Axiom Verge

85%
Game Brain Score Based on 7,416 reviews
  • story
  • music
  • gameplay
Axiom Verge Game Cover
Despite superficial similarities to classic Nintendo games like Super Metroid, Axiom Verge isn’t afraid to bring a lot of new ideas to the table, and is all the better for it.
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Axiom Verge is a metroidvania-style game with retro side-scrolling action. As a scientist who awakens in a mysterious, alien world, you'll use powerful weapons and abilities to explore, solve puzzles, and battle bosses. With a focus on progressive discovery, uncover the secrets of this mysterious world and learn its connection to your own fate.

  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Linux
  • Play​Station
  • Play​station Vita
  • Wii
  • Wii U
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

85%
Audience ScoreBased on 7,416 reviews
story1,253 positive mentions
grinding206 negative mentions
  • Axiom Verge is a fantastic homage to the Metroid series, capturing the essence of exploration and discovery.
  • The game features a unique glitch mechanic that allows players to manipulate enemies and the environment in creative ways.
  • The soundtrack is outstanding, enhancing the atmosphere and immersion of the game.
  • The lack of fast travel makes backtracking tedious and can lead to frustration during exploration.
  • Boss fights are often too easy or repetitive, lacking the challenge and excitement found in other Metroidvanias.
  • The controls can feel clunky, particularly the double-tap dash mechanic, which can lead to accidental movements and deaths.
  • story2,818 mentions

    The story of *Axiom Verge* is a complex and intriguing sci-fi narrative that unfolds gradually through exploration and the discovery of hidden notes, creating a sense of mystery and engagement. While some players find the storytelling convoluted and difficult to follow, many appreciate its depth and the way it complements the game's atmosphere. Overall, the narrative is seen as a strong aspect of the game, though opinions vary on its execution and clarity.

    • “The story is gripping even if not the most deep, the lore is very fun, and the gun variety is a nice touch.”
    • “The story is interesting, but it leaves me feeling somewhat unsatisfied at the end.”
    • “The story is fun and keeps me drawn in.”
    • “The lack of quality shows mainly in the dialogue and the story, at least in the first 3 hours of the campaign.”
    • “The storytelling also takes a nose dive as they drop a big exposition dump towards the end and in the final boss which ruined the suspenseful and mysterious atmosphere of the game for me.”
    • “The story is absolutely non-existent, apart from the notes/coded journals you find in the game and the cutscenes that happen once every full moon.”
  • music2,660 mentions

    The music in "Axiom Verge" has received widespread acclaim for its atmospheric and immersive qualities, effectively enhancing the game's alien aesthetic and gameplay experience. Many reviewers praised the soundtrack as a standout feature, with some tracks being described as haunting, catchy, and reminiscent of classic 8-bit and 16-bit styles, while others noted that certain pieces could become repetitive or grating over time. Overall, the music is considered a significant asset to the game, contributing to its nostalgic and engaging atmosphere.

    • “The music and sound effects are fantastic.”
    • “The soundtrack is incredible and really adds to the overall vibe of the game.”
    • “The music is amazing and for those who like the retro style midi format of old Axiom Verge completely nails it.”
    • “I don't mind the pixel graphics, but 8-bit music and sound effects is a big turn off and the enemies are kind of dumb and generic.”
    • “The soundtrack doesn't loop properly which makes it more annoying over time.”
    • “Played for 30 minutes and got a headache from the terrible annoying music.”
  • gameplay2,133 mentions

    The gameplay of Axiom Verge is widely praised for its solid mechanics, engaging exploration, and innovative features, particularly the unique "glitch" mechanics that allow players to manipulate the environment and enemies. While many players appreciate the nostalgic homage to classic Metroid games, some criticize aspects such as clunky controls, particularly with the grappling hook, and the occasional lack of clarity in mechanics that can lead to frustration. Overall, the game is recognized for its atmospheric design, varied weaponry, and a satisfying blend of combat and puzzle-solving, making it a standout title in the metroidvania genre.

    • “Axiom Verge is one of the best metroidvanias ever made - the general gameplay is simple yet fun, the music and sound design are great, and the game sports some absolutely phenomenal pixel art and sprite work, with some of the most unique items in the genre.”
    • “The gameplay in Axiom Verge is a perfect blend of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving.”
    • “With its captivating world, innovative gameplay mechanics, and atmospheric soundtrack, Axiom Verge stands as a true masterpiece that delights both fans of retro gaming and newcomers alike.”
    • “Mostly I recall enjoying it for the atmosphere, music, world building, more so than the actual gameplay.”
    • “The movement mechanics are a bit clunky and don't feel great.”
    • “I really liked this game at the beginning but after a while the gameplay just became annoying, especially the double tap thing.”
  • graphics1,439 mentions

    The graphics of "Axiom Verge" have received mixed reviews, with many praising its retro pixel art style that evokes nostalgia for classic 8-bit and 16-bit games, particularly reminiscent of the Metroid series. Players appreciate the unique aesthetic, which combines modern effects with traditional pixel art, creating a visually engaging experience that enhances the game's atmosphere. However, some critics find the graphics to be bland or inconsistent, noting that while the art style is ambitious, it can sometimes detract from gameplay clarity and overall enjoyment.

    • “The atmosphere, visuals, level design, soundtrack, etc. are all great and immersive.”
    • “A love letter to Metroid with inventive mechanics and startling graphics!”
    • “The graphics, music, sound, and cut scenes are all on point.”
    • “The one nitpick I have is the graphics; they're kind of a weird blend between eight and sixteen bit styling with a corrupted data and scanline effect thrown in for 'glitched' areas.”
    • “While the pixelated graphics aren’t bad, I’m not a huge fan.”
    • “The graphics seem to be hit or miss on people; I found them a little lacking; aside from color, there's few strong, consistent, eye-catching features of a given zone and everything is a bit bland and lacking flavor.”
  • atmosphere606 mentions

    The atmosphere in "Axiom Verge" is widely praised for its haunting, immersive quality, effectively combining eerie music, detailed pixel art, and intricate level design to create a compelling alien world. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke feelings of isolation and mystery, reminiscent of classic metroidvania titles, while also noting its unique storytelling and world-building elements. Overall, the atmospheric experience is considered a standout feature, enhancing both exploration and gameplay.

    • “The atmosphere is perfect, with weird music and gorgeous pixel art that creates a brilliant alien world to complement the lore built into it.”
    • “The atmosphere is haunting and mysterious, immersing players in a surreal and atmospheric adventure that keeps them engaged and eager to uncover the truth behind Sudra's enigmatic existence.”
    • “The atmosphere, visuals, level design, soundtrack, etc. are all great and immersive.”
    • “The storytelling also takes a nose dive as they drop a big exposition dump towards the end and in the final boss which ruined the suspenseful and mysterious atmosphere of the game for me.”
    • “I never acquired a good sense of place, nor was I transported by its atmosphere.”
    • “Tries very, very hard to be Super Metroid, but lacks the depth of story and atmosphere that made that game feel great.”
  • grinding214 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding the backtracking and exploration tedious due to repetitive areas, a lack of fast travel, and an underwhelming map system. While some players enjoyed the sense of progression and found the backtracking manageable, others felt it became increasingly frustrating and boring, particularly in the late game where combat and boss fights were described as grindy and unsatisfying. Overall, the game struggles with balancing exploration and combat, leading to a generally tedious experience for many players.

    • “Backtracking is not tedious as by the time you're likely to want to go back to old areas to find secrets you missed or could not access originally, you will probably be so powerful (both weapons and movements) that you can cut through both the enemies and the level geometry itself like butter.”
    • “Exploration is quite rewarding as said earlier, but not tedious, usually.”
    • “What a perfect metroidvania that isn't tedious and has a fresh story.”
    • “The backtracking is fun sometimes, but very late when you're trying to find missed collectibles it's tedious.”
    • “The combat becomes super tedious towards the end, making every room a chore to clear.”
    • “The game has a lot of backtracking and outside of the 'head train' that can transport you to points on the map it can be very tedious.”
  • replayability142 mentions

    The game boasts high replayability, enhanced by features such as a randomizer mode, speedrun challenges, and numerous hidden secrets that encourage exploration and mastery. Players appreciate the variety of gameplay options and the thrill of uncovering new pathways, making it enjoyable for both casual players and completionists. However, some reviews note that replay value may diminish for those who are not inclined towards speedrunning or extensive exploration.

    • “The sense of discovery and the thrill of uncovering hidden pathways and secrets adds an extra layer of excitement and replayability to the game.”
    • “The added speedrun/randomiser modes are very well polished, and give the game immense, if not infinite replay value.”
    • “The game is not only incredibly fun, but also has immense replayability value, as playing it once only inspired me to pick it up again and go for a high percent run.”
    • “Not much replay value unless you're a hardcore completionist.”
    • “There isn't much in the way of replayability; once you've beaten the game, you've pretty much played it every time after.”
    • “The only drawback I found was that, like the older games that inspired it, Axiom Verge suffers from a lack of replayability.”
  • stability134 mentions

    The game creatively incorporates intentional glitches as a core gameplay mechanic, allowing players to manipulate the environment and enemies in unique ways. While some players appreciate the nostalgic nod to classic gaming glitches, others have noted that the game can feel buggy at times, particularly with controller sensitivity issues. Overall, the stability of the game is mixed, with many enjoying the innovative use of glitches while acknowledging occasional graphical confusion and performance concerns.

    • “Fun combat and movement with no glitches.”
    • “Capped at 60 fps, it seems, and it runs great.”
    • “This game is buggy as hell on a game pad.”
    • “Too bad - it's terrible to release a buggy product like this.”
    • “The game looks a little buggy at times, but it's intentional.”
  • emotional36 mentions

    Players express a mix of nostalgia and emotional connection to the game, often recalling their early gaming experiences and feeling a sense of wonder during exploration. However, some criticize the narrative for lacking depth and emotional impact, particularly due to predictable twists and tedious dialogue. Overall, while the game evokes strong feelings of nostalgia and homage to classic titles, it struggles to maintain a consistent emotional engagement throughout.

    • “It made me feel like the more I play, the more I understood the story.”
    • “It made me feel like I was 8 years old again.”
    • “A truly heartfelt metroidvania experience.”
  • humor30 mentions

    The humor in the game is described as self-aware and often quirky, with the main character delivering witty remarks that enhance the bizarre narrative. While some players appreciate the comedic elements, such as funny conversations and absurd mechanics, others feel the overall tone leans more towards serious storytelling, creating a mix of humor that may not always land. Notably, the game's design includes intentionally humorous moments, like the unexpected effectiveness of a flamethrower as a weapon and the hilarity of certain gameplay mechanics.

    • “There are some very funny conversations that happen throughout the adventure that I really enjoyed as well.”
    • “The main character constantly challenges the plausibility of his situation and injects just the right amount of humor into a bizarre mystery.”
    • “The humor and design of the game are very self-aware.”
    • “It's a quip there and a joke here - and I can't tell if this game is supposed to be funny or not.”
  • character development25 mentions

    Character development in the game has received mixed reviews; while some players appreciate the excellent skill progression and customization options, others feel that the story lacks depth and leaves them wanting more. The unique character designs and world-building are praised, but there are criticisms regarding the insufficient focus on character arcs and emotional engagement. Overall, the game excels in creating an atmospheric experience, though it may not fully satisfy those seeking rich character narratives.

    • “The mechanics are tight and always fun, the character development (both in terms of skills and story) is excellent, and the ability to customize your play style keeps things exciting.”
    • “Original story with a very unique setting and character designs.”
    • “Everything from graphics, the character designs, the sound, the music, the plot, and even the carefully-picked dialogue comes together to build this eldritch, dreamlike journey through the world of Sudra.”
    • “Story and character development (or lack thereof) frustrated me.”
    • “The foreboding hints at Athetos' history and the enigmatic nature of the Rusalki did leave me wanting more character development, or perhaps even an alternate ending considering there were some optional fights/interactions at key points in the game.”
    • “While there isn't much in the way of character development in the game, the focus of the writing is not on the characters; it's on the world, and the building of worlds this game does pretty well.”
  • optimization18 mentions

    Overall, "Axiom Verge" demonstrates solid optimization, running smoothly even on low-end devices, which is commendable for a 2D game released in 2015. While the engine occasionally struggles with handling numerous sprites simultaneously, this does not significantly detract from the gameplay experience. Players appreciate the game's performance, especially in critical moments where quick reflexes are essential.

    • “Oh, also the fact that it runs smoothly on a weak tablet is another plus (x5-z8300 with 2GB of RAM in my case, at 1280x800).”
    • “Onto performance: as a 2D game released in 2015; I'd be disappointed if it didn't run well, but I'm happy to report that it does, with masses of sprites often filling the screen without so much as a hitch, which in a game where failing to dodge enemy fire can result in a fairly quick death and a trip back to the last save room, is incredibly important.”
    • “Performance-wise, I had no problems running it.”
    • “Found myself running slowly through long corridors a lot.”
    • “If this game is like a more optimized 21st-century version of the original NES Metroid, I can't wait to see what the 'Super Axiom Verge' game will be!”
    • “Onto performance: as a 2D game released in 2015, I'd be disappointed if it didn't run well, but I'm happy to report that it does, with masses of sprites often filling the screen without so much as a hitch, which in a game where failing to dodge enemy fire can result in a fairly quick death and a trip back to the last save room, is incredibly important.”
  • monetization10 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with some players expressing frustration over the presence of ads during critical gameplay moments, such as boss fights. However, there is also appreciation for the developer's commitment to quality gameplay and innovation, contrasting it with the negative perception of microtransactions prevalent in larger AAA titles. Overall, the sentiment leans towards valuing creative development over exploitative monetization practices.

    • “If you like ads in your boss fights that continuously spawn, then you would have no issue with the final boss and would find enjoyment.”
    • “If you have read any of my reviews, you will surely come upon negative ones about what I think about people who clone a classic and try to get a cash grab!”
    • “We don't need these boring AAA established video game companies to force microtransactions onto us like we're just their consumerist slaves!”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

79% average critic score

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Play time

14hMedian play time
12hAverage play time
9-15hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 26 analyzed playthroughs

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