Solar Ash

Solar Ash is an action-platformer developed by Heart Machine LLC, set in a fantastical, surreal landscape where players traverse a mysterious world through fast-paced puzzle-platforming gameplay. The game features an intensely rich narrative that unfolds progressively, complemented by unique world design that immerses players in its visually striking and enigmatic environment, earning critical acclaim for its immersive storytelling and captivating journey.

Solar Ash: Review

Introduction

Solar Ash is a 3D action-platformer developed by Heart Machine and published by Annapurna Interactive. Released in 2021, it follows the studio’s critically acclaimed 2D title Hyper Light Drifter. Set in a surreal dreamscape within a black hole called the Ultravoid, players guide Rei, a Voidrunner, on a journey to save her planet from destruction. The game combines fast-paced traversal mechanics with a narrative exploring themes of trauma and acceptance.

Development History & Context

Heart Machine began developing Solar Ash (initially titled Solar Ash Kingdom) in 2019 as a spiritual successor to Hyper Light Drifter. The team aimed to leverage Unreal Engine 4 to create a vibrant 3D world focused on fluid movement and atmospheric storytelling. Director Alx Preston emphasized that traversal would be the core gameplay focus, inspired by titles like Journey and Shadow of the Colossus. After a delay to refine polish, Solar Ash launched in December 2021, expandingHeart Machine’s reputation as innovators in game design.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

The story of Solar Ash revolves around Rei’s mission to activate the Starseed, a device capable of reversing time. However, as she progresses, she discovers the Starseed’s activation only causes her to relive her planet’s destruction in a never-ending loop. This revelation leads to a climactic choice between hope and acceptance. The narrative delves into themes of grief, the futility of reliving trauma, and finding peace in moving forward. Characters like Echo (a fragmented god) and Cyd (Rei’s AI companion) provide emotional depth through their interactions and backstories.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Rei’s traversal capabilities are the game’s backbone. Players can skate, double-jump, boost, grind rails, and grapple to navigate the environment. Combat is minimal and integrated into the traversal flow, with time-slowing mechanics for dispatching enemies. The game features a series of anomalies to clear, each requiring precise movement through time-sensitive puzzles. Boss fights involve scaling mammoth Remnants while exploiting their weak points. Collecting Voidrunner logs unlocks suits offering minor buffs, but progression is otherwise linear.

World-Building, Art & Sound

The Ultravoid’s setting is a kaleidoscope of surreal landscapes, from neon-lit floating islands to acid-drenched seas. Heart Machine’s art direction melds sci-fi with organic elements, creating a dreamlike yet desolate world. The soundtrack combines electronic beats with ambient textures to enhance the game’s emotional resonance. Sound effects for movement are crisp, reinforcing the tactile feel of Rei’s traversal.

Reception & Legacy

Solar Ash received generally favorable reviews, with critics praising its visuals, traversal mechanics, and narrative. However, some criticized repetitive level design, lack of deep progression systems, and occasional performance issues. Despite a mixed critical reception, the game has garnered a dedicated fanbase appreciative of its artistic vision and emotional depth. Its influence can be seen in subsequent platformers emphasizing traversal and atmospheric storytelling.

Conclusion

Solar Ash stands as a visually stunning and emotionally resonant addition to the platformer genre. While its gameplay structure may feel repetitive, the marriage of fluid movement mechanics with a thought-provoking narrative creates an unforgettable experience. Heart Machine’s commitment to innovation in both mechanics and storytelling shines through, making Solar Ash a must-play for fans of artistic indie games.