AX:EL - Air XenoDawn

ax el is a cool indie aerial dogfighting game with sci fi vibes where you build and shape shift your own vehicles for fun combat. the core flying and shooting feels unique and rewarding especially if you like customizing your rides. its a small download and has a dedicated fanbase that still enjoys it in 2026. sure the graphics and controls are dated with some jank but for what it is the gameplay holds up decently for short sessions. solid pick if you want something different in the genre.

Fun sci-fi dogfighting, shapeshifting vehicle between air and sea combat is a really cool concept. Recommended.

After finishing the game and spending some time thinking about it, I ultimately decided not to leave a negative review. However, I also can't genuinely recommend the game. The biggest issue for me is the flight controls. Aircraft movement feels heavily delayed, almost as if every input takes several seconds to register. You move your mouse, and the aircraft reacts noticeably later, making even basic maneuvers feel frustrating. I don't know if this was an intentional design choice, but responsive controls are one of the most important aspects of an aerial combat game, and the current implementation makes flying far less enjoyable than it should be. The user interface is another weak point. Navigation feels unintuitive, and basic conveniences are missing. For example, many menus don't have a simple "Back" button, forcing you to select "Quit to Main Menu" instead. Small issues like this add up over time and make the overall experience feel rough around the edges. Multiplayer support is limited to LAN only, which is disappointing for anyone hoping to play online with friends. On top of that, some ships appear unfinished or simply don't function correctly. The achievement list is al…

Neat concept, poor execution. The controls and graphics are wonky, and I would not recommend this to anyone.

She's not as bad as the quick-shooters claim. She does look frankly unpresentable. But you can get a certain amount of pleasure. Especially if you have a penchant for masochism. Moreover, there's a clear lack of quality games in the genre, now it's free, and one person made it.

man, this game really hits the spot for some laid-back fun. i spent a solid 15 hours just exploring the beautiful maps with my friends. we got super into building our little oasis in sandbox mode, and there’s something oddly satisfying about crafting the perfect spot. the dynamic weather is a nice touch too; it actually changes how we played. give it a shot if you’re looking for something chill with buddies.