I really don't find it anywhere near as enjoyable as Tribes 2. In T2 the vehicles worked really well, as the ones with large capacities encouraged teamwork; in Ascend vehicles are purchased with 'credits', which require numerous kills to achieve. I never see vehicles being used in a meaningful way and usually only ever the bike, which is cheap. And the only two builds you have unlocked are medium armour, killing the light/medium/heavy balance of the previous games. I don't like having to grind or purchase stuff that should be unlocked to start with. BRINK did the same.
I'd much rather pay for a game than have to grind or spend money unlocking all the items, which always work out as dramatically more than simply buying the game outright would. I'd MUCH prefer that they simply had a "game" unlock pack, which costs the price of a regular game and includes all the unlocks; that way those that want to play for free with restrictions can, while those that would have bought the game anyway are free to do so. Team Fortress 2 is free and the unlocks never feel like they're restricting you - they always feel like optional extras.
It's fun but it's not what I wanted from a new Tribes game.
"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance."