This is one that caught our eye when it first made its debut as a part of an Xbox showcase last year - a stylish isometric co-op action RPG set in a vibrant cyberpunk-inspired world. And really with a description like that how could it not. Today comes word that The Ascent is set to hit Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and PC on July 29. And yeah, it's also coming to Xbox Game Pass.

The Ascent will see players dive into ‘The Ascent Group’ arcology, a self-contained corporate-run metropolis, stretching high into the sky and filled with creatures from all over the galaxy. Taking on the role of an indentured worker, the world starts to go haywire when The Ascent Group shuts down for unknown reasons. Life becomes a case of survival, with rival corporations and crime syndicates looking to fill the empty space. Players will have to take up arms and hold them off. The Ascent begins here.

The Ascent will offer players the chance to step into an action-orientated sci-fi RPG powered by Unreal Engine that takes the genre to new levels, available to play in both single-player and up to four-player co-op.

Features:

• A free-roam play style in a cyberpunk inspired dystopian world
  
• Classic RPG mechanics to enable players to build up their character including cyberware, augmentations and looting
  
• An unprecedented sense of verticality within its world, with different levels and platforms discernible within play
  
• Double-aim mechanic enables players to utilise the full screen and choose between multiple targets anywhere in the environment
  
• A narrative-led adventure playable in single and up to four-player co-op modes

With a free-roam world and RPG customisation this looks to be a lot more than a straight up shooter. Developer Neon Giant is a new 12-person team made of of industry vets that worked on titles like Gears of War, Bulletstorm, and Wolfenstein, so the AAA pedigree is real. The Ascent is the first game from them and on Xbox Series X will run in 4K at 60fps.

“We are super excited that people will soon be able to jump into the world of The Ascent,” said Arcade Berg, Creative Director and co-founder of Neon Giant. “We love making games and we do it because we want people to enjoy the experience and world we have created - so we’ve designed a game that lets all players have fun with the element of gameplay that interests them the most. Whether you’re someone who enjoys exploring every corner, loves exciting combat or gets invested in the story and lore, we've tried to put something in The Ascent for everyone.”