitive UI/UX elements.
  • Crafting and Upgrading Systems: Many users expressed a wish for crafting mechanics to create or upgrade gear instead of relying solely on RNG.
  • Enhanced Tutorial and Guidance: A more comprehensive tutorial system or help center could improve player understanding of mechanics and gameplay strategies.
  • Endless Mode or Additional Challenges: Players are interested in having a mode that allows for endless runs or different challenges without impacting their main progress.

Summary

  • Overall, "Ascend to ZERO" presents a captivating concept with its time-manipulation mechanic, but it struggles with balance and variety in the late game, leading to mixed reviews from players.

Summary generated on: