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To Ash

A unique RPG where instead of becoming stronger, you get weaker as you go along. Demitri is a hero who already completed his journey. He is already powerful, so combat is complex and strategic from the start! The theme revolves around death and acceptance.

Steam Page
Developer
16 Bit Psych, Kyle B
Publisher
Self-Publish
Release
March 29, 2016
10 years and 128 days ago
Steam Reviews
Mostly Positive33 reviews72.7%

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Notes
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Updated: Jul 14, 2026Developer scaleThe operating scale of the game's developer.
Updated: Jul 14, 2026Publisher scaleThe operating scale of the game's publisher.
Self-Publish is listed as a separate small publisher for this title.
Search Google: Is To Ash self-published or published by Self-Publish?Publisher statusHow the game's publishing relationship is classified.
Search Google: How is To Ash and Self-Publish funded?FundingThe known source of funding behind the game.
Search Google: Who controls the creative direction and IP for To Ash and 16 Bit Psych and Kyle B?Creative controlWho appears to retain creative control of the game.
Updated: Jul 14, 2026Release statusWhether and how the game has been released.
Self-Publish is listed as a separate publisher for this release.

Media

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About the Game

An RPG By Kyle Ballentine.

Do You Accept Death? Or Do You Fear It?

An old-school RPG made to question your acceptance of mortality.

A unique RPG where instead of becoming stronger, you get weaker as you go along. Demitri is a hero who already completed his journey. He is already powerful, so combat is complex and strategic from the start! But no one can live forever, and everyone’s story must come to an end.
The theme revolves around death and acceptance. Written by a therapist, the story is made help you think about what you cannot control. Age, death, loss... these are all things we must accept in our lives.
For those just looking to experience the story, there are 2 distinct modes.

Key Features

  • No grinding levels, because the hero becomes weaker
  • Complex, strategic battles from the start and no long tutorials
  • Turn-based battles with the “Stance” mechanic, allowing you to strengthen the character in various ways and respond to enemy attacks.
  • Strong themes of acceptance and mortality with an impactful ending, even the towns are modelled after the 5 stages of grief
  • 2 versions, one for RPG veterans and one for those who just want to experience the story
•Full rpg experience with combat (6-10 hours), or...
•"Adventure Mode" (3-5 hours), which removes the element of combat and strategy, but leaves the story, puzzles, and exploration to enjoy!
  • 2 endings depending on your choices
  • Original art by Neon Skies Studio

Developer Profile:



I am a therapist in Santa Ana, California. I currently live with my wife, two cats, and one dog.
This is my first game, To Ash. I’m a life-long gamer, (growing up with two brothers, we played a ton of different games) and an RPG lover. I worked on this by myself, but had input from testers, family, and had some original art made by Jala Prendes.
So you know where some of my influences come from, some of my favorite games are; Castlevania, Mario RPG, Panzer Dragoon Saga, Smash Bros., ‘Tales of’ games, Zelda, and Albert Odyssey.
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