Savant – Ascent REMIX has arrived, offering a fresh version of D-Pad Studio’s 2013 classic, now available on the Nintendo Switch. Prepare to dive into the exhilarating world of 2D bullet-hell gaming as you ascend a tower packed with hostile robots. The soundtrack, originally crafted by Aleksander Vinter—better known as Savant—for the game’s first release, adds an electrifying vibe to this version. Ten years after its initial debut, Savant – Ascent REMIX lands on Nintendo’s hybrid console, featuring additional content and refined elements that make it the ultimate edition of this high-energy twin-stick shooter.
In this game, you step into the shoes of the Alchemist, an agile wizard whose mission is to scale this mechanical fortress, battling countless robotic adversaries along the way. Each level is inspired by Savant’s own lyrics, with the gripping soundtrack perfectly complementing the gameplay experience. The music, which you can also get as a comprehensive four-disc set on Steam, ensures you’ll be entertained from beginning to end and is solely killer tracks, no filler.
When it comes to the Story Mode, you have two intriguing options: Classic and REMIX. Choosing Classic will have you navigating the tower while unlocking abilities to help you endure the relentless robot attacks. As you progress, collecting CDs becomes crucial. These unlock useful powers like the Power Shot, an attack unleashed when your Power Meter is full; Multi Jump, allowing consecutive jumps or backflips; and the potent Ultra Shot.
For those seeking a tougher challenge, the REMIX mode is for you! It limits your abilities and pits you against even fiercer enemies, making for a grueling test of your gaming prowess. There’s also a Survival Mode, where the real question is: how long can you withstand the assault?
To customize your gameplay, there are three difficulty settings—Easy, Normal, and Hardcore. Easy mode offers checkpoints and extra lives for added support. Normal retains these features and starts you off with a filled Power Meter. Hardcore, however, strips away checkpoints and extra lives, starting you with an empty Power Meter for the ultimate challenge.
Once in the thick of battle, you’ll maneuver the Alchemist by using the right thumbstick to fire at adversaries while dodging attacks with the left thumbstick or D-Pad. Jumping is achieved by pressing upwards, enabling you to evade or better position for attacks. Destroying chests rewards you with new abilities, activated by pressing the X button.
For instance, the R button unleashes a Power Shot when your Power Meter reaches its peak. This meter fills faster as you dodge and dispatch your foes. Later, you unlock a talent allowing you to harness energy for the Power Meter’s quick charge—or even a Double Power Meter if you gather enough CD pieces. Additionally, each CD piece restores a heart of health, and smashing a treasure chest eradicates all enemies in that wave, so make sure to prioritize those chests!
Savant – Ascent REMIX takes the well-loved 2013 formula and tweaks it for modern audiences, now available on the versatile Nintendo Switch. The game, characterized by its high-speed, bullet-hell gameplay and enriched with Aleksander Vinter’s dynamic soundtrack, is an exceptional experience. It releases on December 5th, priced at $9.99, offering the definitive way to enjoy this frenzied platformer.
This review of Savant – Ascent REMIX is based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by D-Pad Studio.
