Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (OpenCritic) | – | 84 | 24 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 95% | 89 | 1000 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 78 | 16 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 95% | 90 | 300 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Acclaim gate: the raw blend lands at 88.4, but scores above 88 must be earned in front of a mass audience; this verdict rests on 8,590 player reviews, a largely self-selected fanbase. As more players weigh in, the ceiling rises (full scale unlocks at 100,000 reviews).
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (May 20, 2026) · 300 reviews sampled · 242 total reviews in window · weighted 202 up / 10.4 down · computed 3h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (23)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 90
“Astral Ascent is a prime example of a game that amounts to more than the sum of its parts. Its strong character design, hi-bit visuals, tight combat, memorable bosses, and broad build variety have all featured in games you've probably played before-there's nothing 'new' here. But to write it off as just 'another one of those' in a crowded genre would be to miss out on one of the most delightful and surprising releases of the year. Astral Ascent is comfortably one of the best roguelites available on the Switch today, and we can easily recommend it to anyone with a passing interest in the genre. Don't miss it.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“If you are tired as heck of roguelike games, this is not the game that’s going to change your mind. But if you like solid platforming action and are willing to learn the game’s systems, crack the bones and sink into the marrow? You’ve got a heck of a game on your hands, and many exciting runs ahead of you. And that’s even before you unlock your third characters.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Some of the art, like the background scenery and the character portraits, is a sight to behold in Astral Ascent. Unfortunately, this is in stark contrast to how the actual characters look, which is distractingly bad. Anyone wanting a Hades-like experience will be happy. With the typical dopamine hits of new moves and upgrades, the complexities of the spell system distracts from some of the simple fun of its progenitor, so if you are looking for an anime-like platformer, this will fit the bill. Astral Ascent is worth checking out, but is not going to blow anyone away.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“There are other weak spots, some of the writing and voice acting isn't quite where it needs to be, and there are elements of the UI that get a little messy, but overall it's a well-rounded, robust, and fun roguelite.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“Astral Ascent pairs the snappy controls and satisfying upgrades of roguelite staples with a stellar art style and feel-good atmosphere. Some design frustrations stifle its greatness, but this is still an easy recommendation for fans of the genre.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Astral Ascent offers a compelling journey into the roguelite genre that I found worth taking. While the genre may be packed with heavy hitters, Astral Ascent hits all the marks of quality that make it easy to recommend. A unique variety of characters with their own play style, beautiful graphics and that ever-addictive gameplay loop is calling you to try again, even against impossible odds. To top it all off, you can bring a loved one along to enjoy the journey together.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Astral Ascent, though, is the first game since Starfield was released earlier this year that has hooked me. It's always hard to put into words what that "one more run" feeling is the best roguelikes inspire, but Astral Ascent undeniably nails it.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Astral Ascent is stunningly beautiful: The smoothly animated characters dance their lightning-fast combat ballet in front of filigree landscapes that shine in bright, fresh colors. Particularly motivating are the many ways that you can equip and upgrade those characters.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“Astral Ascent is the roguelite I’ve been wishing to play for a hot minute. Its combat is highly variable, incredibly replayable, and quite gorgeous. It’s a fantastic example of a roguelite that is easy to pick up, fun to return to, and rewarding despite losing early and often.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Astral Ascent is a terrific roguelite. Its gameplay, design, and art form a brilliant constellation that's as fun as it is exhilarating. We lack a little more value in terms of innovation and there are aspects that can be improved, but even with those problems, this game is so solid that it is consecrated as a worthy successor to Hades.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Astral Ascent ticks all the right boxes for a must-play action roguelike experience. The character progression, boss design, and addictive replayability combine to deliver a highly polished and rewarding package. While the story elements and characterizations may not fully live up to their potential, the voice acting partially compensates for this. Ultimately, the gameplay in Astral Ascent stands out as some of the best in the market, offering brilliant responsiveness and speed that all action lovers should prioritize.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Overall, Astral Ascent is a damn fine example of roguelites at their near best. It’s an unfolding mystery set in a beautiful world, and the addictive gameplay loop just keeps you coming back for more. The amount of times I was ready to head to bed before hearing my mind calling for “just one more” happened times than I’d care to admit. It may not topple the giants, but it certainly gives enough to stand amongst them.”
read full review ↗
Nintendo Life
Gamer Escape
Cubed3
Push Square
GameGrin
LadiesGamers.com
Screen Rant
GAMES.CH
Digital Chumps
Hobby Consolas
Noisy Pixel
PSX Extreme…and 11 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- Patch Notes - May 2026 - Hotfixes 2.6.1 & 2.6.2May 20, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- Free Weekend + New DLC (OUT NOW) + Major Free UpdateMay 14, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- Patch Notes - May 2026 - 2.6May 14, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- Roadmap update + New Hero Preview (Arven)Mar 13, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- 2.5 Update - The Ravenswatch Sentinel is live!Jan 19, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- Patch Notes - January 2026 - 2.5.2Jan 19, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- Patch Notes - November 2025 - 2.4.0Nov 24, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Prison Renovation Update is Live! 🔨Oct 16, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Patch Notes - August 2025 - 2.3.0Oct 16, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Update 2.2 is live now!Aug 26, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Patch Notes - August 2025 - 2.2.3Aug 26, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Patch Notes - June 2025 - 2.1.0Jun 27, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Update 2.1 is live now!Jun 27, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Update 2.0 is live now!Apr 30, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Patch Notes - April 2025 - 2.0.3Apr 30, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- 2.0 update - Mark the date!Mar 17, 2025
- The Bergsons' Reinforcements updateFeb 10, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Patch Notes - February 2025 - 1.10.0Feb 10, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- 2.0 DLC, New Roadmap, The Dead Cells Rendezvous UpdateNov 27, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- Patch Notes - November 2024 - 1.9.2Nov 27, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- Astral Ascent x Dead Cells update announcementNov 12, 2024
- Patch Notes - October 2024 - 1.8.2Oct 15, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- Patch Notes - September 2024 - 1.7.0Sep 5, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- Patch Notes - July 2024 - 1.6.0Jul 29, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- 1.5 Update - Reminiscing Mirror, Destiny Level 100 and more!May 13, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- Patch Notes - May 2024 - 1.5.0May 13, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- 1.4 Update - The Arsenal Update!Apr 8, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- Patch Notes - April 2024 - 1.4.1Apr 8, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- Patch Notes - March 2024 - 1.3.1Mar 14, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- 1.3 Update - Affinity System, QoL and Arsenal preview!Mar 14, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- 1.2 Update - PvP Arena, new Spells and more!Feb 12, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- Patch Notes - January 2024 - 1.2.4Feb 12, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- Public Beta AvailableJan 25, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- Japanese voice-over + Damage Meter Update is LiveDec 21, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- Patch Notes - December 2023 - 1.1.2Dec 21, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- 2024 Roadmap + December UpdateDec 14, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- 1.0.15Nov 21, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- Patch Notes - 1.0.14Nov 18, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- 1.0 is Out Now!Nov 14, 2023significant · resets scoring window
…and 34 earlier patch announcements.