Underworld Ascendant is the primary in a sequence of titles the place Looking Glass studios alumni are transferring to reclaim their former mantle. Under the OtherSide Entertainment banner, they’re engaged on a correct System Shock sequel, however the sport we’ll see out of the gate subsequent is the Ultima Underworld sequel we deserve. The Dungeons & Dragons aptitude is combined into an immersive sim setup that lacks the Ultima title however retains the spirit alive. Amidst lethal traps, evil glowing skeleton bois, and pink scorching liquid magma, there’s journey available and a whole lot of horrible deaths to satisfy! But not if you happen to can outwit the sport, which OtherSide is relying on.
The world is constructed seemingly completely from machines that need to lower you in half and varied field puzzles that may be weaponized, maybe to defeat the traps? I don’t need to soar to conclusions. Nor do I need to try to leap over something right here. I really feel like I’m in for reloading lots of save video games.
As Adam wrote of the game again in February, the draw right here is utilizing your wits to be an excellent jerk to the sport itself.
This is a sport for anybody who has ever tormented a GM throughout a tabletop RPG session. The maps have been drawn up, the traps have been primed and all the plans are coming collectively. You’re deep in a dungeon and the story is about to take a really disagreeable flip. And then…
“You said the spikey pillars are made of the same wood from which the ancient throne of Catharsia was carved? Fine. I’ll set fire to them.”
“You can’t do that…there are another six distinct phases of this particular peril…”
“I’m pretty sure I can. They’re wood. They’ll burn. Let’s get out of here.”
I… uh. I would like that. No higher feeling than a burst of realizing you’re smarter than Warren Spector. Gimmie dat brain-rush, Non-Ultima.
The first trailer is out now so… Enough gab; extra stab:
As somebody whose gaming historical past with Looking Glass is predicated extra within the legacy it left and those that borrowed type it transferring ahead than within the unique titles themselves, I’m excited to see how the crew is modernizing their ideas. Plus dropping magic packing containers on Ole Glow Bones there within the trailer appears fairly candy.
There’s additionally a fairly swell developer diary sequence up with OtherSide Entertainment’s Paul Neurath, Warren Spector and Joe Fielder. Part The First is offered right here:
You can wishlist the game on Steam now.
(Wait. There’s a correct System Shock sequel coming? Did I bury the lede?)
