Ark: Survival Evolved Remake “Survival Ascended” Released: A New Era of Survival Begins

Ark: Survival Ascended Remake Out Today

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October 25, 2023

Introduction

The highly anticipated remake of the dinosaur survival game Ark: Survival Evolved, titled Ark: Survival Ascended, is set to launch on PC today. Developed by Studio Wildcard, the remake promises to bring a host of improvements, including upgraded graphics, enhanced physics-based destruction, and a revamped user interface.

Tech Improvements

Survival Ascended utilizes the power of Unreal Engine 5 to deliver stunning graphics. The game features improved lighting with the Lumen illumination system, providing dynamic lighting and reflections from water sources, plants, and player-held torches. Additionally, Nanite mesh rendering delivers sharper visuals by streaming high-detail assets to the GPU more efficiently. The use of instanced-basing rendering reduces the impact on performance when players build complex structures, making it more accessible for players to create sprawling bases.

The remake also introduces Chaos, a new physics system, which simulates real-time physics. This means that environments will react realistically to actions, such as explosions and destruction. Creature pathfinding has also been improved, ensuring smoother movement within the game world.

Furthermore, new fluid and foliage interaction systems add to the realism by allowing elements like water and grass to react realistically to character movement and other factors. The revamped user interface offers greater customization options, while the map system has been enhanced to allow players to ping specific locations.

Content and Modding

In addition to the technical improvements, Survival Ascended will feature new story content, nearly a dozen new creatures, and brand new DLC. The game also introduces cross-platform modding, allowing players on PC and console to share custom-made content through an in-game mod browser and the Ark Devkit. Studio Wildcard has expressed a desire to collaborate with professional game studios and developers, potentially leading to official crossovers in the future.

Controversy and Game Shutdown

Despite the excitement surrounding the remake, it has not been without controversy. Survival Ascended launched as a standalone $45 game, replacing Ark: Survival Evolved, which shut down its official servers last month. This decision has been met with mixed reactions, particularly given the original game’s higher price tag of $60 when it was first announced. The economic implications of this move have sparked debate among players.

Editorial: The Pros and Cons of Remakes

Remakes can be a double-edged sword for both developers and players. On one hand, remakes offer an opportunity to revitalize and improve upon beloved games, bringing them up to date with new technologies and addressing previous shortcomings. They allow players to relive the nostalgia of the original while experiencing it in a fresh and polished way. However, remakes can also create dilemmas. When a remake replaces the original game entirely, as is the case with Survival Ascended, it can leave fans of the original feeling left behind and their investment in the game undervalued. The decision to charge a lower price for the remake raises questions about fairness and the economic impact on players who have already invested in the original game.

Advice for Players

For players who are fans of Ark: Survival Evolved, Survival Ascended offers a chance to experience the game in a whole new light. The tech improvements and additional content provide an enticing reason to dive back into the world of dinosaur survival. However, it’s important to consider your personal attachment to the original game and whether the remake‘s changes are worth the investment. If you’re unsure, it may be wise to wait for reviews and player feedback before making a decision.

Closing Thoughts

Survival Ascended’s release is a significant moment for fans of the Ark series, offering a glimpse into the future of the franchise. The remake‘s technical advancements and added features push the boundaries of what players can expect from a survival game. However, the controversy surrounding the game’s pricing and the decision to replace the original game warrant careful consideration. Only time will tell if Survival Ascended lives up to the expectations set by its predecessor and if players embrace the changes made in this “ground up” remake.