Jack Axe
- October 6, 2021
- Keybol Games
Get on Steam"Jack Axe" is an action-adventure game where players control the titular character, Jack, as they explore a vast open world, solving puzzles and battling enemies using their magical axe. With a unique art style and fast-paced combat, players must upgrade their abilities and uncover the mysteries of Jack's past. The game features a variety of environments, from lush forests to dark caves, and encourages exploration and experimentation.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features satisfying axe locomotion and a variety of movement mechanics that allow for creative gameplay and sequence breaking.
- The colorful graphics and fast loading times contribute to an enjoyable visual experience and minimal downtime, making it easy to play in one sitting.
- Jack Axe offers a fun and challenging platforming experience, with engaging boss battles and a sense of exploration through hidden secrets and collectibles.
- There are significant game-breaking bugs, particularly related to save files, which can discourage players from continuing the game.
- The swimming mechanics are poorly designed, making navigation frustrating and counterintuitive compared to other platformers.
- The level design can feel aimless and lacks polish, with some areas appearing rushed or disjointed, detracting from the overall experience.
- gameplay24 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The gameplay of this indie platformer is characterized by a mix of enjoyable mechanics, particularly the innovative axe mechanic that allows for dynamic movement and exploration. While the platforming sections are generally smooth and well-designed, some mechanics can feel counterintuitive, leading to occasional disjointed experiences. Overall, the game promotes exploration and offers a fun, addictive experience with a variety of techniques to master.
“It's a cute little indie game with decent mechanics that doesn't overstay its welcome.”
“The gameplay is smooth, the platform challenges are well designed and a lot of fun, and I've managed to combine various jump strategies to pull off some wild, probably unintended sequence breaks.”
“The platforming mechanic with the axe is very cool — use it to zip over long drops or to cut through obstacles, which is great fun.”
“Some of the mechanics are fighting against each other.”
“Many times platforming sections, which you can tell are designed to be quick and buttery, will have odd hiccups, or points that feel somewhat disjointed, like the jump lengths or the way it should be played is counterintuitive to the mechanics of the game.”
“There is even a secret mechanic (most likely unintended): you can literally climb walls if you try hard enough.”
- graphics10 mentions
- 80 % positive mentions
- 10 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are praised for their vibrant color palette and cute, legible designs that enhance the overall enjoyment, despite some inconsistencies in quality. Players appreciate the old-school aesthetic and find the visuals fun and engaging, contributing to the addictive nature of the gameplay. Overall, the graphics are considered a strong point, though a few elements may not match the high standard set by others.
“Great color palette, very legible platform graphics, and very fun to look at despite their simplicity.”
“Nice old school graphics with fast-paced platform mechanics; I just played a few hours, but it feels very addictive. I will recommend it without any doubts.”
“A lot of the levels are designed pretty well, and I quite enjoy the cute graphics the game has to offer.”
“Some of the graphics are not up to the same level as the others.”
- music10 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it repetitive and frustrating, particularly the boss music, which they feel detracts from the overall experience. While there are positive remarks about the music's quality and a welcomed change, many users express that it still feels underdeveloped, contributing to a sense of dissatisfaction. Overall, the music is seen as a weak point in an otherwise enjoyable game.
“The art is pretty and the music is nice.”
“If I have to hear that boss music one more time, I'm going to wipe my hard drive.”
“While I was happy for the music change, it still felt like the game was in beta or something.”
“Until this point, I was willing to forgive the repetitive music and the few deaths that were not really my fault, but these problems soured what was otherwise a good game I could enjoy in one sitting without much issue.”
- story4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The story is generally perceived as lacking depth and feeling unfinished, with many reviewers suggesting it seems like an afterthought. Despite these criticisms, some players see potential in the narrative and express a willingness to give the game a chance.
“The story feels like it was an afterthought; there isn't much there.”
“It feels unfinished and is lacking in story, but I'd still like to give it a chance because I can see the potential this game had.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Players find that the grinding aspect of the game can become tedious, particularly towards the end, leading to a less enjoyable experience.
“The grinding becomes tedious towards the end.”
“The grinding aspect of the game feels repetitive and exhausting.”
“After a while, the grinding just feels like a chore.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find "Jack Axe" to be a humorous short platformer, primarily due to its quirky mechanics of throwing an axe and dashing to it, which adds a comedic twist to the gameplay. The lighthearted tone and playful design contribute to its overall charm and entertainment value.
“Jack Axe is a funny short platformer game where the main mechanic is to throw an axe and dash to it.”
