Axiom Verge

Axiom Verge is the type of game that specifically recalls gaming history and wears its inspirations on it's sleeve. Make no mistake about it this game is intended to look much like classic Nintendo games of yore, most obviously Metroid and it plays very similarly to those games as well. Where Axiom Verge shines though is its ability to mix in some more modern gameplay sensibilities while at the same time delivering a classic and immensely fun time.

Axiom Verge is a game that on first glance defies no expectations. It's a 2-D, pixel-art side scroller with music, graphics and gameplay plucked right out of the early 90s. It isn't until you start to dive a little deeper that it truly opens up. The differing weapons and styles of play that continue to unfold are nothing short of remarkable. You'll get weapons and items that will stretch the concept of this style of game to their logical end point. Take for instance the Address Disruptor, one of the first indications that this game wont be what it seems at face value, it can transform and change enemies and areas in the game that fundamentally alters your course. The weapon design is masterfully implemented in how it forces you to go about fighting the different enemies. One enemy will have a different form after you use the Glitch Gun on them which will then make them susceptible to bullets. Some enemies wont take damage from regular weapons but will take electric damage from the Kilver. It's very rare in games where I change up my play style, typically I'll get a weapon become comfortable with it and stick with it until the end. I found myself constantly changing up my weapons and having a blast doing it.

I can't begin to talk about how much I enjoyed this game without gushing over the artstyle and music. When you first start to playing it looks very basic. Black, Red and Grey dominate the starting area, even the character sprite looks relatively simple. As you go through the game though it gets remarkably more complex and varied. There is a desert type area, a snow one, a green verdant area all of which were created with an immense amount of love and passion. The Boss designs are a shining example of this. The amount of detail and character that is giving to each of the bosses is incredible. The work that must have gone into bringing the bosses to life is staggering. As well the music in the game gives a sense of nostalgia and with its many pulsating beats it propels you forward to continue your journey.

While the boss fights were stunning they ranged from fun to slightly frustrating. The game does a really good job about putting a checkpoint right by each of the boss fights so the trail and error nature of these encounters is lessened. They mostly require several attempts to understand what you need to do and then capitalizing on that strategy. None of the bosses really require a great amount of dexterity which is nice but they do require you to know exactly what to look for in a weak spot and how to attack it. The game does have a pretty steep difficulty hike towards the end of the game that doesn't necessarily earn and if you didn't find certain items you'll be having a much harder time. To be honest I cheesed the very last boss, I knew I was so close to finishing it and going through the proper steps to beat it seemed like a hassle that would be met at the end with relief and not triumph.

The ways in which Axiom Verge shines though greatly out way the only gripe I had with the game. Nothing quite beats getting that one item you’ve been looking for to unlock a whole new area. The sense of wonder and amazement brought me back to when I was a kid playing SNES games and thinking they were gigantic worlds that could never be uncovered and that they had seemingly endless amounts of playability. All of this being created by one sole individual is beyond amazing. Multiple times through out the game I was left bewildered by this fact. The authored nature of this game is one that gives me hope that games can be singular visions and representations of a sole creative mind. Not only is this game an incredible achievement it is a wicked good time.