Review

Developed by:Thomas Happ Published by:Thomas Happ Genre(s):
  • Action Adventure
  • Platformer
  • Platform:
  • Handhelds
  • Microsoft
  • Nintendo
  • PC
  • Sony
  • Cost:$19.99 ESRB Rating:RATING PENDING Players:1 Release date:March 31, 2015 Reviewed on:PS4
    8.3

    Axiom Verge

    What I find exceptionally intriguing about this generation of gaming, is how some of today’s most talked about games feature yesterday’s elements. A lot of indie developers have found success by tapping into a market that’s hungry for retro inspired titles. Now, personally, I prefer the updated gameplay and visuals found in big budget games; the old-school games just seemed outdated or at the very least, wouldn’t entertain a person who has a short attention span like myself. That said, I am glad games like Axiom Verge exist as it has changed my outlook on retro styled video games.

    Before I dig too deep into this groundbreaking game, allow me to set the table. Axiom Verge is a 2D action adventure game that puts you in the shoes of a failed scientist named Trace. After dying in a terrible accident, Trace is transported to an alien world full of dangerous creatures. This alternate reality is where he’ll spend the rest of his time as the mystery of his death and current whereabouts slowly unravels. There is no right or wrong way to explore this deadly environment, but by no means is it an easy trip. It’s a good thing Trace has some awesome firepower to use at his disposal…

    It’s easy to see that developer Tom Happ was inspired by games such as Metroid. Actually, a lot of the game looks and feels similar to Super Metroid, but with a more modern take. The maze-like environment is made for exploring. There are multiple weapon types that, once found will allow you to traverse areas that were previously out of reach and/or kill tougher enemies. Not knowing what to expect on the other side of a door but being pumped to find out is a common occurrence. Unless of course it’s a red corridor with a single door at the end as those usually house huge bosses that are hell bent on killing you. No seriously, there should be a sign that reads “RUN! YOU DON’T WANT WHAT’S ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS TUNNEL!” because these monsters are hard to take down. Adding to these familiar elements are new ones. Like the ability to manipulate the game’s glitches using the Address Disruptor. For instance, you may see something in the environment that doesn’t look quite right (like a wall that’s spazzing in and out of existence). Hitting it with the Disruptor might “fix” its code, allowing you to pass on to a secret location. This breaking of the 4th wall is an interesting way to add in unconventional gameplay mechanics, which elevates Axiom Verge from being just another Metroidvania.

    To be blunt, the moment to moment gameplay is magnificent – the tight and easy to pick up controls, creative weapons, fun to solve puzzles and challenging enemy encounters all contribute to an entertaining experience. The steady climb in difficulty may cause some frustration though. Playing through the game on normal, I remembered thinking to myself “If this is normal, I don’t stand a chance playing this game on hard.” Even after what felt like a billion deaths, finally reaching the end of this title was an achievement worth screaming to the heavens about. What really made this game tough for me was the creepy music playing in the background. With the exception of boss battles, the soundtrack brought on feelings of dread – a looming darkness and ambiguity follow me as the soundtrack seems to be on an endless loop. It was as if it was foreshadowing my pending death(s).

    Though the soundtrack is full of creepy tunes, I liked what I was hearing. Whether it’s a boss battle or fighting through varieties of enemies between them, the music here sets the tone for everything else that is happening in the game. And sense there are no voiceovers at all, it helps to sell the story of Trace’s nightmare like experience. It’s appropriate, just like the retro visuals. Speaking of visuals, I am guilty for being turned off by the retro-style games. I just never understood why someone would want to play a game that looked as if it was made for an 8 or 16bit system. Why develop backwards? It would seem that I was ignorant to the timeless beauty that’s found in classic gaming (or maybe other titles just aren’t as good looking in pixel form) because I really like Axiom Verge. Its stylized graphics stays true to its old-school roots while also being unique enough to stand on their own. There hasn’t been a game in ages that captures the magic of these early aged action-adventure games in such a way that I forget I’m playing a current game. There were times where I had to check a calendar and make sure I was still in 2015.

    axiom-verge-gif

    We are living in a golden age of gaming, not just for us as gamers, but also with indie developers. These last few years have given us some of the best games to our consoles and computers from indie camps and we can gladly add this game to the list. What I found most outstanding about Axiom Verge is that it was made by a single person. As I continued to be stumped by what seems to be an endless maze full of deadly enemies, I could not fathom how a game this well rounded could possibly be made by one person. Tom Happ is no rookie to the game industry, but this maybe one of his finest achievements and I am glad to have been able to play it.

    If it isn’t obvious enough, I LOVED Axiom Verge. Even when the game seems too difficult to continue, the feeling of achievement is worth the push. With a great mix of the best of yesterday and today, this game has everything a gamer could want in an action-adventure game. There’s even a Speedrun mode built in for those looking for an extra challenge (or bragging rights). Now if I could just shake that creepy music out of my head, maybe I won’t keep having those nightmares where I’m fighting flying robot brains.

    Gameplay:

    8

    Axiom Verge is a combination of multiple retro titles and modern game mechanics, which ultimately creates a unique experience.

    Graphics:

    8

    The art style took me back, though it shouldn’t take feelings of nostalgia to win people over.

    Sound:

    8

    The music still freaks me out. Oddly enough though, it lends itself well to Axiom Verge!

    Replay Value:

    9

    While the game is tough - I doubt that I’ll even try to complete it again for some time – it is super fun to play.

    Final Score:

    8.3

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