DaRmaZat One of the strangest releases arriving this summer is undoubtedly Helix: Descent N Ascent. It is almost impossible not to be intrigued by the stark, silent, and disembodied monochrome universe that Belgian indie studio Bandass Mongoose has created for this title.
Narratively, Helix: Descent N Ascent acts as a complete inkblot test. The journey centers around uncovering the secrets of a forgotten civilization while awakening ancient powers hidden within this mysterious world. Taking control of a long-limbed, alien-like entity, you must navigate a strange landscape filled with bizarre creatures and objects. Told entirely without words, the game invites deep reflection on identity and solitude, leaving you to uncover the meaning behind its enigmatic world.
This existential journey takes a fascinating turn when you encounter your own doppelganger. Helix frequently shifts perspective, forcing you to inhabit both the stark white and pitch-black variants of this alien being in order to explore the inherent duality of light and darkness.
In an artistically sublime presentation, this surreal world – heavily inspired by 1980s indie comics and vintage manga – is defined by tiled floors, etched labyrinths, and distant, thorny hillsides stamped with symbolic imagery such as snail shells and yin-yangs. The resulting atmosphere feels deeply oppressive yet meditative, amplified by an ambient, chill soundtrack and deliberate environmental glitches that constantly remind you of the unstable reality you inhabit.
Progressing through these barren lands requires finding key items such as map fragments, puzzle pieces, and crucial numerical codes in order to unlock the path ahead. Occasionally, you interact with ancient computers and consoles that reveal gate-opening symbols or present levels in a charming retro minigame reminiscent of Mario vs. Donkey Kong.
While the basic movement controls are incredibly simple, the game’s depth rapidly expands through a clever mix-and-match system. You must unlock and combine various embodied abilities to bypass intricate obstacles, opening up many distinctive ways to play across varying levels of complexity. Almost every new ability functions as a standalone puzzle, forcing you to determine exactly how and where to deploy your supernatural toolkit.
For instance, early on you learn to conjure destructible blocks that can be dragged and repositioned to bridge hazardous gaps such as open water, or strategically placed onto floor switches to harness their downward gravitational force. Later, you gain a quick, momentum-shifting dash, although it cannot be used to cross treacherous terrain or gaps between platforms, as well as an even more complex floating-head ability. What I quickly learned about this detached skull is that it must be guided into tight keyholes and detonated to lower barriers, but its movement is strictly limited by a step-count radius. This means you must generate the head at the precise moment and guide it perfectly while switching between your alien form and the skull before the latter vanishes.
As you may have gathered by now, Helix’s puzzles strike an excellent balance, remaining consistently entertaining and highly approachable without inducing hair-pulling frustration. The sheer variety created by combining powers keeps the gameplay loop engaging, transforming the barren landscape into a satisfying playground for critical thinking.
One point of criticism is that, while the environmental designs are visually breathtaking, they are not always easy to read, making it unclear where you can step or continue. Furthermore, physical object placement can feel somewhat clunky and unpolished. Manipulating items – particularly dragging and aligning destructible blocks onto precise switches – can be awkward, often requiring repeated destruction and rearrangement before everything is positioned correctly.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, Helix: Descent N Ascent stands as a highly unique puzzle game wrapped in a wonderfully mysterious package. Its sublime monochrome artwork, captivating ambient music, and clever ability-combining mechanics make it well worth a look for any enthusiast of the genre. If you can overlook some occasional clumsiness, this wordless journey offers an unforgettable trek through a beautifully surreal dimension.
Additional Information
Release Date: July 23, 2026
Reviewed On: PC. Download code provided by the publisher and PR agency.
Developer: Badass Mongoose
Publisher: Badass Mongoose
Relevant links: Available via Steam.
