Axiom Verge

91%
Game Brain Score Based on 3,702 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

91%
Audience ScoreBased on 3,702 reviews
story626 positive mentions
grinding103 negative mentions
  • Axiom Verge is a fantastic homage to the Metroid series, capturing the essence of exploration and discovery.
  • The game features a wide variety of unique weapons and abilities, providing players with creative ways to approach challenges.
  • The atmospheric visuals and engaging soundtrack enhance the overall experience, immersing players in a surreal alien world.
  • The lack of fast travel and excessive backtracking can make navigation tedious and frustrating.
  • Boss fights often feel underwhelming and repetitive, lacking the complexity and challenge found in other Metroidvanias.
  • Some mechanics, like the grappling hook and teleportation, can be clunky and unintuitive, leading to frustrating gameplay moments.
  • story1,408 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, though it can be vague and convoluted at times. While some players appreciate the depth and twists in the plot, others find it difficult to follow and somewhat unsatisfying, particularly in its conclusion. Overall, the game successfully combines its atmospheric storytelling with engaging gameplay, making it a noteworthy entry in the metroidvania genre.

    • “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, if a bit hard to piece together.”
    • “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 story slowly starts to pick up and the mystery and exploration had me hooked initially...then 5 hours pass and the cracks started to show.”
    • “The story is absolutely nonexistent, apart from the notes/coded journals you find in the game and the cutscenes that happen once every full moon.”
  • music1,329 mentions

    The music in "Axiom Verge" has received widespread acclaim for its atmospheric and immersive qualities, effectively enhancing the game's alien aesthetic. Many reviewers praised the soundtrack as a standout feature, noting its ability to evoke nostalgia while maintaining a unique identity, with some tracks being particularly memorable. However, a few players found certain pieces repetitive or grating over time, suggesting that while the overall composition is strong, some tracks may not resonate as well during extended gameplay.

    • “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.”
    • “The soundtrack doesn't loop properly which makes it more annoying over time.”
    • “The music is kind of creepy at some point but actually does give the right tone to what is going on around you.”
    • “The music can be somewhat irritating.”
  • gameplay1,066 mentions

    The gameplay of Axiom Verge is widely praised for its solid mechanics, engaging exploration, and innovative features, such as the glitch mechanic that allows players to manipulate the environment and enemies. While many reviewers appreciate the nostalgic homage to classic metroidvania titles, some express frustration with certain controls, particularly the grappling hook and dash mechanics, which can feel clunky. Overall, the game successfully combines retro aesthetics with modern gameplay elements, offering a rewarding experience for fans of the 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.”
    • “The movement mechanics are a bit clunky and don't feel great.”
    • “Gameplay just feels a bit uncomfortable and 'cagey' early on.”
    • “The dash mechanic is aggravating.”
  • graphics719 mentions

    The graphics of Axiom Verge have received mixed reviews, with many praising its unique pixel art style that evokes nostalgia for classic 8-bit and 16-bit games, particularly the Metroid series. While some players appreciate the atmospheric and detailed visuals, others find the aesthetic either bland or overwhelming, with criticisms aimed at the occasional lack of clarity in level design and the repetitive nature of some graphical elements. Overall, the game's retro-inspired graphics and haunting soundtrack contribute significantly to its immersive experience, appealing to fans of the genre and those who appreciate its artistic direction.

    • “The graphics, music, sound, and cut scenes are all on point.”
    • “The artwork is stunning, and each area in the game is very distinct and interesting.”
    • “The graphics are a beautiful nod to what this genre started from, but don't push you too far in style to make it feel 'modern'.”
    • “The graphics are a mixed bag.”
    • “The graphics, while retro-inspired, actually use certain design elements of the olden days to intentional effect.”
    • “The graphics and enemies are obviously inspired by Metroid as well.”
  • atmosphere302 mentions

    The atmosphere in "Axiom Verge" is widely praised for its immersive and haunting qualities, effectively combining stunning pixel art, a captivating soundtrack, and intricate level design to create a sense of isolation and mystery. Many reviewers highlight how the game's soundscapes enhance the overall experience, evoking feelings of dread and curiosity as players explore its alien world. While some critiques mention minor flaws in gameplay or story, the consensus is that the atmospheric elements are a standout feature, making it a compelling entry in the metroidvania genre.

    • “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 nosedive 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.”
    • “Tries very, very hard to be Super Metroid, but lacks the depth of story and atmosphere that made that game feel great.”
    • “The UI is a little clunky, some sound effects don't fit the atmosphere, and the music is a bit muddy or un-mastered.”
  • grinding107 mentions

    Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and frustrating, primarily due to excessive backtracking, a lack of fast travel options, and repetitive combat encounters. Many reviews highlight that while initial exploration can be enjoyable, it often devolves into a chore as players navigate poorly designed maps and face unchallenging or overly difficult bosses. The absence of effective traversal mechanics and the need for meticulous item collection contribute to a sense of burnout and dissatisfaction as the game progresses.

    • “What a perfect metroidvania that isn't tedious and has a fresh story.”
    • “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.”
    • “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 new areas just feel so bland and scattered, the new enemies similarly underwhelm, and getting from area to area never really feels anything more than tedious.”
  • replayability71 mentions

    Overall, the game boasts high replayability due to its robust features such as a randomizer mode, speedrun challenges, and numerous hidden secrets that encourage exploration and mastery. Players appreciate the variety of gameplay experiences available, from casual playthroughs to hardcore completionist runs, although some feel that replay value may diminish after multiple completions. The combination of unique mechanics, collectibles, and difficulty options ensures that many players will find reasons to return to the game repeatedly.

    • “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.”
  • stability67 mentions

    The game's stability is characterized by a unique integration of intentional glitches as a core gameplay mechanic, enhancing exploration and combat. While some players appreciate the nostalgic and inventive use of glitches, others report issues with sensitivity and occasional confusion due to the graphics. Overall, the game runs smoothly for many, but the intentional glitches can sometimes lead to a perception of instability.

    • “Fun combat and movement with no glitches.”
    • “Capped at 60 fps, and it runs great.”
    • “This game is buggy as hell on a game pad.”
    • “However, while I do think that the art style is beautiful and I understand that the game is thematically supposed to be about (intentional) glitches, I also have to mention that I found myself confused by the graphics in a number of situations.”
    • “Too bad - it's terrible to release a buggy product like this.”
  • emotional18 mentions

    Players express a range of emotional responses to the game, from nostalgia for their childhood gaming experiences to feelings of frustration with gameplay mechanics that hinder immersion. While some appreciate the heartfelt homage to classic titles and the sense of wonder in exploration, others find the narrative lacking in emotional depth and connection. Overall, the game evokes a mix of fond memories and disappointment, highlighting its potential to resonate deeply with players despite its flaws.

    • “This made me feel like a stranger in this dimension, whom I actually were - seeking forms and shapes where they never should have been.”
    • “It made me feel like the more I play, the more I understood the story.”
    • “I cried a little when I heard it would be a timed exclusive for PS4; however, it's all okay again since it was just one month.”
  • humor15 mentions

    The humor in the game is a mix of self-aware quips and absurd situations, often contrasting with its otherwise serious tone. Players appreciate the comedic elements, such as the protagonist's witty remarks and the bizarre mechanics, like the hilariously ineffective grapple. While some moments are genuinely funny, others leave players questioning whether the humor is intentional or a byproduct of the game's design.

    • “Trace also maintains a sense of humor even considering the strangeness of his situation.”
    • “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.”
    • “It's a quip here and a joke there - and I can't tell if this game is supposed to be funny or not.”
    • “The humor feels forced and often falls flat, leaving me more confused than amused.”
    • “I expected a lot of laughs, but the jokes are so stale that they barely register.”
  • character development12 mentions

    Character development in the game received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the excellent skill progression and customization options, while others felt the story lacked depth and left them wanting more. The unique character designs and intriguing world-building were praised, but many noted that the focus on the environment overshadowed character arcs, resulting in limited emotional engagement. Overall, while the aesthetics and mechanics were well-received, the narrative and character development aspects left some players dissatisfied.

    • “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.”
  • optimization9 mentions

    Overall, "Axiom Verge" demonstrates solid optimization, running smoothly even on lower-end devices, which is commendable for a 2D game released in 2015. While the engine occasionally struggles with complex scenes, it generally handles large amounts of sprites without performance issues, ensuring a seamless gameplay experience.

    • “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.”
    • “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!”
    • “Performance-wise, I had no problems running it.”
    • “Found myself running slowly through long corridors a lot.”
  • monetization5 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, while some players enjoy the game's promotional approach, others are critical of ad integration and cash-grab tactics in the industry.

    • “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 13 analyzed playthroughs

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