Of Ash and Steel
" Immersive open-world RPG with deep combat and exploration but numerous bugs and crashes "
Of Ash and Steel Review
Of Ash and Steel is a modern RPG heavily inspired by classic Gothic and Risen games, delivering a nostalgic experience with a large open world, challenging combat, and a strong emphasis on exploration and story. Players praise its old-school charm, rewarding exploration, and a world that feels dangerous and immersive. The game features survival elements, crafting, fishing, and a faction system, offering depth and variety. However, it suffers from numerous bugs, crashes, and janky animations that detract from the overall experience. The lack of map and quest markers adds to the difficulty but also enhances the sense of discovery for fans of classic RPGs. Combat is punishing yet rewarding, requiring patience and mastery as players progress. While the story and world-building receive positive remarks, technical issues and rough mechanics often break immersion.
Many players recommend waiting for patches before fully diving in, as the game shows great potential but is currently hindered by stability problems and design rough edges. Still, fans of the genre find it a worthy addition, appreciating the passion behind the project and its faithful homage to beloved classics.
Highlights
Players most praise the Gothic-inspired atmosphere, rewarding exploration, and the expansive, dangerous world. The storyline and dialogue are engaging, with solid voice acting and memorable characters. Combat, while challenging, is appreciated for its depth and progression system. The game offers a variety of mechanics including crafting, fishing, and faction interactions that enrich gameplay. The world design and lore evoke strong nostalgia, and many find the game captures the spirit of classic RPGs with a modern twist. The price point is considered fair, providing substantial content for the cost.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include numerous bugs and crashes, some game-breaking, which frustrate players. The animation quality and facial expressions are often described as awkward or poor, detracting from immersion. The absence of a map and quest markers makes navigation difficult, leading to player confusion and tedious backtracking. Combat, while deep, is sometimes seen as clunky or unpolished. The crime system is harsh and unclear, causing unintended penalties. Additionally, UI issues like inventory management and save file handling are inconvenient. Many feel the game needs significant polish and quality-of-life improvements to fully realize its potential.
Pros
- • Faithful Gothic-inspired atmosphere and world design evoke strong nostalgia.
- • Expansive world with rewarding exploration and numerous quests.
- • Engaging story and solid voice acting with memorable characters.
- • Challenging, deep combat that improves with player skill progression.
- • Varied gameplay mechanics including crafting, fishing, and faction systems.
- • No hand-holding enhances immersion and player discovery.
- • Reasonably priced offering substantial content for the cost.
Cons
- • Numerous bugs and crashes, some game-breaking and frustrating.
- • Poor animation quality and awkward facial expressions.
- • Lack of map and quest markers complicates navigation.
- • Clunky and unpolished combat mechanics at times.
- • Harsh and unclear crime system causes unintended penalties.
- • Inconsistent loot distribution affects gameplay balance.
- • Save system is confusing and prone to corruption.
Rating Criteria
Of Ash and Steel is an immersive third-person open-world RPG created by a passionate team that values the essence of classic old-school RPGs and modern design. Explore the lands of a once-prosperous island, hone your combat skills, and survive in the unforgiving realm of the Kingdom of the Seven.