Out of 100
Metacritic Score
100
AusGamers
Tribes: Ascend is the most pure representation of the Tribes experience since Tribes 2 perfected it back in 2001. Almost every single part of the experience has been tweaked and improved, classes reborn and expanded, maps detailed and sprawling. You can ski like a master within minutes, but perfecting your routes, jumps and jetpack tactics are still the aim of the game.
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100
Eurogamer
Tribes Ascend is, by more than 300kmhh, the most exciting first-person shooter I've played in years.
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91
Ten Ton Hammer
A game that is just fun as hell. It has something for everyone, not only the Tribes fans. If you don't like the skiing, pilot a vehicle. If you don't like the flag capping, defend your generator. If you don't like shooting midair, repair and upgrade your defenses.
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90
PC PowerPlay
A few tweaks and concessions aren't enough to stall this brilliant revival of the fastest multiplayer shooter on PC. [June 2012, p.50]
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90
Vandal Online
Fresh air for a genre that needed it. A title with old-school gameplay evolved and adapted to current times with great results. Very fun and charming, sometimes frantic and also free-to-play. If you like non-stop triger-happy action, you should try it.
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90
The Escapist
In the end, even with just the three starting classes and nothing else unlocked, the game is a lot of fun and still completely free. It's worth checking out for both old fans and those of you who don't know what a Spinfusor is.
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90
IGN
Even with its relatively minor flaws, anyone with even a cursory interest in Tribes: Ascend should play it. No other shooter conveys the same sense of speed – or the rush of pleasure that comes from nailing someone at over 100 KPH – as Tribes.
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90
Edge Magazine
As always, the perception of good value lies with you, but even without a penny paid this is still one of the most fluid, elegant, and strategically rich online shooters available. It's a beautiful game to play – in the elaborate motion of its tactics as much as its bright, crisp worlds.
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90
GameSpy
Capture and Hold and Raindance are strong additions to an already-strong free shooter, and it makes Tribes: Ascend an even more addictive "just one more match" FPS that's unlike any other shooter on the market. In the age of me-too shooters, that's not just a good thing, that's a great thing.
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89
PC Master (Greece)
Contrary to the classic gameplay of an FPS that requires constant cover, slow advances, crouching and prone positioning, the battles of Ascend happen on the ground, as well as in the air and in tremendous speeds- thus changing drastically the classic tactical approaches of the genre. It's a breath of fresh air in the online FPS world. [September 2012]
88
Pelit (Finland)
Tribes: Ascend is a surprisingly good version of a classic shooter. The Free-2-Play aspect is well implemented. [Apr 2012]
88
PC Gamer
A brilliant resurrection of a classic. Speed and skill-driven mechanics separate Tribes from other modern shooters.
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87
Computer Games Online RO
Far from being a relic of a forgotten era and way more than an ordinary game where you shoot strangers online, it's a very tough test, one in which you need to have your wits with you. Because Tribes: Ascend is the Zen FPS par excellence.
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85
Games Master UK
Tight, polished, but unfriendly to new players. Few shooters are as thrilling, mind. [July 2012, p.89]
85
Game Informer
Ascension feels like an old-school shooter but is able to be nostalgic and innovative at the same time. Speed and scale are what set Tribes: Ascend apart from comparable shooters. There's a barrier to entry gaining access to all the classes, learning how to "ski" properly, and generally fending for yourself in the beginning, but it's worth the time investment.
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85
CD-Action
Insane speed and vertical combat make Tribes: Ascend extremely enjoyable and rewarding. And it's free, so it's a sin not to give it a chance. [June 2012, p.78]
85
GRYOnline.pl
Tribes: Ascend is quite an accomplishment. The developers have managed to recreate atmosphere and gameplay from first two games of the series and still make it a game not only for the veterans. The end result is one of the best games with micro transactions on the market. You can spend nothing and have loads of fun being more than just cannon fodder for the paying customers.
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85
Meristation
Tribes: Ascend is a highly recommended MMOFPS. It's a frantic game that won't allow us to rest or relax, and will require cunning and skill in equal measure. The chosen business model allows us to progress enough without spending any money, and this will last while HiReZ Studios keeps on betting on balance. If you were a previous lover of Tribes games, you should be already downloading this one, right now.
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85
3DJuegos
Tribes Ascend is a surprising first-person shooter. An excellent resurrection of a classic with excellent Free-2-Play implementation.
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85
SpazioGames
Tribes: Ascend is simply one of the best, if not the best, free to play shooting game available on the market today. It's all about your skill and not how much money you decide to spend.
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85
GameTrailers
It's not for players who demand immediate gratification from their games, but those who appreciate the simple pleasure of overcoming challenges within a team environment will find a lot to like. It's deep, customizable, and provides a lot of latitude for different play styles.
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85
Multiplayer.it
Tribes: Ascend is an old-school skill-based FPS with a modern engine and an interesting class system. Graphics are good, fun is concrete, kills are gorgeous and there is still room for many improvements.
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80
Telegraph
Tribes: Ascend is a worthy successor to its forebears, bringing the same inimitable, hectic play style married to graphics that will stretch even the most capable machine.
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80
Destructoid
Given its free-to-play nature, one can only hope that the vehicle imbalances will be fixed and additional worthwhile game types will be added in the future. For now, it's still an incredibly enjoyable and unique FPS experience that you have no excuse not to download and GO FAST.
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80
IncGamers
Sure, you can dig out your old Tribes titles to fulfill the same craving, but Hi-Rez has provided a contemporary alternative that's free at the point of entry and not exactly costly to pick up long-term. That's something of a triumph.
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80
GameSpot
Invigorating movement mechanics and solid fundamentals make Tribes: Ascend a lot of free-wheeling fun.
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80
Metro GameCentral
Tribes: Ascend is not just an excellent first person shooter in its own right but it's a well-orchestrated revival of a franchise that has never got the recognition it deserves. Whether it'll be more lucky this time we couldn't say but just give this a go and you won't have lost anything, literally.
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79
GameStar
Tribes: Ascend has become for me a true love-hate relationship.
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75
Everyeye.it
Tribes Ascend is an alternative fps shaped for the requests of the fans, keeping intact the virtues of the original products.
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70
LEVEL (Czech Republic)
Arcade online shooter surprises with fresh and fast paced playability and is a very good alternative to paid services with its free-to-play model. [Issue#220]