Underworld Ascendant

Players assume the role of the Avatar, a human magically transported into the Underworld. As per the original Underworld games, players create their characters by selecting an assortment of skills. They are not restricted to predetermined character classes. The game is played from a first-person perspective. The Stygian Abyss is inhabited by three factions vying for its control, Dark Elves, Dwarves and Shamblers. The player can also encounter non-player characters of no factional alignment. Supporting any faction will affect the balance of power in the Abyss, and how factions react to the player. The game aims to present multiple unscripted solutions to scenarios present in the game, using simulated systems dubbed the "Improvisation Engine," allowing for emergent behaviour with a wide range of player options rather than discrete puzzle solutions. ==Development==

Paul Neurath, the designer of the original Underworld games, had been in discussion with EA on-and-off for 20 years regarding working again in the Underworld universe. In 2014, EA granted Neurath a license to use the Underworld setting, lore and characters, though this did not allow for the use of the Ultima brand. With the license in place, Neurath founded OtherSide Entertainment, and Underworld Ascension was announced in July 2014. In August 2017, 505 Games announced that they will serve as the game's publisher. In February 2018, Steve Gaynor of Fullbright announced that two of the company's level designers, Nina Freeman and Tynan Wales—as well as the studio's 3D environment artist, Kate Craig—would be contributing additional work to Underworld Ascendant. Though originally slated for a September 2018 release, OtherSide released the game for Windows via Steam on November 15, 2018. Ports for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One were released the following year on June 20 and June 26, respectively, while ports for Linux and macOS were released two months later on August 19. ==Reception==

Upon release Underworld Ascendant received generally negative reviews, with an aggregated score of 37/100 on Metacritic. GameSpot noted " wherever you go your progress is constantly chafed by an all-pervading lack of refinement." Particular criticism was given to its limited and poorly telegraphed save system that, upon loading, would send players back to the start of the current level regardless of progress. On February 14, 2019, Otherside Entertainment released a substantial update aimed at addressing many criticisms of the game at launch. This update brought with it the inclusion of a functional free save system, changes to the level design and game flow, refinements to gameplay mechanics and enemy behaviors, optimized lighting, and numerous bug fixes. == Notes ==