MeinMMO editor Dariusz Müller was able to play the upcoming shooter Ascendant Infinity before its release on Steam. The title combines a new, unique mode with the fast movement of Apex Legends. However, there was one thing he really didn’t like.
What kind of game is this? Ascendant Infinity is a new shooter that will be released on Steam and bears some similarities to Apex Legends. Nevertheless, this game is not a battle royale – instead, Ascended Infinity aims to offer a completely new and unique mode.
There has already been a cinematic trailer for Ascendant Infinity, which was set up like the intro of a 90s sitcom. Generally, the shooter doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Ascendant Infinity creates its own mode to not be just another battle royale
What is the shooter about? In Ascendant Infinity, four teams consisting of three players compete against each other. The goal for the opponents is to grab a so-called Biocore and bring it back to their home base at the edge of the map. While carrying a Biocore, the bearer also has special abilities like a super jump. These can be changed before the round.
The other teams must prevent this and snag a Biocore themselves. Throughout the match, you can find a total of 3 Biocores on the map. Even if you successfully extract a Biocore, you are not the confirmed winner of the match. You can and must continue fighting with the other teams and disrupt them during the extraction.
If you are eliminated by other players during a match, you are not out and do not have to compete in some sort of gulag. Each player has a limited number of respawns and can try their luck a few more times.
Events and gimmicks change the gaming experience
The map of Ascendant Infinity changes from round to round. For instance, you might find loot like stronger weapons in different places or encounter an event that didn’t trigger in the previous round.
In my play sessions, for example, one team had a lot of fun repeatedly launching a kind of artillery strike and was purposefully running to the trigger point. In my team, one player enjoyed running around as a huge muscular lizard and smashing our opponents.
Overall, the game world offers various ways, such as player-triggered events, to influence the course of a match.
Similarity to Apex Legends despite significant differences
Gameplay-wise, Ascendant Infinity primarily reminded me of Apex Legends, even though it is not a battle royale and you pursue a completely different objective in a match. Particularly the fast movement and intuitive gunplay felt similar to me.
Additionally, you can find better versions of your weapons throughout the map. For example, an orange variant is stronger than a green one. There are also differences in shields. While you only have one armor plate with the standard equipment, a blue vest provides double protection. We also know this principle from various battle royales.
However, a significant difference is what happens to your loot after death. If a team knocks you out, you drop your equipment on the ground. Although you can respawn, the cool sniper rifle you found in a container is now in the hands of your opponent.
However, you are not reliant on finding loot in crates. You can also obtain better equipment by defeating NPCs such as oversized snails that roam the map. For example, an oversized lizard dropped a keycard for a hidden room where a grenade launcher was located.
One detail ruined the fun for me during testing
I actually find the concept of its own mode good. Ascended Infinity has a creative approach and a good idea; however, one aspect bothered me a lot while playing: looting.
I enjoy survival games, I like to play loot shooters, and in RPGs I take every box. But in a PvP shooter, I don’t want to find good weapons randomly. I want to go into battle with a loadout tailored to my play style.
The concept of needing to find a better version of the weapon doesn’t appeal to me even in battle royales. This is one of the reasons I have no fun with Apex Legends despite the fantastic movement. And I’ve never gotten into Fortnite, Warzone, or PUBG either.
However, I find the looting of shields and shield regenerators even more annoying. If I lose a gunfight because my opponent had double the amount of shields and therefore had to hit me much less than I hit him, that simply annoys me.
There is also the option to bring your own modified weapons into the match, but unfortunately, I lacked the time to test that thoroughly in the session. I hope to get a better impression of it in the future.
Ascendant Infinity has potential, but it’s not to my taste
I like the mode that Ascendant Infinity has created and find it interesting. Unfortunately, I just don’t like looting weapons and shields. I would prefer the mode in a classic arena shooter. I want to grab a weapon, modify it, and plunge into the fray without shields. Finding better shields and restoring shield health is not for me.
Nevertheless, I believe Ascendant Infinity has potential and could appeal to some players. The movement and gunplay are indeed fun, and anyone who is a fan of Apex Legends won’t mind looting weapons or the shield system.
However, it is still a while until the release of Ascendant Infinity. In the meantime, you can check out The Finals again: We played Season 2 of the Steam hit The Finals – Is it worth returning?
