Each generation of video game consoles has that one defining characteristic, that one aspect that changes the paradigm of gaming as we know it. The Nintendo 64 / PlayStation era introduced us to the analog stick and disc-based media. The joys of online play were introduced in the Xbox / PS2 era. And the Xbox 360 / PS3 generation expanded on what it meant to be an “entertainment system.” That, and we were subjected to microtransactions galore. Well, some distinctions are better than others.
I believe it’s fair to say that the significant shift in this current generation is the quality of indie titles, games made by small groups of talented developers who understand that a game doesn’t have to be a Michael Bay-esque explosion-fest in order to be enjoyed. Granted, there were a lot of fantastic indie games last gen, but the scene has grown tremendously over the past few years. These dedicated folks make games that they themselves want to play. And we love them for it, because the love and enthusiasm poured into these games are evident in both the art and quality. Additionally, they offer a breath of fresh air to otherwise stagnant genres. And every so often, a game is released that’s pieced together so lovingly it reminds even the most jaded gamer why they got into this hobby in the first place. Axiom Verge is one of those games; a true masterpiece.
Platforms: PC, PS4 (Version Played)
Publisher: Thomas Happ Productions
Developer: Thomas Happ Productions
Genre: A Metroidvania Trip Down Memory Lane
Release Date: March 31, 2015
ESRB Rating: Teen
I chuckled to myself after typing that, as I don’t think I’ve ever used “masterpiece” in a review before. I’m not a fan of using those types of words. They sound so cliche, but in all honesty it couldn’t be any more accurate when describing this game. Axiom Verge really is that good. I cannot stress enough how fun it is to play through this title. You really need to experience it for yourself. OK, I’m done gushing – let’s get into exactly why this is a must-own title for your PlayStation system.
For the uninitiated, Axiom Verge falls into the “Metroidvania” category, a type of game that’s usually 2D and set in a non-linear landscape (an alien world or sprawling castle, for example). The world is technically open for full exploration, but some paths and sections of the map are only accessible once your character finds a weapon or power-up that allows access to said section. A ledge may be unreachable at first, but once you find gravity-reducing boots that allow you to jump higher, you can backtrack to reach that ledge – which leads to an entire new part of the in-game world. It’s this combination of combat, searching, and discovery that makes Metroidvanias such an enticing genre.
You play as Trace, a scientist who, after a freak accident in his lab, wakes up on a strange alien world with no recollection of how he got there. He is called upon by Elsenova, one of the inhabitants of the planet, to free her and save the planet from the clutches of an evil mastermind set on destroying all life. While it may sound like your ordinary, run-of-the-mill plot, I can assure you that it is anything but. I watered it down as best I could to avoid getting into any spoiler-y territory, but be advised that the story goes much, much deeper than the whole “regular guy saves the world” spiel that a lot of games seem to endorse. As you delve deeper into the world, conversations between Trace and the planet’s residents move the plot along. Additionally, notebooks scattered throughout the world give some background information on Trace, as well as the world he is currently stuck in.
Axiom Verge plays similarly to one of the games that inspired it, Metroid. You’ll be doing a lot of running, shooting, and jumping as you traverse the game’s sprawling map. Along the way, you will want to use every tool at your disposal as you look for ways to increase your health, strength, and weaponry. And believe me, you better look hard. I finished the game in fourteen hours, and only found about 68% of all items. And I searched every nook and cranny I could find. That’s another great thing about the game – the satisfaction I had when I found a secret area or hidden powerup – it’s something I haven’t felt in a while. As with any epic game, you’ll also fight bosses who are amazing in both design and scope. One battle in particular caused the camera to zoom out so far that Trace was barely visible compared to the hulking monstrosity that was trying to destroy him.
I thoroughly enjoyed the many nods to classic games prevalent in Axiom Verge. Throughout the game, you’ll find several retro gameplay-related elements seen in the aforementioned Metroid, along with Contra, Blaster Master, Rygar, and I think I even caught a glimpse of some Bionic Commando. There’s even an amazing reference to the original Legend of Zelda. I really don’t want to spoil anything, but anyone who’s played it will instantly get a chuckle when they first encounter said allusion. But the references don’t stop there. A boss’s health is represented by the constant shades of red they turn as you bombard them with bullets – just like in the video games of old. As each bullet finds its mark, enemies will briefly flash, and look like the “snow” effect of old CRT televisions (think of the TV from Poltergeist). One of the tools in the game is the Address Disrupter, which itself is an awesome throwback to some of the problems old cartridges faced. Using this weapon affects the DNA of the enemy, and can alter their appearance and behavior. When changed, the enemy will look like it glitched out. Remember when you didn’t clean your game and the characters turned into a mess of quarter-sprites and numbers? Just like that, only intentional. Glitching an enemy may make them easier or harder to defeat, but that discovery aspect is what’s at the heart of Axiom Verge.
That’s another thing I loved about the game – there’s no hand-holding, no pulsing beacon on the map telling you where your next objective is. You’re just dropped into the game’s world and left to your own devices. Granted, you are very slightly nudged in the correct direction due to inaccessible areas, but at no time are you felt “forced” into the next boss battle. Once you acquire enough power-ups, you’re free to explore the map of your own accord. In one instance, I went up against a boss, confident that this was going to be a pushover. The thing kicked my ass – a lot. By the time my attempts hit the double-digit mark, I realized that I was not yet ready to take on this baddie. So I took a break and scoured the map, searching for health upgrades. That’s when I stumbled upon a certain weapon. Again, I don’t want to ruin anything, but after getting this weapon I pressed my luck once more against this seemingly impossible enemy. Only this time, victory was on my side. Again, it’s that trial-and-error process that truly makes this game shine.
The music also fits the game quite well. From the toe-tapping, Daft Punk-y beat of the first section, to the dreary, creepy sounds of the prisons, Axiom Verge’s music is both beautiful and memorable. You’ll quickly find yourself bobbing in head in unison with the music. And yes, I will be purchasing the soundtrack later today
Axiom Verge is astonishing. It really is a testament to what a phenomenal game should be: an engaging experience that has plenty to see and do and includes a tremendous amount of replay value. Couple that with the fact that this game was made by just one person, and you’ve got a game that is without a doubt worth every penny. I can also proudly say that Axiom Verge is on my list of games I’ve played through more than once – which is a very, very short list. It’s just that much fun. I honestly could not recommend this game more. Unless you hate fun. If you hate fun, then don’t buy Axiom Verge. The rest of you will love this game from beginning to end.
Footnote: I also wanted to add a personal experience that I thought would be fun to share. My seven-year-old son watched as I played through this game. He helped out by suggesting areas that I should try searching. He got really excited every time we were about to enter into a boss battle. He drew pictures of the game as I played. During our playthrough, I asked him what he thought were the best and worst parts of the game. For the best, he said, “the bosses and the music,” and for the worst, he said, “when the game ends. So when I finally beat the game and the credits rolled, he actually started to well up. I asked what was wrong, and through his tears he said, “I’m just so sad that it’s over, I had fun playing the game with you.” I reassured him that there were still more power-ups and secrets to find, plus the Hard Mode and Speedrun Mode, so the game wasn’t truly over. Plus, now I get to watch him play. This cheered him up, and we’ve booted up the old save file and are currently striving for 100%. We’ve played our fair share of video games together, but this is the first time that’s ever happened. Who would have thought that a one-man indie game would facilitate such a bonding experience?
Review Disclosure: A review copy of Axiom Verge was provided by Thomas Happ Productions for the purposes of this review.
