Ashes to Ashes (video game)
| Industry | Video game development |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1996 |
| Products | Ashes to Ashes |
Ashes to Ashes is a video game released in 1996, developed by Deep River Publishing and distributed by Corel Corporation.
Gameplay
Set in the 22nd century, Ashes to Ashes: Feeding the Fires of War! immerses players in a future where professional warriors settle disputes through open-air combat. Gamers assume the role of a solitary gunfighter maneuvering through vast outdoor environments such as deserts, swamps, and lunar terrains, with the objective of defeating hostile mercenaries. The title offers 50 stages spread over eight different arenas, emphasizing action-oriented gameplay over puzzles or story development. It blends shooter elements with three-dimensional terrain interaction and the ability to hijack enemy vehicles. Players can seize control of five distinct vehicle classes, including assault cycles designed for mountainous regions and tanks suited for heavy firepower, each equipped with unique armaments and mobility features. Strategic play is encouraged as users exploit natural formations like valleys and plateaus for reconnaissance and defense while combating successive waves of bio-armored and mechanical adversaries.
Reception
Critical response to Ashes to Ashes was predominantly negative. Review scores varied from 2 out of 5 in Computer Games Magazine to 2.5 out of 10 in PC Zone, with multiple evaluations falling below the 20 percent mark. GameSpot recommended sampling the demo but implied the full game might only appeal to bargain hunters. Meanwhile, PC Gamer suggested fans of first-person shooters remain loyal to established franchises such as Duke Nukem or Quake, describing Ashes to Ashes as a flawed attempt within the genre.