Axis Football 2023
- September 28, 2022
- Axis Games
- 59h median play time
Axis Football is a simulation-style football game featuring the industry's best franchise mode, massive customization, and realistic gameplay.
Reviews
- Significant improvements in gameplay mechanics, particularly in tackling and passing animations, making the game feel more fluid and realistic.
- Deep franchise mode with extensive customization options, allowing players to create teams, manage rosters, and simulate seasons effectively.
- Active developer support and responsiveness to community feedback, indicating a commitment to ongoing improvements and updates.
- Graphics and animations still feel dated compared to AAA titles, which may deter some players looking for a more polished visual experience.
- AI behavior can be inconsistent, with issues such as players getting stuck or not reacting appropriately during plays, affecting overall immersion.
- Gameplay can sometimes feel unbalanced, with certain aspects like passing being overly easy, leading to high scores and less challenge.
- gameplay82 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
Overall, the gameplay has received mixed reviews, with many players noting significant improvements in animations and mechanics compared to previous versions. However, criticisms persist regarding its dated feel, inconsistent mechanics, and AI issues, leading to a consensus that while the gameplay is passable and occasionally enjoyable, it still falls short of the standards set by competitors like Madden. Players appreciate the depth of franchise mode and customization options, but many express a desire for further enhancements to the core gameplay experience.
“The gameplay is charming and fun while imperfect, and the franchise mode is supreme.”
“Gameplay is much improved.”
“The introduction of physics and focus on gameplay has turned this from a game that didn't know what it wanted to be into one that does everything at least pretty well.”
“This game is simply lacking in many aspects; the gameplay is by far the worst part though.”
“The gameplay just feels like the character models are on skates the whole time; it's awful.”
“The hit/break tackle/catch mechanics, although looking sleeker, don't actually help the gameplay; if anything, they make it worse.”
- graphics47 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game have received mixed reviews, with many users noting that they are not on par with AAA titles like Madden, often describing them as clunky, dated, or in need of significant improvement. While some appreciate the animations and overall visual style, others express disappointment with the lack of polish and realism, particularly in player models and environmental details. Despite these criticisms, there is optimism for future updates that could enhance the graphical experience.
“Overall, both this and Madden have pluses and minuses, but I tell you every single year they get closer, and I wouldn't be surprised if in 5 years, Axis will be superior to Madden even in graphics and animations.”
“Rain and snow graphics are done just right.”
“Graphics look outstanding and pretty, and the uniforms look cool.”
“The graphics are a bit clunky.”
“It's bad in that if you're looking for polished graphics and animations, deep modes and 4K quality NFL uniforms, you will be sorely disappointed.”
“The general presentation, environment, graphical fidelity, and a bunch of other stuff needs a lot of work.”
- stability14 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- -14 % neutral mentions
- 93 % negative mentions
The stability of the game in 2023 is notably poor, with persistent and new bugs affecting gameplay, including glitches in animations, hit box detection, and user interface issues. While some players report it remains playable, many express frustration over frequent crashes and freezes, indicating a lack of thorough testing for recent updates. Overall, the game is plagued by stability issues that detract from the overall experience.
“Runs great on my Steam Deck.”
“The game has a solid performance with minimal crashes.”
“I appreciate how stable the game feels during intense gameplay.”
“Some bugs persist from version to version, but mostly new ones come up, and in 2023 it feels like they did not test the improvements, so there are glitches all over.”
“If you need a game that crashes and freezes up, then this is the game for you.”
“There are still glitches that need to be addressed, and the animation/graphics aren't the best.”
- optimization8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is highly praised, featuring significant performance improvements, a snappier UI, and lower hardware requirements that enhance the user experience. However, some users noted issues with remote play via the Steam Link app and suggested the addition of advanced settings for graphical options.
“Axis takes another major step forward with new animations instead of ragdoll physics, quick logic, and snappy performance improvements.”
“That, combined with performance optimizations including a snappier UI and lower hardware specifications, makes this a no-brainer purchase.”
“The game is optimized exceptionally well and loads in a snap.”
“My only real complaint about this title is that it doesn't seem to be optimized for remote play via the Steam Link app.”
“The performance and optimizations are apparent right away.”
“If you can add an advanced toggle/option to bring back detailed shadows and maybe have it turned off by default for performance?”
- monetization5 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has received mixed reviews; while some players appreciate the absence of intrusive ads during gameplay, they note the introduction of video and banner ads in stadiums. Overall, the game is praised for its balance between monetization and user experience, although technical issues like crashes have been reported, particularly on mobile.
“They put ads in this game now, lmfao.”
“- New stadiums added to the game, more detail in the stadium crowds, and video/banner ads in the stadium.”
“I also paid on mobile, but it crashes way too much, even if I dodge the ads.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users highlight the game's high replayability, noting that it offers a fun experience with extensive customization options and improved mechanics, such as momentum-based tackling, which enhance overall playability compared to previous versions.
“Endlessly replayable.”
“Overall, it's a lot more playable than previous versions.”
“Back to the positives, the game is overall a very fun experience with a lot of replay value due to all of the customization.”
- music3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally seen as lacking, with some players noting that while the 8-bit arcade tracks occasionally fit the gameplay, the overall soundtrack needs improvement. Additionally, the absence of music during gameplay, coupled with unremarkable commentary, detracts from the overall experience.
“The 8-bit arcade music track really fits what goes on on the field at times, adding a fun and nostalgic vibe to the gameplay.”
“The updated music brings a fresh energy to the game, enhancing the overall experience.”
“No music on the field, just commentators who are loud and have really nothing to add to the game to make it any more exciting than previous years.”
“Needs some love here; though to be honest, if they play an 8-bit arcade music track, at times it really fits what goes on on the field.”
- grinding3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and frustrating, particularly when it comes to creating new teams and customizing elements like stadiums and team composition. The AI's play selection further adds to the monotony, leading to a less enjoyable experience overall.
“Creating new teams is ridiculous and tedious.”
“Sadly, customization leaves much to be desired in terms of stadium creation and team composition, and the tediousness of AI play selection allocation.”
“The grinding aspect of the game feels endless and unfulfilling.”
- story2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is criticized for its unrealistic gameplay mechanics, where players can make improbable catches despite perfect defensive coverage. However, some users have found alternative football games that offer a more enjoyable experience than Madden.
“The story is engaging and keeps you invested in the characters and their journeys.”
“The narrative is well-crafted, with twists and turns that make each chapter exciting.”
“I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of the story, which adds a rich layer to the gameplay.”
“The story feels disjointed and lacks coherence, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“Character development is shallow, leaving players with little emotional investment in the narrative.”
“The plot twists are predictable and fail to deliver any real surprises.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is criticized for lacking a genuine gameday feel, despite the presence of crowds and acceptable graphics. Users feel that while the visuals may be passable, they do not compensate for the overall lack of immersive ambiance.
“The graphics and atmosphere are stunning, creating an immersive experience that draws you in.”
“The crowd adds to the experience, but the overall gameday atmosphere could be improved.”
“The atmosphere is rich and engaging, making every moment feel alive and vibrant.”
“The graphics and atmosphere can be excused, but the issues I mentioned can't be.”
“The crowd is there, but there is no gameday atmosphere.”