Axiom of Maria: Prologue
- February 6, 2024
- Studio Ganzheit
Get on Steam"Axiom of Maria: Prologue" is an action-adventure game set in a post-apocalyptic Seoul, where Kay, a former military instructor, battles the 15th AI Squadron to protect her family. Gameplay features fast-paced swordplay and motorbike action, with enemies primarily using guns and the protagonist wielding a reactive sword. The story explores themes of population decline, epidemic, and the concept of death as migration to a virtual world called Beyond.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features impressive visuals and a unique cyberpunk aesthetic that captivates players.
- Combat is engaging and dynamic, with a variety of mechanics that allow for creative gameplay.
- The voice acting and music are top-notch, enhancing the overall experience and immersion.
- The game is short and feels incomplete, as it is released in parts without clear communication about its prologue status.
- Controls can be janky and inconsistent, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences.
- The plot can be vague and hard to follow, making it difficult for players to fully engage with the story.
- story18 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The game's story has received mixed feedback, with some players finding it intriguing and filled with potential, while others struggle with its vagueness and reliance on radio dialogue, which can hinder engagement. Many appreciate the character development and voice acting, particularly praising the personalities brought to life by the actors. Overall, while the narrative shows promise and complexity, it may require further refinement to fully captivate players.
“The storyline of Axiom of Maria is a masterclass in storytelling, drawing players into a compelling tale filled with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations.”
“Good level design, interesting characters, compelling story, a great soundtrack, and the combat has a good variety of moves and strategy too.”
“I cannot wait for more of the game's story and future development!”
“There is some jank (especially the motorbike section feels floaty) and the plot is mostly happening via radio, making it hard for me to fully grasp/engage with during my first playthrough.”
“The story lost a bit in translation, sadly.”
“The plot is vague and hard to follow, although the characters do have enjoyable personalities; props to the voice actors for bringing Mr. Jeong and the principal to life.”
- gameplay14 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 21 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The gameplay is widely praised for its well-designed mechanics, responsive controls, and engaging combat, striking a balance between challenge and accessibility. Players appreciate the fluidity of the hack-and-slash combat, the ability to hot swap during gameplay, and the overall polished experience, complemented by stunning visuals and a haunting soundtrack. While some find exploration a bit rigid, the variety of gameplay elements and well-paced tutorials keep the experience fresh and enjoyable.
“The upgrade/software system is well thought-out, and I like being able to hot swap in the middle of gameplay.”
“Finished the game after a while of trying and figuring out the mechanics.”
“The gameplay mechanics of Axiom of Maria strike a perfect balance between challenge and accessibility.”
“The controls are responsive, the pacing is well-judged, and the variety of gameplay elements keeps the experience fresh and engaging throughout.”
- music11 mentions
- 55 % positive mentions
- 18 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, described as a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that enhances the atmosphere and evokes a range of emotions. Reviewers highlight its ability to complement the gameplay, with a mix of melancholic melodies and pulse-pounding orchestrations, making it a standout feature. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a perfect fit for the game's universe, contributing significantly to the overall experience.
“Smooth & flashy combat, interesting level design, love the graphics & setting, complex (for me) but very interesting story and amazing music.”
“Accompanying the exceptional gameplay is a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that perfectly complements the game's atmosphere.”
“From melancholic melodies to pulse-pounding orchestrations, the music of Axiom of Maria enhances every moment, evoking emotions ranging from wonder to suspense.”
“The music was a bit offbeat, as was the English voice acting.”
“It's the first time I'm playing a cyberpunk video game and the story is quite hard to follow, but I am totally surprised by the universe, the soundtrack, and the badass lady we are lucky to control.”
“Incredibly stylish action game with some neat story hooks and a sweet soundtrack.”
- graphics10 mentions
- 70 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals, intricate design, and smooth animations, contributing to an immersive experience. Players appreciate the art style and attention to detail, which enhance both the gameplay and narrative. However, there are minor technical issues, such as occasional bugs during specific sequences, that can detract from the overall visual experience.
“The visuals are fantastic, both the graphics on display and overall visual design.”
“This game delivers a simple story, easy gameplay, amazing graphics, stunning visuals, and tons of awesome details. Go for it! 👍”
“From the moment I delved into its immersive world, I found myself captivated by its intricately woven narrative and stunning visuals.”
“I did encounter one bug during the bike sequence when using a special attack, and the graphics got stuck. I could no longer do anything but move the bike.”
- stability2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is generally solid, with only a few minor glitches reported that may require reloading. Frequent auto-saves mitigate the impact of these issues, leading to a mostly smooth experience.
“There are a few bugs, but it is not a buggy game.”
“The game runs smoothly with minimal issues.”
“I experienced very few crashes, making for a stable gaming experience.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it nearly unplayable at times.”
“I experienced constant frame drops and stuttering, which ruined the immersion.”
“There were a couple of glitches that forced me to reload, but the game saves so often they weren't much of a bother.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is enhanced by meticulously designed environments featuring vibrant colors and atmospheric lighting, reflecting the developers' dedication to detail. Additionally, a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack complements the visuals, creating an immersive experience.
“The game's meticulously designed environments are brought to life with vibrant colors, atmospheric lighting, and attention to detail that showcases the developer's dedication to their craft.”
“Accompanying the exceptional gameplay is a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that perfectly complements the game's atmosphere.”
