“Do you like MMORPGs? Are you tired of the tedious grind, the group hunting, and the long treks before you are allowed to have fun? Or maybe you just don’t have time for this anymore? Then, do we have the game for you!” This is the opening salvo from Ascendants Rising, an early access co-op action RPG where players enter arena combat against boss monsters known as Incarnates.
According to the game’s Steam page, not every Incarnate encounter will be the same, as each fight will feature randomized boss mechanics, environments, encounters, and enemies. The game also features unique class customization that lets players heal their team while attacking foes with a sword or backstab enemies with a gun (somehow). This holds hands with a level-free system that puts emphasis on personal skill, team ability, and build choice, while character advancement is tied to powerful weapons called Artefacts that can be infused and leveled up with an array of gems. Ascendants offers three modes — Coliseum, Dungeons, and Raids — with locations spanning a multiverse of themes from sci-fi to Lovecraftian horror to urban or medieval fantasy.
Ascendants is currently in a closed beta state, which has made a couple of updates including the addition of Coliseum mode, new bosses, and a new Artefact. As for full release, developer/publisher Limitless Games is eyeballing a launch sometime in late 2021 or early 2022, depending on player feedback.
