Review
Sasha here! 👋
Idols of Ash comes from an experienced self-publishing studio: Leafy Games, a studio that created games such as PULSAR Lost Colony and Wyrmhall: Brush and Banter.
Idols of Ash is a bit different than these titles though. It's darker, more horror-filled, and has a very different art style. It's a simpler concept compared to Pulsar and Wyrmhall but the developers managed to capture an atmosphere of a grim ashy ruin.
Why are we descending? Why do I see ghost towns? What's with this giant centipede that's chasing me down? All of these questions add to a tense atmosphere. I feel I should be carefully plotting my route, planning each step, but I'm pressured to keep up pace.
Gameplay
Opposite to games like Getting Over it with Bennet Foddy and other "go up" games, you're constantly going down, deeper into a vast ancient ruin, trying not to fall. There's admittedly a bit of frustration when things don't work the way you planned, but at the very least there are checkpoints that prevent you from needing to start all over again.
Grappling Hook
You have a grappling hook that's waaay more reliable when you aren't falling. Maybe I was ill-practiced but it was a little too difficult to judge the distance it could go, especially while falling. But it does make a satisfying clinking noise when it grabs something :)
Final Thoughts
Released April 9th, 2026, Idols of Ash is currently on sale for 20% off, just $2.87 CAD. It's getting great reviews and is for sure a refreshing style change for the developers at Leafy Games.
I'd recommend it if you enjoy games with grappling hooks, horror, and lighter narratives... and if you aren't afraid of giant centipedes.
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