Remnant: From the Ashes, developed by Gunfire Games and published by Perfect World Entertainment, is a third-person shooter where a tremendous quantity of emphasis is placed on survival. Though the backdrop for this adventure resembles that of the post-apocalyptic vistas we have become so accustomed to, one cannot help but compare this title to FromSoftware’s Dark Souls.
Not only does Remnant: From the Ashes contain a wealth of similarities to this classic fantasy RPG so far as its gameplay is concerned, but the myriad realms that players are permitted to explore are not unlike those seen in dark fantasy tales, such as the ones woven by FromSoftware. While armour and certain melee weapons remain, medieval swords are replaced with modern weaponry in the shape of firearms.
So, how does Remnant: From the Ashes fare as a Souls-like adventure in a more contemporary setting, as well as its own unique entry into the survival shooter genre? It is time to pass through the sheet of mist that lies before us to unveil the secrets that lie beyond.
The Tree of Dialogue
One aspect of Remnant that could rival the aforementioned Souls title is the narrative. I speak not so much about the narrative that advances the plot as this is rather poor. Much of the game’s characters are afforded only a brief moment in the spotlight. Additionally, I only proceeded to visit two of these characters at regular intervals following their severely reduced narrative roles as they were the only merchants I deemed useful – the others sold items and upgrades that were not vital to my completion of the game.
Instead, I wish to praise the aspect of the narrative that only appeases individuals like me who desire to seek out as much lore as they can consume. However, what pleases me so greatly about the lore of Remnant is that the writers elected not to divulge all. Each location has a visual history woven into its design, which allows players to formulate their own backstories.
Furthermore, there are certain instances throughout the title where players can interrogate Remnant: From the Ashes‘ NPCs to ascertain additional information. The answers they will receive are perfectly satisfactory, while allowing room for players’ imaginations to roam untethered.
In addition, there are documents for players to read, spread out sporadically across Remnant. Though they may be few in number, each one details crucial information about the events that led up to those featured in the game. In fact, one document in particular aided me in reaching an important in-game decision that, much to my delight, was as distant from a binary button selection as could be.
Not Much of a Looker, Are You?
It is true that the Souls series has not always provided graphical fidelity that is of top-tier quality. However, when simultaneously providing us with expansive vistas of the fantastical variety, forgiveness of the previous flaw came swiftly. The same would be true of Remnant if it were not for a few detrimental visual blemishes.
Facial animations are not dissimilar to those seen in Fallout and Elder Scrolls titles, as they are humorously robotic. Further, during dialogue encounters with NPCs, they will remain in the same position, without even the slightest variation in their movements. This is particularly egregious when these NPCs are positioned in such a way that they never make eye contact with the player character, eradicating all hope of a connection being forged.
Moreover, the world of Remnant is littered with flat textures, decorated with muted colours that are immensely displeasing to the eye. Though I was able to uncover some degree of detail during my playthrough, it was never sufficient to impress.
The icing on this perfectly adequate, yet somehow still shockingly underwhelming cake, is that the level design is monotonously repetitive. Each dungeon identically resembled that which came before due to the frequent re-use of assets. Were it not for the in-game map, traversal of the myriad realms in Remnant’s world would be nigh impossible.
It’s Dangerous to Go Alone
Granted, Remnant: From the Ashes was designed as a multi-player experience, which would explain this decision. However, it fails to excuse it. I experienced the game from a single-player perspective, while offline. Therefore, I must review the game accordingly. Fortunately, Remnant is as fun to play solo as I assume it would be with a small army at your disposal.
Of course, as a Souls-like shooter, it contains many similarities to the game that inspired the former portion of that title. For instance, mist walls stand between you and a tough boss encounter, enemies hit hard and attack ferociously, and gathering the correct loot as well as purchasing the best gear from merchants is crucial to survival. However, Remnant stands confidently on its own merits.
Enemies are varied and behave in a manner unique to them. Gunplay feels satisfying, which is bolstered by moment-to-moment gameplay that is well-paced. The moment you discover yourself itching for a fight, multiple foes descend on you and are vanquished before the encounter has the opportunity to become overwhelming. All of the above aspects prevent the gameplay from becoming as monotonous as the visuals, or as frustrating as a Souls adventure. That being said, the rather repetitive nature of this core gameplay loop does begin to wear thin a few hours in.
Remnant also includes RPG elements such as those seen in Souls titles. Items that buff and de-buff your character where necessary, upgradable armour and weapons, as well as limited use items all vie for your hard-earned experience points and loot. Alas, there is little incentive to take full advantage of these systems, since I comfortably saw myself through the game with the weapons, mods, and accessories I had equipped early on. Further, the player is presented with an excessive quantity of traits to pour trait points into, yet I only upgraded the select few I deemed to be of any use, and never felt disadvantaged.
This Is My Swamp!
Earlier this year, the DLC pack Swamps of Corsus was released for the game. This includes additional features such as Adventure Mode and Survival Mode as well new armour, items, weapons, mods, traits, and quests.
It was terrific to re-visit Corsus and interact with the new foes that were placed before me, including new boss encounters. Unfortunately, I found little challenge in these new bosses compared to those I had faced before in the base game, despite their shared tendency with these prior foes to spawn minions. A feature that, to me, epitomises poorly designed boss fights.
Thankfully, I was soon distracted from this minor disappointment when I encountered a new character who was kind enough to provide me with additional information on the Iskal — the insidious cult that seeks to dominate Corsus. Not only did this assure me in a decision I had made during my time with the base game, it further cemented Corsus as a realm that feels real and steeped in history.
Survival Corrur
Finally, the survival mode offers hours of rogue-like fun for those who seek to better themselves and chase the highest score. Initially, players are not even afforded the benefit of the clothes on their backs. However, as they progress through each round, taking on increasingly stronger oppressors, they too will grow in strength and power. Along the way, they will lay waste to their enemies with the weapons, armour, and traits that they collect.
Survival is the name of the game in Remnant’s base experience, so this mode is more than welcome. How long will you survive? There is only one way to find out.
Exit the Dungeon
Remnant: From the Ashes is a fun shooter experience for those who have always desired to get their hands on Dark Souls but have been dissuaded from doing so due to the difficulty. The Swamps of Corsus DLC is a delightful addition to the base game that requires multiple playthroughs to fully experience, and so should keep players occupied for some time to come.
Neither package is devoid of flaws that may sully the experience for some. But as a full price tag is not charged for the full experience, then I am willing to wager your time with Remanant will be worth the price of admission in spite of these cons.
