AX:EL - Air XenoDawn
- December 4, 2015
- Alex Piola
Get on Steam"AX:EL - Air XenoDawn" is a space combat simulation game that features fast-paced aerial dogfighting and strategic decision-making. Players take on the role of a skilled pilot, tasked with defending their home planet from an alien invasion. With a variety of customizable ships and weapons at their disposal, players must master advanced maneuvers and tactics to emerge victorious in large-scale battles.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features extreme customizability for aircraft, allowing players to modify wings, tails, guns, and skins.
- The visuals are impressive, with beautiful environments and a decent framerate, especially on systems with more than 4GB of memory.
- The developer is responsive and supportive, addressing player concerns and bugs quickly.
- Controls are clunky and difficult to manage, especially for a flight simulator, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences.
- The game suffers from optimization issues, causing significant drops in framerate during intense moments.
- The main campaign is relatively short, and some players feel the game lacks depth in customization options.
- story7 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The game's story features a decent single-player plot with a variety of missions that can be replayed, including a "mercenary missions" mode that offers ten progressively unlockable objectives such as combat and rescue operations. Players can engage in diverse challenges, including underwater missions and boss fights, enhancing the overall narrative experience.
“And that there's underwater missions, as well?”
“Well, I tried and failed to play the first mission multiple times.”
“The 'mercenary missions' mode currently offers 10 missions that need to be unlocked progressively, with objectives varying from destroying squadrons, running search and rescue operations, transporting sensitive cargo through storms, and fighting huge boss-like enemies.”
“Every kill in either game mode, arena or mercenary, or mercenary mission completion, will earn you MSM.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are visually appealing and customizable, but performance issues are prevalent, with some users experiencing low frame rates even on lower settings. While the visuals can enhance engagement, the overall control and graphical experience have been described as inconsistent.
“The customization is great and the graphics are beautiful.”
“Not only ax:el's visuals will keep you engaged, the planes control really nicely, and the combat soon gets close and personal, with planes struggling to shake missiles while avoiding explosions and pulling insane maneuvers.”
“I have a decent computer and I'm forced to use the lowest graphics settings, and I still only get around 18 FPS!”
“The controls and graphics are wonky, and I would not recommend this to anyone.”
“The graphics are subpar and detract from the overall experience.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
While the graphics may require improvement, the gameplay is highly praised and considered excellent by users.
“The graphics need work, but the gameplay is already awesome.”
- music2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game, composed by the author, is well-received for its quality and replayability, enhancing the overall experience. Although the selection may be limited, the tracks are enjoyable and contribute positively to the game's atmosphere, complementing the challenging gameplay without causing frustration.
“While the number might seem a bit small, they are highly replayable, fairly long, include their selection of music (also composed by the author, really nice music, too.) and feature no lives, meaning you'll have to do them on one try, which adds to the difficulty but doesn't make them especially frustrating.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game offers high replayability despite a limited number of levels, thanks to their length, engaging music, and a no-lives system that enhances challenge without causing frustration. Players appreciate the opportunity to revisit levels for mastery and enjoyment.
“While the number of levels might seem a bit small, they are highly replayable, fairly long, and include a selection of music composed by the author, which is really nice. The absence of lives means you'll have to complete them in one try, adding to the difficulty without making it especially frustrating.”
“The game offers a variety of paths and choices that make each playthrough feel unique, encouraging players to explore different strategies and outcomes.”
“With multiple endings and hidden secrets, every run feels fresh and exciting, making you want to dive back in for just one more attempt.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight the game's immersive atmosphere, noting features like sonic booms, a first-person cockpit view, and varying atmospheric densities that enhance the overall experience.
“The sonic booms and the immersive in-cockpit first-person view create an incredibly realistic atmosphere.”
“The varying atmospheric densities add a unique layer of depth to the overall experience.”
“The attention to detail in the environment truly enhances the game's atmosphere.”
