Chase Your Clone Through a Striking Comic-Inspired World in Helix: Descent N Ascent
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
Explore the newly released Steam demo for Helix: Descent N Ascent, an atmospheric puzzle game featuring striking monochrome comic art, paranormal abilities, and a mysterious clone chase.
Developer Badass Mongoose has given players a fresh look at their upcoming project via a new Steam playable demo, as reported by Rock Paper Shotgun. Titled Helix: Descent N Ascent, the game steers far away from generic mascot platformers and instead delivers a slow, atmospheric puzzler. Players step into the shoes of a lanky, extraterrestrial-looking protagonist tasked with hunting down their own doppelganger through a fallen civilization filled with spiral shells, pipes, and intricate terrain puzzles.
The visual identity stands out immediately, drawing heavy inspiration from 1980s monochrome indie comics, 1990s manga, and classic Franco-Belgian illustrated works. As you explore this sprawling maze, you unlock a growing suite of paranormal abilities. You begin by conjuring and manipulating blocks, eventually gaining access to tools like an explodable drone that resembles your own head. The game also folds in surprising diversions, including an eerie nod to arcade classics like Donkey Kong, all while building a distinct sense of mystery reminiscent of Amanita Design's atmospheric adventures.
While the opening puzzles in the demo keep things approachable, the full release promises significantly more depth with multiple layers of complexity and numerous ways to play. It is a refreshing concept in a crowded release calendar, prioritizing mood, exploration, and distinct artistic flair over endless combat loops. You can check out the playable demo on Steam right now ahead of the full launch slated for later this year on PC and Nintendo Switch.
Tags: Helix Descent N Ascent, Indie Games, PC Gaming, Steam Demo, Puzzle Games
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun