Specifically, Solar Ash is a game all about speed as many of its scenarios and bosses require you to reach certain points to extend a timer before the floor becomes lava.

Now, that isn't necessarily a bad thing because what it does, it does exceptionally well. That being said, they are very different experiences as The Pathless features substantial variety with its stealth-based bosses and Solar Ash well, it's kind of a one-trick pony. When I started playing Solar Ash, I noticed similarities almost instantly as both games have a focus on fast-paced movement within vast environments. Last year, I played and thoroughly enjoyed The Pathless which was also published by Annapurna Interactive. Instead, why not buy some indie games with your hard-earned money? 💰 Do you ever get the feeling that you've ended up in the wrong side of town? │ Video Chums has minimal ads and we don't use Patreon. Maciejewski playing a PS5 on December 11, 2021įast-paced 3D platforming seems to be an emerging genre and the action-packed Solar Ash proves that this concoction has promise.

Although comparisons with Shadow of the Colossus are unavoidable, there’s enough distinct flavor here to make the boss fights stand out as the game’s highlight.Reviewed by A.J. Thankfully, the vivid vistas and equally captivating soundtrack make the repetition an easier pill to swallow.

It’s rewarding when you figure it all out and everything clicks, but the journey to that point can often involve frustration. Solar Ash’s trial-and-error gameplay demands plenty of patience from the player. That said, despite a decent serving of side content, it isn’t a particularly lengthy game, and should take anywhere from 10 to 15 hours to complete. In addition, there are also some side quests to take on in Solar Ash. Similarly, there are also armor pieces to discover in each of these regions. They contain audio logs that provide further insight into the lore and the history of the Voidrunners. In terms of side content, should you wish to drift away from the main path and explore, there are caches scattered across each of the six regions waiting to be discovered. This sort of repetition can present itself even on the game’s lowest difficulty setting. One small misstep can lead to yet another attempt, and this trial-and-error cycle can quickly become exhausting. Much like the more challenging platforming sections, though, these boss battles can get rather challenging, often demanding you to be in faultless rhythm. While not quite as creative as the game it draws inspiration from, the bosses in Solar Ash come with their own traits that make battling them feel unique and satisfying. There are multiple weak points located across these boss creatures, and you’re required to tackle them promptly to create an opening and land the killing blow. While defeating the Colossi involved a gradual and clumsy struggle to reach their weak point, Rei’s agility and mastery of parkour give her battle against the anomalies a distinct flavor. These encounters are the highlight of the experience and serve as an instant reminder of Shadow of the Colossus. The anomalies manifest themselves as black and slimy creatures that can be located by using your radar-like multi-tool. You’ll only be able to restore communication channels with your fellow Voidrunners and restore the star seed once these anomalies have been dealt with. The real threat comes in the form of anomalies that are present in each of the six regions. The world is packed with hostile beings, though given Rei’s high-speed movement, they’re far less intimidating and ultimately mere obstacles that can be hurled out of your way. It’s not all platforming and puzzle-solving, however. Many points of interest are only revealed after careful research or the completion of environmental puzzles. It’s only after several frustrating attempts that you’ll begin to wrap your head around some of the more difficult sections. Eventually, a lot of trial-and-error seeps into the experience, as the heights become more dizzying and the platforming more challenging. The gameplay is essentially about developing flow, as you soar and jump your way across platforms to reach your destination. Her double jump comes in handy when trying to get to difficult-to-reach platforms. Rei can move across her surroundings at high speed, with an increasing degree of finesse as she gains momentum.

Solar ash ps5 review