Ashen

Ashen is an action RPG by A44 about a wanderer in a world that is once again being reached by light. You roam ruins, swamps and dangerous caves, help survivors and try to build a safe place to live.

The game combines open exploration with demanding melee combat and encounters with other people. If you find allies along the way, you can travel with them and gradually expand your own settlement.

Ashen released in December 2018 first for PC and Xbox One. On Steam, the game followed on Dec 9, 2019. The PlayStation 4 version released in Germany on Dec 12, 2019, the Nintendo Switch version on Dec 19, 2019.

The expansion Nightstorm Isle first released on September 6, 2019 for Xbox One and the original PC version. Other platforms followed in December 2019.

Ashen is available for PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch. On PC, it is released via Steam, GOG and the Epic Games Store. The Nintendo Switch version supports the game on the go in handheld mode and on the TV.

On PlayStation 5, the PS4 version can be played via backward compatibility. According to Nintendo, the Switch 2 also supports the Switch version. These are not separate native versions.

Combat demands careful management of stamina and positioning. You dodge, block, attack with melee weapons and must react to your enemies' attack patterns. Reckless attacks can end a fight quickly.

Along the way you explore different regions and dungeons. Dangers depend not only on the strength of enemies, but also on the terrain and whether you are travelling with a companion.

Nightstorm Isle is a large additional journey to a harsh island. Together with new and familiar characters, you follow a personal story and fight particularly dangerous creatures. The island has its own environments and encounters.

The expansion can be entered during the ongoing main story. A44 recommends completing Jokell's side story Birthright first. On Steam, Nightstorm Isle requires the base game. The separately sold original soundtrack, by contrast, is not a playable adventure.

According to Steam, the PC version requires at least Windows 10 64-bit, 4 GB RAM, an Intel Core i3 at 3.5 GHz or AMD FX-4170, and a GeForce GTX 760 or Radeon R7 270X with 2 GB graphics memory. You need to keep 15 GB free for installation.

Recommended: 8 GB RAM, an Intel Core i5 at 3.5 GHz or comparable AMD processor, and a GeForce GTX 970 or Radeon R9 290X.

In the game world, new light returns after a long darkness. The wanderer meets different communities, explores crumbling structures and must fight creatures that want to push back the light.

The regions range from wide landscapes through swamps to dark dungeons. The paths are connected and invite you to discover hidden places away from your next objective.

Ashen allows online co-op for two players. Other wanderers can appear on your journey and join you as companions. The system focuses on encounters while exploring rather than a classic multiplayer lobby in the foreground.

The adventure can also be played solo. On PlayStation, online co-op requires PlayStation Plus.

People you help on your travels can join your camp. Some bring crafting skills, such as smithing or gathering supplies. Their presence changes the place and expands your options for preparing for later expeditions.

Building your settlement gives your journey a goal beyond combat. It links discoveries in the wilderness with long-term progress.

Preparation is crucial for dangerous areas. You choose suitable weapons, upgrade your equipment and weigh up which enemies to attack first. Even ordinary fights can become risky once your stamina is spent.

Found items and the residents' skills help you craft new equipment and adapt your combat style.

German menus and subtitles are available. The voice audio is in English. Steam and PlayStation list other text languages, including French, Italian, Spanish and Japanese.

I paesaggi stilizzati puntano su forme chiare, orizzonti ampi e un uso misurato dei colori. In questo modo le sezioni inondate di luce si distinguono nettamente dai dungeon oscuri.

La band Foreign Fields ha partecipato alla musica. Lo scrittore fantasy Mark Lawrence ha sostenuto la costruzione narrativa del gioco.