Of Ash and Steel Playtest Review – An Extended Journey Awaits

The Rising Trend of RPGs: A Look at “Of Ash and Steel”

The role-playing game (RPG) genre is experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity, attracting gamers like never before. With major releases such as Baldur’s Gate 3 redefining the landscape, alongside smaller titles like Tainted Grail: Lost Avalon that honor classic franchises like The Elder Scrolls, the current environment is rich with opportunities for both innovative gameplay and nostalgic experiences.

Introducing “Of Ash and Steel”

In this vibrant landscape, “Of Ash and Steel”, the inaugural title from Fire & Frost, aims to join the ranks of contemporary RPGs that strive to resonate with the essence of classic games while offering modern enhancements. The game’s design draws noticeable inspiration from the Gothic series and the initial installments of The Witcher, setting a promising foundation. However, it remains to be seen if Fire & Frost can refine gameplay sufficiently to appeal to a wider audience beyond the most dedicated RPG enthusiasts.

A Dynamic World Awaiting Exploration

From the outset, “Of Ash and Steel”showcases a compelling vision for its game world. The prologue serves not only as a tutorial but also immerses players in a lively environment filled with non-playable characters (NPCs) that feel authentic. These NPCs engage with one another and discuss a range of topics, some of which may not directly relate to protagonist Tristan’s quest but add depth to the world. This attention to detail enhances the overall sense of realism.

The richness of the world continues in the Forgotten Reach, bolstered by diverse activities that, while perhaps lacking in originality, successfully diversify the player experience. The game incorporates survival mechanics that tie into its RPG framework, creating a more engaging gameplay loop.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite the game’s potential, “Of Ash and Steel”faces significant hurdles that could detract from the player experience. A noticeable downside is the game’s technical execution, which seems to heavily borrow from the janky gameplay often associated with the Piranha Bytes titles. This is perhaps expected given the smaller size of the development team at Fire & Frost.

Moreover, the absence of essential quality-of-life features, such as an object highlight system to indicate interactive elements, translates to frustration during quests. For instance, one early mission involving insect extermination suffers from poor visibility since the creatures blend too well with the ground. This forces players to rely on luck over skill to complete the task. While a lack of quest markers garners a commendation for encouraging exploration, in practice, it often results in confusion due to unhelpful NPC directions.

In another uninspired quest, players must retrieve tools thrown onto a rock, but the vague instructions yield an unpleasant platforming experience, hindered further by imprecise controls. Additionally, NPCs do not repeat essential dialogue cues, compelling players to frequently resort to the Journal for information that often lacks clarity.

Looking Toward the Future

Although this playtest version of “Of Ash and Steel”is far from flawless, the development team at Fire & Frost has a significant opportunity for growth. The potential within the game’s framework is evident, and with the right refinements, it could evolve into a captivating experience that resonates with players.

The game is currently in development for PC, with a specific release date yet to be announced.

Early access for the playtest was graciously provided by the publisher.

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