Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Ashen delivers a pulse-pounding blend of old-school Quake-style action and modern horror elements that keeps you on edge from start to finish. The core combat loop revolves around fast-paced shooting, aggressive strafing and strategic use of limited ammo, harkening back to the golden age of arena shooters. What sets it apart is the overlay of supernatural threats emerging from Maqabir’s depths, forcing players to adapt their tactics on the fly as grotesque creatures materialize in darkened corridors.

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Puzzle-solving segments are seamlessly woven into the action, offering a welcome change of pace. Whether you’re deciphering cryptic sigils to unlock an arcane seal or manipulating environmental mechanisms to open hidden passages, these brain-teasers are challenging without feeling tacked on. The puzzles demand a keen eye and a willingness to backtrack through twisted architecture, turning every level into an interwoven labyrinth where combat and cognition go hand in hand.

Multiplayer support for up to four players adds a cooperative dimension that elevates Ashen’s replay value. Teaming up with friends to clear gauntlet-style arenas or puzzle-laden crypts transforms the experience into a frantic, tension-filled affair. Communication is key, as coordinating ammo reserves, puzzle roles and enemy crowd control can make the difference between triumphant victory and a gruesome respawn.

Graphics

Ashen’s visual style strikes a compelling balance between gritty realism and eldritch horror. Seven River City’s war-torn streets are rendered with a muted palette of grays and rusted metals, while Maqabir’s ethereal ruins glow with sickly otherworldly hues. The contrast between the two realms is pronounced, reinforcing the sense of two worlds colliding every time you step through a summoning portal.

Character and enemy models are impressively detailed, with grotesque textures and fluid animations that amplify the game’s horror credentials. Watching a hulking Maqabir brute lurch toward you as faint rune-light pulses across its cracked skin is enough to make any horror fan’s heart race. Dynamic lighting and real-time shadows further enhance the atmosphere, casting sinister silhouettes and plunging abandoned hallways into oppressive darkness.

Performance is solid across both PC and console platforms, with stable frame rates even when the screen is overrun by spectral foes or explosive set pieces. Texture pop-in is minimal, and draw distance holds up well in expansive outdoor levels. Overall, Ashen’s graphics do justice to its terrifying premise, creating environments that players will be eager—and terrified—to explore.

Story

On the surface, Ashen tells the tale of a city under siege by an unseen, supernatural force. Seven River City is a bastion of human civilization, its citizens eking out a tense existence under the constant threat of Maqabir’s otherworldly invaders. As a frontline hunter for the city’s Arcane Guard, you’re tasked with uncovering the ritual behind Maqabir’s summoning and cutting the threat off at its source.

What begins as a straightforward war narrative soon unravels into layers of occult intrigue. Cryptic journals scattered throughout the levels hint at an ancient sect that once bridged the realms, experimenting with forbidden summoning rites. Each recovered page deepens the lore, pulling players further into a web of conspiracy and sacrifice. The storytelling is primarily environmental, relying on item descriptions, audio logs and subtle visual cues rather than lengthy cutscenes.

Character moments are sparse but effective. Brief radio transmissions from your fellow guards convey both camaraderie and desperation, while fleeting interactions with non-playable survivors humanize the otherwise bleak setting. Though Ashen’s narrative doesn’t break new ground, its tight focus on atmospheric world-building and fragmentary revelations makes each discovery feel earned.

Overall Experience

Ashen stands out in today’s crowded FPS market by marrying retro-inspired action with immersive horror and cooperative play. From the first volley of shotgun blasts echoing through Maqabir’s shadowed halls to the final ritual chamber showdown, the game maintains a relentless pace that keeps you engaged for dozens of hours. The fusion of shredding monsters, solving arcane puzzles and uncovering hidden lore delivers a multifaceted experience few shooters attempt.

While the difficulty can spike unexpectedly during puzzle-combat crossover segments, the challenge feels fair, and checkpoints are generous enough to prevent frustration from overshadowing fun. The four-player co-op is a genuine highlight, turning tense solo moments into shared thrills and jump scares. Whether you prefer to tackle the campaign alone under headphones or rally a squad for chaotic demon hunts, Ashen adapts gracefully to both playstyles.

Ultimately, Ashen is recommended for fans of classic arena shooters who crave a horror twist, as well as cooperative players looking for a fresh setting. Its polished graphics, atmospheric audio design and engaging mechanics coalesce into a memorable package that will satisfy adrenaline junkies and puzzle enthusiasts alike. If you’re ready to face the darkness lurking beyond Seven River City’s walls, Ashen awaits with horrors both familiar and unknown.

Retro Replay Score

6.9/10