PC Critic Reviews

Ascend to ZERO transforms a simple countdown timer into one of the most engaging mechanics in the roguelike genre. Fast progression, satisfying build variety, and clever time-stop abilities create an approachable yet addictive action experience, even if its generous power scaling softens the challenge in later runs.

Ascend to ZERO is a masterclass in creating an addictive roguelite loop. The simple concept of a timer becomes its unique driving force. What could have been a frustrating restriction is truly its greatest strength, creating a constant push-and-pull between chaos and control. It’s equal parts engaging and exhilarating, egging you on and giving you momentum while also allowing for those crucial moments of reflection and consideration. With excellent combat, great build diversity and rewarding roguelite systems, it’s the perfect game to return to again and again. Just one more run.

Ascend to ZERO was a dream roguelike game for me, with a very interesting time-freezing premise and an intense gameplay that only got better as I unlocked new stuff. It still retains the roguelike loop, which might deter some people from playing. But if you like the idea of getting as far as possible, then dying and doing new runs after improving a bit and unlocking new skills, then this is certainly a game for you. There are lots of opportunities to experiment with builds, and the characters you unlock offer a lot of varied abilities to keep things interesting. The electronic music offers a great framework for each level, and every run felt great for me. Maybe the beginning fell a bit flat because it takes a bit to understand everything. However, once you get into the groove, it becomes an exceptional game with outstanding replay value.

Ascend to ZERO puts a fresh spin on the roguelike genre with its clever time mechanics, fast-paced gameplay, and highly addictive gameplay loop. Meaningful permanent progression, diverse build options, and varied environments make every run feel rewarding, while the story provides enough intrigue to keep pushing forward. Minor technical hiccups do little to overshadow a smart and original roguelike that confidently stands out from the crowd.

Ascend to ZERO is a great time for roguelike fans, making it a solid recommendation for fans of the genre and those who have XBOX Game Pass.

Ascend to Zero brings some of my favorite elements to the roguelite genre. Its late-game focus on gear sets adds one last unique element to a fun, great-sounding, surprisingly deep Survivors-like.

An action roguelike where you stop, earn, and master time itself. Combat that lets you defeat bosses with 0.1 seconds remaining, a design where frustration and progression interlock with narrative, and the thrill of explosive growth stand out. Sluggish early-game pacing and late-game repetition are drawbacks, but this striking new title reveals its own distinct identity.

It’s a roguelike, but it’s a roguelike that gives you the perfect sort of bite-sized progress and even runs without your favorite options feel quick enough that you don’t resent missing out on your favorite options. If you want a chance to duck in, smash some monsters, and jump out, I think this is going to quickly become a staple. It’s god a fun energy to it, and I’m glad to say that it makes good on what it offers.

Ascend to ZERO is a fantastic roguelike, one that combines its unique time-trial mechanics with a quick, dirty, and clever adaptation of survivorslike combat and satisfyingly intense level scaling. The game looks and plays great, but some poor localization and the grindy nature of its difficulty curve might prevent some players from fully appreciating it.

Ascend to ZERO cleverly weaves the concept of time into its core design, combining the fun of action shooting with the satisfying progression of roguelites and loot-driven games. While the endgame still has some issues with its numerical balancing, for an indie title, it delivers on what matters most: creativity and novelty.