Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The core gameplay of Under Ash centers around guerrilla-style combat, placing players in the sandals of Ahmad, a young Palestinian caught in the turmoil of the First Intifada. Early missions rely heavily on improvised weapons—rocks, slingshots, and makeshift explosives—which give a visceral sense of vulnerability. As gameplay progresses, you have the opportunity to scavenge or seize more advanced firearms from Israeli checkpoints, creating a tense balance between stealth tactics and all-out engagements.

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Level design thoughtfully recreates several real-world locations in the West Bank, from the narrow stone alleys of Hebron’s Old City to the winding staircases around Jerusalem’s Temple Mount. These environments are more than mere backdrops—they influence how you approach each mission. Ambush points, hidden caches, and civilian-populated zones force you to weigh the risk of collateral damage versus mission objectives, adding a strategic layer beyond simple run-and-gun mechanics.

Enemy AI reacts dynamically to your actions: if you trigger an alarm at Abraham’s Tomb, reinforcements quickly flood the area, changing patrol routes and callout patterns. This reactive design keeps encounters fresh, as no two firefights play out the same way. While the learning curve can be steep for shooters unaccustomed to resource scarcity, veterans of tactical shooters will appreciate the emphasis on improvisation over firepower.

Graphics

Under Ash was developed on a mid-’90s 3D engine, and while it shows its age compared to modern titles, the game makes the most of its technical constraints. Textures on stone walls and market stalls capture a dusty, worn aesthetic that suits the campaign’s historical setting. Character models are fairly low-polygon, but expressive animations—like Ahmad’s recoil when hurling a stone—help convey emotional weight.

Lighting and color palettes play a crucial role in immersing you in the conflict’s tense atmosphere. Daytime missions bathe Jerusalem’s golden limestone in harsh sunlight, while evening operations around Hebron use cooler tones and long shadows to ratchet up suspense. Particle effects from smoke bombs or burning tires look rudimentary today, yet they still punctuate firefights with a gritty realism.

Although there are occasional texture pop-ins and simplistic foliage models, the game’s artistic direction remains consistent. Architectural details—arched doorways, narrow alleyways, and distinctive religious landmarks—anchor the action in a plausible recreation of the West Bank. For contemporary players, the visuals evoke a retro charm that complements the game’s documentary-inspired narrative.

Story

The narrative of Under Ash draws directly from interviews and accounts of people who lived through the First Intifada. You follow Ahmad’s journey from youthful idealism to hardened resistance fighter, bearing witness to both the desperation of entrenched conflict and the human cost on all sides. Key moments—such as clashes at Machpela Cave or tense standoffs near Hebron’s checkpoints—are portrayed with a stark, matter-of-fact tone.

Dialogues and mission briefings integrate real newspaper clippings and radio broadcasts from the late 1980s, grounding the story in its historical context. Secondary characters—fellow fighters, local shopkeepers, and even Israeli civilians—add emotional texture, reminding players that the conflict affected ordinary lives. This focus on personal stories elevates the plot beyond a simple shoot-’em-up.

While some players may find the game’s perspective controversial, its commitment to authenticity offers a unique window into a lesser-explored chapter of modern history. The lack of clear “good guys vs. bad guys” tropes encourages reflection on the complexities of insurgency, occupation, and the blurred lines of morality in wartime. For those interested in narrative-driven shooters with socio-political resonance, Under Ash delivers a thought-provoking experience.

Overall Experience

Under Ash is an ambitious title that wears its historical inspiration on its sleeve. It won’t appeal to players seeking high-octane fantasy warfare or futuristic weaponry, but its grounded approach sets it apart from conventional shooters. The blend of resource management, environment-driven tactics, and real-world locations creates a tense sense of immersion that lingers long after you finish a mission.

From a technical standpoint, the game’s dated engine and occasional performance hiccups may feel jarring to those accustomed to modern titles. However, its retro visual style can also be charming, and the deliberate pacing contrasts sharply with today’s often hyper-fast action sequences. Sound design—gunfire echoes in alleyways, radio chatter crackles with static—reinforces the sense of dangerous unpredictability.

Ultimately, Under Ash stands as a unique intersection of historical reenactment and first-person shooter mechanics. It offers an educational glimpse into a fraught period of Middle Eastern history while challenging players to navigate moral and tactical dilemmas. For buyers open to a more contemplative, atmosphere-driven combat experience, Under Ash is a memorable journey through a turbulent era.

Retro Replay Score

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