Underworld Ascendant

I think this is the only Steam game I ever refunded. I impulse bought it while it was heavily discounted based on the pedigree of its creators and was unaware of its initial production woes/reception. But even after some updates, a lot of those issues were still present, and a lot of things that seemed to be in the description when I bought it were just not a thing in the game. The enemy AI really is interesting, the best way to fight seems to be to go up some stairs or around a corner, which the enemy will then get stuck on. Quite a few walls, you can kind of just glitchwalk up them like in Double Dragon 1 on the NES instead of solving their respective puzzles.

I recommend this only for super-mega fans of old Looking Glass studios games (Thief 1/2, System Shock 1/2, Deus Ex) who can look past some jank. It isn't anywhere near the quality of their classic titles but there is an interesting and (barely) functional game here. Technical problems still exist but this is in a playable state and has some unique mechanics. I get that they were going for "realism" with the physics, but they are quite buggy and you can often take damage or die from things like running into a crate or door with too much momentum, and climbing on stacks of multiple objects usually sends the whole stack careening across the room. The leveling system consists of completing "feats" and/or side-missions which is rather un-intuitive but once I leveled a bit and collected higher-level equipment this all started to click. Overall this feels like an experimental Thief fan-mission collection with a rudimentary RPG system bolted on, it's not great but I've somehow been enjoying it.

I’ve always been a huge fan of the Ultima series. Although I haven’t completed every installment, I’ve played most of them extensively. So when I first heard about Ultima Ascendant, it immediately caught my attention. After reading a few reviews mentioning technical issues, I was still eager to experience it for myself. After spending some time with the game, I found that it has a solid foundation. The story and core systems are engaging, the graphics are impressive, and the physics and environmental interactions are generally satisfying. There’s clearly a lot of potential here. However, the experience is held back by some noticeable flaws. I encountered several bugs, particularly related to map clipping, which disrupted immersion. Additionally, the combat system felt somewhat dull and lacking in depth, making encounters less enjoyable than they should be. In my opinion, Ultima Ascendant feels like it could have been a great game with more polish. With continued developer support and refinement to address these rough edges, it could evolve into a much stronger experience.

Underworld Ascendant is an ambitious attempt to resurrect the design philosophy of classic immersive simulations, aiming to give players a high degree of freedom within a reactive, system-driven world. Developed by OtherSide Entertainment and published by 505 Games, it draws direct inspiration from the legacy of Ultima Underworld, prioritizing experimentation and player-driven solutions over linear progression. The intent is clear from the outset: this is meant to be a sandbox of possibilities where creativity is rewarded, and where problems can be approached from multiple angles rather than solved in a single prescribed way. Set within the Stygian Abyss, the game places you in a sprawling underground realm filled with competing factions, hidden secrets, and environmental hazards. Instead of pushing players down a fixed path, it encourages exploration and improvisation. You are given a wide array of tools—melee weapons, ranged attacks, environmental interactions, and a rune-based magic system—and left to figure out how best to use them. This open-ended structure is where the game’s vision shines. There are moments when solutions feel genuinely personal, when you succeed not becaus…

What an f'ing mess!

I really really like this game, it deserves much more positive reviews.