Ashen Releases On Nintendo Switch, PS4, Steam And GOG On December 9
Aidan O'Brien
Ashen, from developers A44, initially released for Xbox One and PC earlier this year. The PC release was an Epic Games Store exclusive. On Dec. 9, the game is coming to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Steam, and GOG after its exclusivity shackles are undone by the magic that is the timed nature of the deal.
Set in a sprawling open world, Ashen is a tight, 3rd person, skill-based action RPG about guiding your wanderer through a newly lit world. Fight alongside others, forge friendships and defeat the creatures of shadow determined to cast the world back into darkness. Explore mysterious dungeons, fight epic bosses and explore diverse regions filled with gorgeous vistas and mythical creatures. Meet characters along the way who will join you on your journey and turn your home into a lively town. In this new era of light, you must protect the Ashen and destroy the hungering shadows once and for all.
Ashen combines passive multiplayer, open-world exploration, and stamina based combat in a game that manages to borrow liberally from its inspirations but with a unique approach. You play a wandering explorer who discovers new characters to assist during your journey. They then return to a place called The Town, which slowly grows as you help the people who live there.
While exploring the world, you can find other players, and opt to either team up to explore together or go your own way. Playing with a stranger gives you advantages, not solely because you can fight together. You can help each other reach place a lone wanderer cannot reach. The NPCs you help come with essential skills that aid you on your journey, so visiting The Town regularly is a good idea.
I never got to play Ashen when it first launched, but its something I have always regretted. I imagine it will fit quite nicely onto my Switch when Dec. 9 comes around.
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