Ascension Gamebook

Old School Adventures in the 80´s. Start the Game. Make a Decission. You Die. Repeat. Start the Game. Make the other Decission. You continue. Use Dices, failed. You Die. Repeat. Just to say in a few Words: Learning by Dying! Welcome to GAMEBOOK ASCENSION. At first, sadly no Screenshots in this Review. Didn´t work. You are an Acolythe und going on a Long Journey for the Sky Guild. A Journey full of Monsters, interesting Locations, hard Decissions and more. It feels also like the LONELY WOLF Books from Joe Dever. Like there, you decide here where to go. Your decissions are making the Story. But beware. The Game Over Screen can be coming very fast because not everything depends on Decissions, but on Luck. Dice Luck. In different Situations you have to roll the Dice and hope for the Best. At here we are at a Point where you have to decide if you are Patient or not. Because each Time you saw the GAME OVER Screen you have to start over from the Beginning again. Again and again. You can choose other Decissions but there are also the Dices. Yes, that Luck depending Thing. Oh, i can see your wide open Eyes, dear Reader, but yes thats how we played in the 80´s. BUT the Dev is not that mean to you. You can save the Game and then load it. BUTthere is only ONE Saveslot. So decide wisely. Beause GAMEBOOK ASCENSION has over 40 ways to show you the GAME OVER Screen. GAMEBOOK ASCENSION has many AI generated Elements. Cinematics, Audio, Images. But in a good way. In the End it is a short Story if you went through it in one way, but to the reach the End you have a Long Journey to master. Remember? Learning by Dying. Even the first Decission in this Game can lead you to a Game Over. Thanks to the Deveolper for inviting me to his first Game. I enjoyed my Acolythe Journey und you did a good Job here, also for bowing to the good old Adventure Games. Nice done. Thank you. And thank YOU for reading. :-) [url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/26335619-Adult-World-Gamers/] This review is presented to you by the Claws of the Wyvern for the AWG Curator! We would be happy if you visit and follow us. You`re always welcome. [/url]

[h1]Who needs therapy when you can let a gamebook shame you for opening a cursed chest... twice?[/h1] [h3]Storyline:[/h3] You begin as a lowly acolyte in the Sky Guild, but Ascension Gamebook isn’t just about magic and monsters. This is a story of self-discovery, moral dilemmas, and branching consequences. The writing is sharp and layered; at times poetic, at times grim, often surprising. There are over 40 unique outcomes depending on your path, from noble sacrifice to shadowy power and the game is not afraid to show you the cost of your choices. The game can be finished in 10 to 20 minutes, especially if you make some bad choices or get unlucky. Sometimes the story ends just when it’s getting good. You can play it again, but don’t expect a long story the first time. [h3]Gameplay:[/h3] Gameplay mixes choose-your-own-adventure, with dice based RPG mechanics a lot similar to the D&D gamebooks. Using a 2d6 system for skill, stamina, and luck checks. You’ll weigh every move, is it worth risking health for a bold option, or do you play it safe and miss potential treasure (or truth)? I came for adventure, stayed for the story, and left because a squirrel stole my sword. Kudomos, the developer, uses AI to help make the game’s pictures, music, and sounds. This helps a small team make the game look and sound good without spending a lot. But because AI did a lot of the work, the game can feel a little empty sometimes. The art and music are nice, but it’s missing that human feeling in some parts. [h3]Graphics & Sound:[/h3] The art is simple, like a storybook coming to life. It doesn’t have flashy effects or visuals. The plain backgrounds set the mood without getting in the way. The sounds aren’t loud or crazy, but they fit the feeling of the game. Everything works together to make a nice experience. [h3]Pros and Cons:[/h3] Pros [olist] [*] Over 40 unique endings based on your choices, making each playthrough feel unique, although a bit too short. [*] Classic RPG mechanics. The 2d6 dice system adds tension and nostalgia, giving it a tabletop feel with real consequences. [*] Rich writing and strong world lore. [*] AI-enhanced audio and Visuals and ambient music generated with AI give the game a polished, atmospheric quality without a large studio budget. Although this could be considered a con for some. [*] Replayability. With different paths, decisions, and dice outcomes, the game encourages multiple replays.[/olist] Cons:[olist] [*] Minimal graphics. Those expecting animated visuals or modern UI design might find it too barebones. [*] AI quirks. Some players might be put off by the use of AI generated content, especially if they prefer all-original human art and sound. [*] Luck based moments. Dice rolls can sometimes feel punishing, leading to bad outcomes even with good planning. [*] Limited interactivity beyond choices. It’s a gamebook first, don’t expect deep exploration or combat mechanics beyond the narrative structure. [/olist] [h3]Final Verdict:[/h3] Ascension: Gamebook is a creative take on interactive storytelling with a cool dice based system and plenty of branching paths, but it doesn’t always hit the mark. The heavy use of AI gives it a polished surface, yet it sometimes lacks the heart and depth you’d expect from a truly memorable narrative experience. Some playthroughs are over before they really begin, and the emotional impact doesn’t always land It’s worth checking out for fans of gamebooks and experimental design, but don’t expect it to leave a lasting impression. Although this game taught me two things: trust no one, and never drink glowing potions. [i]Otome Lovers wishes to thank Kudomos for providing a free review copy for this game.[/i] [quote]Please follow our curator page, [url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/4680120/]Otome Lovers[/url], if you'd like to see more reviews like this one! [/quote]

Interesting game -- reminiscent of the old "Choose your own adventure" books from when I was a kid. The dice mechanic makes saving a must or else face a game over screen all too soon. Some puzzles are quite enjoyable while others bordered on frustration (that match 4 glyph puzzle or else you will be hit with poison darts.... grrr....). It was fun going down rabbit holes and clearly there is lots of replay value -- I have yet to "beat" the game or see the end, but every attempt made it even more fun. Clearly worth a try for those who enjoy reading choose your own adventures.