Remnant from the Ashes Review

A shooter soulslike for everyone

Time spent with the game: 108h (83h on console, 25h on PC)

Previous experience with the franchise: first entry of this series, its comparable to soulslike games

Who is it for:

gamers looking for challenging third person shooters, coop action

Who should avoid this game:

people looking for story focused games

So, for the upcoming release of Remnant 2, the second entry of Gunfire Games soulslike shooter games, I thought it would be a good idea to review Remnant from the Ashes. This game is a true underdog, surpassing the expectations of many players who initially overlooked its potential.

Generally described as a soulslike shooter, Remnant from the Ashes is often associated with its genre predecessors, but it brings a unique flair to the table. The core mechanics and moment-to-moment gameplay closely resemble the challenging nature of souls games. You'll embark on a thrilling journey through intricately designed levels, battling a diverse array of enemies ranging from brutish melee warriors to cunning snipers. Along the way, you'll unlock checkpoints and discover powerful gear, allowing you to forge your character into an unstoppable force. However, Remnant from the Ashes stands out with its own distinct features that set it apart from the crowd.

Prepare for the Unknown: Randomly Generated World

In the world of Remnant from the Ashes, unpredictability reigns supreme. While certain parts of the map remain constant, the majority of it is generated through the magic of RNG (Random Number Generation). Imagine assembling a puzzle with various components, but each playthrough uses different pieces, creating a fresh experience every time. This element of randomness enhances the game's replayability, ensuring that no two adventures are alike.

Dive Into the Depths: Dungeon Delving

As you traverse this immersive game, you'll explore multiple planets with procedurally generated maps that harbor both optional and mandatory dungeons. These treacherous labyrinths house invaluable treasures such as armor, guns, rings, and amulets, empowering your character. Delve deeper, and you'll encounter fearsome bosses found exclusively within these dungeons. Prepare to embark on multiple playthroughs to witness all the breathtaking battles this game has to offer. But fear not, for you have the option to reroll specific parts of the game, enabling you to farm at your leisure without having to start an entirely new adventure.

The Art of Progression: Traits Unleashed

Unlike most games in this genre, where progression is tied to currency gained through slaying foes, Remnant from the Ashes introduces an intriguing system known as traits. These unique abilities can be unlocked in various ways. Some traits are available from the start, while others must be discovered or earned through your actions. For instance, imagine leveling up a trait that allows you to vault over obstacles faster after successfully performing the move multiple times. This rewarding system grants you trait points through leveling up and collectibles found while exploring, but beware—missing a crucial trait for your playstyle can be a harsh setback.

Accessible Challenges: The Balance Between Difficulty and Enjoyment

Soulslike games are notorious for their unforgiving nature, yet Remnant from the Ashes manages to strike a balance, appealing to a wider audience. Multiple difficulty options cater to various skill levels, ranging from a more forgiving experience to extreme challenges for the bold. Furthermore, the game's shooter mechanics eliminate the need for constant close-quarters combat, making it more beginner-friendly. And let's not forget the cooperative aspect, where the ability to divert enemy attention to your comrades can alleviate the pressure in intense situations.

Still, make no mistake—this game can still kick your ass if you let your guard down.

Arsenal of Destruction: Explosive Gunplay

While melee combat dominates the soulslike genre, Remnant from the Ashes embraces a more explosive approach. Shooting your way through hordes of enemies proves highly effective, although melee combat remains a viable option when coupled with suitable gear and traits. The gunplay itself is a joy, offering a satisfying and visceral experience. Each weapon type possesses unique strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to adapt your playstyle accordingly. Mechanics such as mastering the rhythmic firing of a lever-action rifle to increase your rate of fire and double DPF promote experimentation and diversify your combat strategies.

What to expect:

Remnant from the Ashes welcomes you to a post-apocalyptic world in a captivating third-person action RPG. The game thrives on combat and exploration while offering abundant opportunities for character growth. Although the story and visuals may not leave you awestruck, the gameplay and multiplayer options ensure a captivating experience. Whether you seek a challenging shooter to conquer alone or with friends, this game is guaranteed to leave you enthralled. With its high replayability, expect to immerse yourself in approximately 50 hours of gameplay. Completionists, even more.

The good:

- Satisfying gameplay that keeps you engaged

- High replayability with diverse playstyles to explore

- Well balanced difficulties

The bad:

- Graphics and art style may not resonate with everyone

- Certain mechanics fell like they are balanced around co-op, a bit punishing for solo players

- A few mechanics feel clunky and not very responsive (for example switching weapons when being hit at the same time)

The ugly:

Here's a pleasant surprise—Remnant from the Ashes avoids the pitfalls of in-game shops and microtransactions. You'll receive the complete package upon purchase, and all the DLC content is both worthy of your investment and entirely optional.