Summary
Post-apocalyptic-themed gaming has always been popular, and new additions bolster the genre’s ranks with each gaming season.Ashfallis one promising newcomer developed by Legendary Star that drew inspiration fromgames likeFalloutwhile adding its unique spin on events. From its subterranean vaults to its mutant-ravaged lands, theFalloutinfluence onAshfallisn’t hard to see, and likeFallout 76,Ashfallis an online multiplayer game. Its exploratory theme is similar to theFalloutexperience, and withFallout 5still a long way from reaching players screens as Bethesda turns its focus fromStarfieldtoThe Elder Scrolls 6,Ashfallcould provide the perfect fix for fans of the post-apocalypse.
Ashfalltakes place in a world inspired by Eastern culture, a geographical change of pace from theAmerican-focusedFallout 76. Their stories are similar, asAshfall’s humans were driven to occupy underground vaults for shelter after the nuclear Armageddon. UnlikeFallout’s human-on-human crime, artificial intelligence is the villain inAshfall’s tale, starting a war against the human race. In the dystopian future, it is finally safe for humans to return to the surface to rebuild their lost civilization, but there are all kinds of novel dangers; mutated insects, robotic creatures, and even a dinosaur await any who dare to venture across the wastelands.
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Ashfall’s journey begins once players leave a vault searching for the Core of Creation and a mysterious person called Yuki, who might have some information on how to find the Core. Transportation across what remains of the world is by foot, on a mount called the Sandrat – a giant capybara-like animal – or by fast travel after acquiring a map. The scenery is quite varied, asAshfallsports fields of purple grass and cratered mountains, and its habitations range fromSteampunk-themed citieswith East Asian decorations to desolate deserts inhabited by bandits akin to Raiders.
Moreover, a cinematic score composed by renowned names like Steve Mazzaro, Hans Zimmer, and Inon Zur serenades players as they travel through the budding human civilizations. From haunting woody instruments to the resonance of melodies, the music guides players through a world as beautiful as it is terrifying.Ashfall’s gameplaypresents a unique blend of elements with a MOBA-like feel when traversing the world on foot, offering a top-down view, giving off a mobile gaming vibe even when played on a PC. Currently, the game’s world structure differs from the traditional MMORPG format, featuring instanced missions and limiting player encounters in the open world, which left some fans slightly disappointed.
However, it’s essential to note thatAshfallis still in its beta testing phase, with about a year to go until its official release. When exploring towns, the perspective shifts to a third-person view, allowing players to engage in activities like selling loot, gear customization, and crafting. With the developer choosing to brandAshfallas alooter-shooter likeBorderlands, shooting is front and center of the title’s appeal, and its combat involves strategic positioning, using cover, and maneuvering for optimal shots. When enemies are killed, gamers earn skill points they can invest in a skill tree reminiscent ofFallout 4, enhancing their characters and customizing its playstyle to their liking. Aside from exploration and combat, crafting and base building is essential toAshfall’s elements, with players having to scavenge for materials in missions for unique items and weapons.
The game has received some criticism for its graphics, which a few testers considered below expectations, resembling a PS3-era quality instead of the next-gen detail seen in recent AAA releases. Additionally,Ashfall’s early player base has asked for class systems. The title could be truly up and running with a few tweaks. With its captivating setting and PvP activities for teams of four to twelve players,Ashfallholds potential forFallout 76fans.
Ashfallreleases in late 2024 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
