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Helix: Descent N Ascent

Helix: Descent N Ascent

PC
Released

Release Date: July 23, 2026

Adventure, Point-and-click, 2D, Top-down, Indie Games, Singleplayer

7.8

OpenCritic

9.5

Steam

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Ratings
[1:16] - New Release Date Trailer Videos: 1
Screenshot Images: 7
Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot

Platforms:

PC Windows

PC Windows

Developer: Badass Mongoose

Publisher: Badass Mongoose

Similar Games:

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Papetura

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Features

System Requirements

System Requirements for Helix: Descent N Ascent Video Game:

PC Windows

PC / Windows

Minimum System Requirements:
Dual Core 2.4 GHz, 4 GB RAM, graphic card 1 GB, 2 GB HDD, Windows 7 SP1.

Recommended System Requirements:
Dual Core 3 GHz, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB, 2 GB HDD, Windows 7 SP1.

Ratings

Game Ratings for Helix: Descent N Ascent Video Game.

7.8

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 75% of Critics. There are 11 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

So Many Games: 4 / 5 by Jesse Hazel-Greer

Helix: Descent N Ascent is an elegant and striking puzzle game set in a world of black n white sketches of passageways and ruins with a postgame that’s brought down by bugs. The hand-drawn art and animation are immediately captivating, and the soundscape is equal parts disquieting and sensorially satisfying. The toolset builds ingeniously. In those intervening moments between the bottleneck and the breakthrough, no matter how long it takes, I am purely mindful and at peace: studying, probing, imagining, experimenting. I know the answer is in front of me, waiting there, ready for the spark.

Full Review

Impulsegamer: 4 / 5 by Nay Clark

Helix: Descent N Ascent is a confident and creative puzzle adventure. Its mysterious story, beautiful monochrome presentation, and inventive ability system all work together to create something memorable. The game gives you a strange world, a collection of unique powers, and the freedom to figure things out yourself. The ability combinations are smart, the puzzles are satisfying, and the overall presentation makes every moment feel carefully crafted. Helix: Descent N Ascent is one of the more unique puzzle games of the year and a great example of how strong art direction and creative mechanics can come together to create something special.

Full Review

Screen Hype: 8.2 / 10 by Mia Simmons

One of my favourite elements in Helix: Descent N Ascent is the arcade machines. You find them dotted around the world, and completing their levels rewards you with access to new areas within your environment. Every level has the same premise: make your way to the other character on the opposite point of the screen. Each machine offers its own twist, based on the abilities you have been learning within that section. It mirrors the base game in a compact, stylised form. I like how this not only changes up the style of gameplay, but offers inadvertent insight into the character you’re seeking. In the world you’re in, the other character crops up on occasion, withholding the way forward. Catching up to them only causes them to push you away. In the arcade games, they make a consistent appearance, and reaching them spooks them into high-tailing it outta there.

Full Review
95%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Very Positive (64)

STEAM
User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

  • Art Style: The game features a stunning monochromatic art style that is visually captivating, especially on high-quality displays. The hand-drawn aesthetic adds a unique charm to the game.
  • Puzzle Design: The puzzles are well-designed, requiring thoughtful combinations of abilities to solve. Players appreciate the challenge and the satisfaction that comes from solving intricate puzzles.
  • Unique Mechanics: The game encourages experimentation with a variety of abilities that can be combined in creative ways, enhancing the gameplay experience.
  • Atmosphere and Sound: The ambient music by Jim Guthrie complements the game's mysterious and contemplative atmosphere, contributing to an immersive experience.
  • Exploration: Players enjoy the freedom to explore interconnected areas and the sense of discovery that comes with finding hidden secrets and lore.

The main cons of the game

  • Backtracking: Players expressed frustration with the need to return to the main hub to change equipped powers, which can lead to tedious backtracking.
  • Pacing Issues: Some players noted that certain puzzles in the latter half of the game felt poorly designed or overly tedious, leading to a decrease in enjoyment.
  • Bugs and Technical Issues: Reports of bugs, such as save issues and soft locks, were mentioned, which detracted from the overall experience for some players.
  • Cryptic Elements: The game can be overly cryptic at times, making it difficult for players to fully grasp the story or find all collectibles without external help.

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

  • Quality of Life Improvements: Suggestions for more intuitive power management, such as allowing players to change abilities without returning to the hub, were common.
  • More Polish in Later Levels: Some players felt that the later levels lacked the same level of polish and attention to detail found in the earlier parts of the game.
  • Detailed Guidance: A desire for clearer guidance or hints for puzzles was expressed, as some players found themselves stuck or unsure of how to progress.
  • Additional Content: While the game is rich in puzzles and exploration, some players wished for more varied content or post-game challenges to maintain engagement after completing the main storyline.

Summary

  • Overall, Helix: Descent N Ascent is praised for its artistic direction and engaging puzzle mechanics, but it faces criticism for certain gameplay aspects and technical issues that could benefit from further refinement.

Summary generated on:

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