Axiom Verge

good game

Axiom Verge is a very cool and subversive game. It is heavily inspired by classic Metroid, and borrows many of its design ideas from it. However, it still manages to be unique and subversive while nailing that Metroid feel. The aspect I love most is the atmosphere; there is a kind of engrossing and mysterious horror to the game that is just awesome to explore. The music, art, environments, and designs are striking and feel very unique and inspired. The exploration is good, but can be a little slow going at first, and backtracking can be a little awkward at times. There are some interesting abilities to unlock that defy the typical expectations of a Metroidvania, which I think is a very intelligent design decision. The combat is similar to classic Metroid, so it can feel a little clunky if you aren't ready for that. I found it fun and satisfying, and I think it contributes well to the retro vibe. There are also a wide variety of weapons to find and try, including some strong secret weapons that keep the combat new and interesting as you progress. The bosses are solid, fun fights, but nothing exceptional or crazy. The story is good, but requires some interpretation, environment…

Pretty standard metroidvania. Sometime a little bit clunky visuals and difficult to see where to go, but overall a good game.

This is a solid Metroidvania and clearly a love letter to Super Metroid. Where Axiom Verge shines is its pixel artwork, enemy design, weapon variety, mysterious and compelling story, and, often, its level design. Where it falls short, I would say, is some QoL features like being able to mark more places on the map, and to mark places that aren't your current location. And this may be nitpicky, but the "low health" indicator is annoyingly loud and persistent. Overall it is a fun and interesting game, well worth the full $20, but a must-play on a discount.

When everyone believed Metroid was dead, Axiom Verge showed up as a kind of spiritual successor, heavily taking after Metroid at least. Now that Metroid has been back for a while and is clearly safe (and the metroidvania genre in general has experienced a huge boom mostly because of Hollow Knight's success), is there a need to play Axiom Verge? Was it's popularity back then just people coping about a near dead genre? Yes to worth playing, no to coping. Still a fantastic game I revisit from time to time, one of the must plays of the genre even after the indie metroidvania boom introduced so many other choices, especially if you prefer the Metroid to the Vania.

If you love Metroid but can't stand Hollow Knight, you will love this game. I am a sucker for high-concept sci-fi, and this definitely delivers on that front. (Also, I have way more hours on this game on another platform)