Axiom Verge Reviews
All in all, Axiom Verge has its moments. Exploration is fun to an extent, and the cavalcade of powerups and weaponry to acquire allows for an ever evolving way to interact with the environment and its hostiles.
Verge is too smart to be a nostalgia trip, but it also, ultimately, sticks to executing the familiar with style. If it didn't look so damn good, it'd be easy to say we've seen it all before.
an accomplishment, but it often feels too safe
Axiom Verge plays so closely to the original Metroid game that I'm wondering if it was meant to be a tribute or an imitation.
Axiom Verge delivers one of the better experiences in the oversaturated Metroidvania genre, but if you've played a NES/SNES Metroid title, then you've played Axiom Verge. The game's plenty fun, but it fails to carve out a distinct
Axiom Verge is a game that will certainly please fans of the Metroid franchise. The entire experience is an homage to the classic video game that often does the right thing. While there are so many instances of greatness found throughout the 6-7 hour campaign, problems dealing with some of the core features of the genre hinder the overall experience. Backtracking is frustrating, the bosses are simplistic, constantly respawning enemies make for some tedious sections, and the narrative isn't engaging at all. Axiom Verge is sprinkled with fantastic ideas and concepts, but doesn't fully capture the greatness that its capable of.
Axiom Verge works moment to moment but feels less successful as a whole
It spends too much time recreating the genius of Metroid rather than adding to it, but this is still one of the best examples of the genre in recent years.
When it comes to exploration-based platformers, Axiom Verge offers a solid gaming experience that you won't regret partaking in.
When you take into account that the whole game - art, story, music, design, programming, everything - is the work of a single person, problems like these become a bit more forgivable, though. You can't be a master of everything, and Tom Happ has cleared mastered the exploration element, level design, and sense of progression - the most fundamental parts of a Metroidvania game.
From the art style to the way it plays, this game is exactly what the screenshots and videos make it look like, but it's a very well made example. The combat is fast and, while not as precise as many will be used to, makes sense to add difficulty to the game.
Axiom Verge works great as a portable game, and while it's been available before on the Vita, I feel like the Switch is the best possible platform since it looks spectacular in handheld mode and works beautifully as a sit-down, console experience. Even if you've played another version, this is still a fun, fast-paced exploration game that holds up quite well and is certainly worth your time.
Axiom Verge is a fun, challenging game. While some aspects of the narrative -- particularly its protagonist -- have rough edges to them, it remains intriguing and mysterious through to its climax. It looks and sounds great, and offers a diversity of weapons rarely seen in games of its type. Easy to get lost in, its sizeable world has a density to match, with hidden rooms and collectibles only available through creative application of acquired abilities. And while the basic gameplay will likely be very familiar, there are a fair few fresh touches which should pleasantly surprise players.
Axiom Verge isn't the best in its class, but it takes a familiar structure and adds a tool belt loaded with interesting weapons and gadgets. It's a worthwhile adventure that entices you to unearth its secrets and rewards you for doing so.
Axiom Verge isn't a perfect homage to Metroid, but we still enjoyed our time in this strange, familiar world.
In conclusion, Axiom Verge is a great indie game that has nailed the look and feel of the classic Metroidvania games. Unfortunately in this process, some elements were borrowed that can often result in a frustrating experience. Still, as a work of a single developer, Axiom Verge is a remarkable throwback to the old school side-scrolling action-adventure games.
While there's a slight stumble with regards to story progression, for the most parts it's a great success and the fact that it's all the result of one man's labour of love makes it all the more impressive. Occasionally, modern day tributes miss the mark and lack some of the heart that made the inspiration so great but it's safe to say that Thomas Happ has totally nailed the Metroid vibe with Axiom Verge.
As it stands Axiom Verge is highly recommended, it is a game that knows its source material, has the ability to authentically replicate its inspiration but interesting enough to add its own spin. If you want to relive the days of staying up late, making notes on maps and feeling like you are reconnecting with gaming of your childhood then Axiom Verge will not disappoint.
Flaws aside, Axiom Verge is a stunning achievement for one man to have developed entirely by himself. It's not as good as Super Metroid, but it's close.
A homage to retro classics is one thing but having gameplay that's both challenging and fun makes Axiom Verge special. If you grew up in that era, you'd be a fool to miss out on this and if you're new to the genre, I can't think of a better entry.