Review · Action · PlayStation 5 · Xbox Series S/X · PlayStation 4
The Ascent
Reviewed: 01 May 2026
PlayStation 5 · Xbox Series S/X · PlayStation 4 · PC · Xbox One
Neon Giant · 2021
Ludograph rating
B
Good
65 /100
The Ascent is an action RPG that develops problem solving and strategic thinking within a cyberpunk world, rated M for violence and mature themes.
Growth (BDS)
49
Risk (RIS)
5
Daily limit
–
Age guidance
17+
Developmental benefits
| B1 | Cognitive | 0.56 | |
| B2 | Social-emotional | 0.40 | |
| B3 | Motor | 0.45 | |
The Ascent offers engaging action RPG gameplay with a compelling cyberpunk narrative, fostering problem-solving, strategic thinking, and hand-eye coordination. Its co-op mode encourages teamwork and communication.
Design risks
| R1 | Compulsion-loop pressure | 0.10 | |
| R2 | Monetization | 0.00 | |
| R3 | Social risk | 0.00 | |
The game's M rating indicates significant violence, language, and mature themes. While free from manipulative monetization or social risks, parents should be aware of the intense content.
Content (not in risk score)
| R4.1 | Violence Level | 1.00 | |
| R4.2 | Sexual Content | 0.33 | |
| R4.3 | Language | 0.67 | |
| R4.4 | Substance References | 0.67 | |
| R4.5 | Fear / Horror | 0.33 | |
Content risk is displayed separately and does not affect the time recommendation.
Regulatory design checks · DSA — Assessed: meets criteria·GDPR-K — Assessed: meets criteria·ODDS — Assessed: meets criteria
- DSA:What Ludograph checks: whether the game's design gives minors the transparency the EU Digital Services Act expects: plain terms, honest defaults, and clear reporting routes.: Estimated from review data. No dark pattern or child-targeting concerns found.
- GDPR-K:What Ludograph checks: whether age assurance and consent flows are designed for under-16s, in the spirit of GDPR Article 8.: Estimated from review data. No privacy or child-targeting concerns found.
- ODDS:What Ludograph checks: whether paid random-reward drop rates are disclosed, as required in China, Japan and South Korea.: Estimated from review data. No paid random-reward mechanics found, so drop-rate disclosure requirements do not apply.
These reflect Ludograph's assessment of the game's design practices against each framework's criteria, not a legal compliance determination.