Axis Football 2023
- September 28, 2022
- Axis Games
- 59h median play time
"Axis Football 2023" is a football simulation game offering console-like 11-on-11 gameplay with endless customization options. Its franchise mode provides deep stat tracking, player progressions, coaching staff, trades, scouting, free agency, and more. Create and customize teams with the Team Creation Suite, featuring extensive logo, color, uniform, and field options.
Reviews
- Gameplay has significantly improved with better animations and smoother mechanics, making it more enjoyable than previous versions.
- The franchise mode is deep and customizable, allowing for extensive team management and strategy options.
- The developers are responsive to community feedback, continuously working to improve the game and fix bugs.
- The graphics and overall presentation are still lacking compared to AAA titles, which may deter some players.
- Gameplay can feel clunky at times, with issues like players running into each other and inconsistent AI behavior.
- There are still bugs and glitches present, such as problems with player controls and occasional game freezes.
- gameplay87 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
Overall, the gameplay has seen notable improvements since 2015, with enhanced animations and mechanics making it more enjoyable, yet many players still find it lacking compared to competitors like Madden. While aspects such as franchise mode and customization are praised, the gameplay itself is often described as inconsistent, with issues like awkward movement and AI behavior detracting from the experience. Many reviewers express hope for further enhancements in future iterations, indicating that while progress has been made, there is still significant room for improvement.
“The gameplay is charming and fun while imperfect, and the franchise mode is supreme.”
“Gameplay is fun but not as polished as Madden, but you can actually see improvements from previous years.”
“Tackling and breaking tackles is far improved and the overall gameplay is smooth and very realistic.”
“Outside of the gameplay, which honestly sucks, and the announcers that just weren't programmed well, the rest of the game is great. I love how you can customize teams, and outside of playing franchise mode, it is really fun.”
“The gameplay just feels like the character models are on skates the whole time; it's awful.”
“This game is simply lacking in many aspects; the gameplay is by far the worst part though.”
- graphics49 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 16 % 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 players appreciate the animations and overall gameplay experience, they express disappointment in the visual fidelity, particularly in areas like player models and environmental details. Overall, there is a consensus that while the graphics are serviceable, a graphical overhaul is necessary for the game to compete more effectively in the sports simulation market.
“Overall, both this and Madden have plusses 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.”
“The Axis Football 2023 gameplay experience is every bit as good as, or even better than, those old football simulation games, but with far better graphics.”
“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.”
“If you are expecting Madden-level graphics, UI, gameplay, and audio, this is not the game for you.”
- stability15 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 87 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with persistent bugs and glitches reported across various versions, particularly in 2023. While some users note that it runs well on specific platforms like the Steam Deck, many others highlight issues such as crashes, freezes, and problematic hit box detection, indicating that the game feels untested and incomplete. Overall, players seeking a stable experience may find this game frustrating due to its numerous technical problems.
“For the price, it runs great on the deck.”
“Runs great on my Steam Deck.”
“Some bugs persist from version to version, but mostly new ones come up, and in 2023 it is 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 is praised for its exceptional optimization, featuring snappy performance improvements, a responsive UI, and lower hardware requirements, making it an easy purchase for players. However, some users noted issues with remote play via the Steam Link app and suggested the addition of advanced settings for graphical options like detailed shadows.
“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, make 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 manages to balance monetization with user experience, though 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, making it more engaging than previous versions. The momentum-based tackling system further enhances its playability, encouraging players to return for more.
“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.”
- story3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is noted to be enjoyable, though it lacks extensive game modes such as online or dedicated story modes. Players appreciate the fun gameplay, despite some frustrations with mechanics like player interactions. Overall, it is recommended for those seeking an entertaining football experience.
“In my quest, however, to find another football game that is actually more enjoyable than Madden, I did find one.”
“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.”
- 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 the 8-bit arcade tracks occasionally fit the gameplay, but overall, the absence of engaging music on the field detracts from the experience. Instead, loud commentators fail to enhance the excitement, leaving the music aspect in need of improvement.
“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 feel 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 repetitive nature of AI play selection further contributes to the overall sense of monotony.
“Creating new teams is ridiculous and tedious to do.”
“Sadly though, customization leaves much to be desired in terms of stadium creation, team composition (ability to have a team of C rating for example), and the tediousness of AI play selection allocation.”
“Keep on grinding.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % 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. Overall, players feel that the immersive experience is diminished by this absence of vibrancy.
“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.”