Helix: Descent N Ascent PC (Goldberg-Final)

Unlock and combine embodied abilities to unravel the mysteries of a lost civilization. Descend into a tale that will challenge your mind and soul, solving intricate puzzles as you ascend to the light of a new day. Embark on a journey into the forgotten world of Helix: Descent N Ascent. You awaken in a dull, dark, disembodied world. Though you’re usually alone, you soon encounter another being who looks just like you, except he always seems to be at odds with you. Who is this doppelganger? Is he a friend or a foe? Discover new powers as you progress through your adventure. Each one of these powers allows you to meaningfully interact with your surroundings.

The story itself remains mysterious. In general, the protagonist is chasing someone who looks exactly like them, except they’re the opposite, either black or white, depending on the current form. This duality is woven into both the narrative and the visual design. The monochrome art style is surprisingly beautiful, filled with small environmental details that keep each area distinct. Combined with incredibly fluid animations that never feel like they’ve cut corners, the whole world has a striking amount of personality. Helix: Descent N Ascent is divided into several interconnected screens that can usually be explored quite freely, although the path forward is rarely difficult to identify.

During these segments, only a single power can be equipped, and after completing the dungeon the player is returned to the main area, where that newly acquired ability unlocks new paths. As for the powers themselves, after the block ability comes a drone that can fly through air vents, a claw that lets objects be pulled toward the player or latch onto surfaces to swing across gaps, a ball that captures small critters so they can be transported where they’re needed, and perhaps the most interesting power of all, the ability to switch between black and white forms. Certain platforms, objects, and even entire paths only exist in one color.

While learning these abilities, it becomes apparent that each one comes from a pedestal marked with its own unique glyph. At first, this seems like simple decoration, but its purpose becomes clear upon reaching the second major area. Here, numerous pedestals display different combinations of glyphs, visually indicating which powers they grant. This is where Helix: Descent N Ascent opens up considerably, allowing two abilities to be equipped at the same time. Helix: Descent N Ascent also becomes much less restrictive. Instead of guiding the player directly toward the solution, it expects them to decide which combination of powers will help them progress.