An exciting visual novel that combines strategic role and cards comes to consoles in a decaf port.
Ash of Gods: Redemption was one of the PC releases that went unnoticed in 2018, although its discretion was not fair for its quality. The Russian studio AurumDust presented a very attractive title that was built on three well-balanced genres: the visual novel, the tactical role and the card game. Based on the literary saga Ash of Gods by Sergey Malitsky, which was involved in the video adaptation of his novels, Redemption stood out for a richness and depth of narrative protected by the genre Grimdark, whose most popular references are the Geralt de Rivia saga (Andrzej Sapkowski) —popularized thanks to The Witcher—, A Song of Ice and Fire (George RR Martin) and The First Law (Joe Abercrombie).
As we will remember, the grimdark is a subgenre of fantastic literature that twists all precepts of epic fantasy. Thus, Ash of Gods is set in a cruel world and subjected to a supernatural threat known as the Mowing – a disruptive and cyclical period in which creatures called reapers decimate human life – although sociopolitical conflicts rise up as a pillar Fundamental in the story. Likewise, we will meet characters whom we could not classify as good or bad, but show a moral and psychological complexity according to their circumstances. Finally, Ash of Gods: Redemption arrives in physical and digital format this January 31 on PC (Windows, Mac and Linux) PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.
Heirs of The Banner Saga
Ash of Gods: Redemption stood out for a magnificent artistic section in which, on the other hand, an undeniable inspiration was felt with The Banner Saga, from which we identified the same cinematographic language. At the playable level, the three main pillars were very well cared for: a narrative in which each decision took us to different ramifications and consequences in the medium and long term – permanent death included – both for each of the three protagonists and for their multiple secondary; a combat system based on the classic board role and where the strategy gained great relevance; and the introduction of collectible cards, with advantages and disadvantages and whose wise use could alter the course of the battle.
Adapting the strategy to the console has never been an easy task, but Buka Entertainment and Ravenscourt, in collaboration with AurumDust, have been successful in this challenge. Both the navigation through the dialogue and on the board becomes comfortable and intuitive, although the part in which we can change from the handling of our troops to the vision of the enemy units is improvable. All in all, navigating through battles is more fluid for us on PC than in the console version. On the other hand, the animation has won by softening the sharp changes of the characters' plane. The soundtrack, composed of Slavic folk themes that give the anguished and solemn air that the game requires, is heard with a clarity that respects all its nuances. The art of narrative sequences and the isometric perspective of the fighting can be seen quite clearly, and confirms that Ash of Gods: Redemption is a beautiful audiovisual game.
A little sharp port
However, it hurts to see other aspects not so accomplished during adaptation. The first of all is the pulls, which slightly overshadow the experience both in the narrative sequences and in the battles in which there are numerous contestants on the screen. However, they do not affect the gameplay itself because the fighting is in turn, and the confirmation of a decision has not been affected by this technical failure. The loading screens are excessive and somewhat break the pace of the game.
Another bleeding element is the location in Spanish, with too many literals that evidence the original English text, as well as incongruous changes in the treatment of you and you. If it is a game with little text, this lack would remain as a secondary anecdote, but it is very disappointing in a narrative title with a large volume of words on the screen. In addition, the font is at the limit of the readable; the dialogues and the main narrative texts are quite accessible, but in the menu of organization of the troops it is necessary to sharpen the sight a little. The map is, perhaps, the least accomplished part, where the texts are tiny and cut elements are observed.
In spite of everything, Ash of Gods: Redemption is a game with many virtues that have not been enhanced with this port. However, if we are able to leave the pulls in the background and play it in English, we will find a title full of treasures that keeps a good balance between the narrative and the interaction. His story is captivating, with a deep lore, and very authentic characters that overlap the clichés of those who leave. The three protagonists – Thorn Brenin, Hopper Roulley and Lo Pheng – live paths that we will shape with our decisions. In the case of Hopper, in addition, we must continually deal with a curse so that we can end up modifying the level of difficulty, which adds a lot of tension during its sequences. In each game, if we take different choices we will attend events that we have not seen before, which gives us a fresh replayability. If we are lovers of the classic role, we will enjoy a combat system where the specialization of each character and the strategy are vital for the victory and, whether we want a challenge or a relaxed experience, we will find three difficulty levels suitable for all types of players . And, precisely because Ash of Gods: Redemption is a great game from which we expect new sequels, it would have deserved a more polished port.
This game has been analyzed in its version for PS4.
CONCLUSION
In its initial release, Ash of Gods: Redemption was a game that, despite its obvious inspiration in The Banner Saga, stood out for a deep narrative and a classic and agile role system, which incorporated the use of cards that enriched the strategy . And, for all that, he deserved a more polished port. Although the graphic section has even been improved, and the adaptation of the control has been satisfactory, the pulls and their poor location have made a game pale where much of its weight is found in the textual narration. If we play it in English and leave the pulls in the background, since they do not affect the gameplay, we will enjoy a very elaborate game with a delicious grimdark flavor.
THE BEST
- Enhanced animations
- The artistic section is shown in the adaptation.
- A very well crafted story.
- Good balance between the visual novel and the role.
WORST
- Jerks at various moments of the game.
- Too many loading screens.
- The location leaves much to be desired.
Right
It is not the latest or the most original, nor does it have the best execution, but it can be fun if you like the genre. Good, but improvable.
