Axiom Verge

 PlayStation 4
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 205 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 152 out of 205
  2. Mixed: 28 out of 205
  3. Negative: 25 out of 205
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  1. TheGameMaster
    Apr 20, 2015
    10
    Axiom Verge was a treat to play and with almost 30 hours invested into it I still have more weapons, areas and unlockables to uncover. The game from the beginning has a very noticeable Metroid meets Contra in the belly of Red Falcon sort of feel and I have to say that I love it. One thing right off the bat that this game gets right is the basic controls. Firing your weapon in allAxiom Verge was a treat to play and with almost 30 hours invested into it I still have more weapons, areas and unlockables to uncover. The game from the beginning has a very noticeable Metroid meets Contra in the belly of Red Falcon sort of feel and I have to say that I love it. One thing right off the bat that this game gets right is the basic controls. Firing your weapon in all directions felt just as smooth as an NES or SNES side scrollers without that weightiness present in most games. Jumping and firing on enemies with the sound effects and enemy explosions felt satisfying. A very easy game to pick up and immediately start playing.

    The story is best described as a complex science fiction tale where a scientist named Trace supposedly dies in a lab explosion only to awaken unharmed in an alien world. Armed with a biomechanical gun and tasked by a female voice in his mind, Trace runs out into this mysterious world searching for answers while trying not get killed in the process.

    The game is filled with weapons, health and weapons upgrades, unique enemies, boss battles and of course secret areas. Each world is interconnected by portals or breaches in structures where you must fight enemies and find that specific upgrade to continue on.

    One of my favorite upgrades might have to be the mechanical drone. This little laser armed critter can get to hard to reach areas or tunnels all the while Trace is protected under a barrier shield. A very useful way to clear the path of enemies in tight situations. A later upgrade even allows you to increase the launch distance of the drone as well as allow you to teleport to its location making traversing areas quicker. The laser drill attachment also acquired near the begin is also a beautiful tool for passing through rocky areas and enemies.

    The music feels like a love letter to the chiptune styles of the NES and SNES and do I love the design choice. The constant loop does bring back nostalgic feelings, however, I feel the sound was spot on for the atmosphere and style of the game.

    Of course, what appears to be pretty straight forward good vs evil side scrolling shooter evolves into an existential drama of dark events and discovery of who you really are – as well as the motives of your enemy and allies. It is certainly complex and will get you pondering afterwards – however, there are quite a few hidden documents and notes that you can uncover and translate to find out what has been transpiring. I will not lie that some of it can be confusing, however, its complexity and winding nature kept me piqued. Whether a gamer loves it or hates it will be one’s story telling preferences methinks.

    If there were any issues, I would say that the dashing teleporting mechanic which later serves as a quick dash to break through walls or access alternate paths or double jump can be a little hard to master when trying to access overhead areas. I found it was best used in tandem with a grappling hook accessory. In addition, the weapon wheel used to select your full arsenal in game vs. during a pause can be a little difficult to direct especially as you gain more weapons – however, none of these were deal breakers.

    Also, anyone looking for someone to hold your hand, this is most likely not the game for you. Although you get save points in each map, there is no regenerative health (you have to earn it) and only one life. There are no glowing indicators telling you exactly where to go (although colors exist on the map for potentially red boss rooms, light blue save rooms, or areas of importance) and you cannot teleport between worlds. You have to trek it out on foot or with your upgrades. However, there are some hidden drops and one fast mode of travel in a specific area if a gamer discovers it. In addition, sometimes you will get trapped in a world with no option other than to go deeper into it. To me, it is my favorite environmental choice – forcing you to explore the rich environments, only to find another powerup to access other areas as well as allow you to finally backtrack to the previous worlds.

    As for the supposed “glitches” that appear on screen (another throwback to the NES days), these are actually intentional. A later upgrade called the Address Disruptor allows you to manipulate not only these glitchy environments to open up new areas but also change the attack patterns and forms of your enemies - sometimes even allowing them to spawn energy to refill your health.

    All of this (the game, soundtrack and story) developed by one man over a span of 5 years is astonishing in my opinion and shows how an indie game or any game can be done well with a great attention to detail and love for the genre. I only think what Tom Happ could do with a large team and bigger budget. If you have a PS4, I think it is a no brainer to get it, just be aware of what you are getting into.    … Expand
  2. Diesel_Fox
    Apr 16, 2015
    10
    I'm always astounded (for some reason) by the rampant ignorance that fills up Metacritic's user review section. 1's and 0's? Come on? Anyways, complaining about not knowing where to go next, having to do some backtracking and and giving a negative review because the game doesn't grab you by the hand and pull you through the entire experience telling you what to do at every whim is asinine.I'm always astounded (for some reason) by the rampant ignorance that fills up Metacritic's user review section. 1's and 0's? Come on? Anyways, complaining about not knowing where to go next, having to do some backtracking and and giving a negative review because the game doesn't grab you by the hand and pull you through the entire experience telling you what to do at every whim is asinine. Most likely the complainers probably did not play NES games and/or were more than likely born in the 90's or later.

    Axiom Verge did exactly what it set out to do. It payed homage to Metroid, and encompassed everything from that era, from visuals to game design. These types of games were all about exploration, so yeah you had to do some backtracking...big deal. I guess gamers have gotten so lazy, ADD ridden and spoiled that they can't bear to backtrack for a few minutes, or do a little exploration on their own without whining.

    If you're someone who loved NES games, especially Metroid (obviously) pick it up! This game is fun, immersive, and addictive. It's well worth the price, and not to mention you would be supporting a good man who worked by himself, for years developing all the visuals, coding, sound, and even music, to deliver this experience to us. Excellent game!    … Expand
  3. Caverex
    Apr 7, 2015
    10
    I beat the game on Sunday and just loved it! I haven't had all that fun in a long time with a metroidvania game, i'm definitely playing it again when it comes to Playstation Vita.
  4. ToonRenegade
    Apr 10, 2015
    10
    This is my favourite PS4 title to date. Stop reading reviews as it will spoil all the fun to be had exploring. The music is stirring and the joy of discovering new items and guns confirms why we play games. Can’t wait for Axiom Verge 2.
  5. SWERY_51
    Apr 1, 2015
    8
    Great metroidvania 8bits style. The mecanics are cool, the musics are awesome, the gameplay is smooth, but i found it a little over-priced. It is a good little indy game NES look alike, but 10$ would have been more appropriate.
  6. tormentor55
    Mar 31, 2015
    8
    It's a lot like super metroid and it's a pretty damn enjoyable indie game. Occasionally confusing but a huge part of this game is just... exploring. It's pretty much worth $15.
  7. JustJakeBurke
    Apr 4, 2015
    8
    When it comes to “Axiom Verge” there are two certainties, one it’s a complex and challenging experience, and two it’s down right addicting. Axiom Verge is game that pays homage to the Metroidvania genre, made famous in the 90’s by games like Super Metroid and Castlevania. If still unfamiliar with either of the titles the primary objective of the game is to explore an environment slowlyWhen it comes to “Axiom Verge” there are two certainties, one it’s a complex and challenging experience, and two it’s down right addicting. Axiom Verge is game that pays homage to the Metroidvania genre, made famous in the 90’s by games like Super Metroid and Castlevania. If still unfamiliar with either of the titles the primary objective of the game is to explore an environment slowly acquiring new equipment in order to traverse other parts of the map. Axiom Verge excels at recreating what made those games so special.
    One of the only places Axiom Verge truly struggles is located within the game’s actual story. The player takes control of a young scientist named Trace, after a fatal accident he awakens in a mysterious new reality. From here the player slowly discovers a strange new world. The story is told through old school like cutscenes similar to what would be seen on the Super Nintendo. Though despite the retro style there is never anything that interesting happening. In fact, most of the story is somewhat confusing. But Axiom Verge isn’t about story; it’s about so much more.
    Axiom Verge’s art and world are some of its greatest features; the 2D side scrolling gameplay is a wonderful compliment to the vibrant colors in each of the different areas. As the player traverses the game’s many different environments a massive sense of nostalgia is bound to kick in as every sound and pixel is reminiscent of the past games. There is a real feeling of retro gaming, but like most modern games there is a wonderful twist.
    While the game relies familiar mechanics, like shooting enemies and jumping from platform to platform, it still brings something entirely new to the table. Like the games of the past Axiom Verge is filled with various glitches, but there’s a catch they’re just another tool on your journey. With this mechanic the game’s potential is revealed as the player changes the game world. Every enemy has an alternate glitch form that can either become a helpful ally or a weaker version of it’s previous self. Where this feature truly excels is how the map changes in order to help Trace. Soon these tactics feel like cheating as a boss that may have been near impossible is now taken down because an exposed “glitch”.
    The game’s many bosses are some of the most appealing looking boss the player will ever seen and each is bigger and scarier than the one before it. Yet as the player is bound to discover each can be defeated with ease by using a certain weapon or a hidden glitch. After defeating each boss the player is back to exploring the game’s massive map, this is another place the game struggles. While each of the Axiom Verge’s levels are certainly beautiful at first glance, the game’s level design becomes progressively more confusing over time. The player is bound to be lost more than once while exploring Axiom Verge. With no way to ask for help or have story exposition retold the map may become a place of hopeless wandering.
    Axiom Verge is a game that pays excellent homage to games of the past like Metroid and Castlevania while still doing it’s own thing. The map may be confusing at times, but Axiom Verge is still an amazingly addicting experience. There is no reason that you shouldn’t pick up Axiom Verge.    … Expand
  8. DoG2000
    Apr 6, 2015
    8
    Remember the NES? Take equal parts Bionic Commando, Metroid, Kid Icarus and Castlevania, put them in a blender and add a couple dashes of awesome, and you have Axiom Verge. It's like playing Metroid for the first time. (One of my favorite nostalgic games of all time) .......getting tired.....NO!! not until I find another power up!
  9. FogCityRoller
    Mar 17, 2018
    9
    It's a shame that Metacritic user reviews have lost their way and resorted to "its an ok game but rating it 1 to counter all the 10s I disagree with" so lame. You kids need to grow up and stop using this site.

    Axiom Verge is a beautifully crafted game that any true Metroid fan should fully enjoy. It has a great assortment of weapons and power-ups, hidden areas that require some    It's a shame that Metacritic user reviews have lost their way and resorted to "its an ok game but rating it 1 to counter all the 10s I disagree with" so lame. You kids need to grow up and stop using this site.

    Axiom Verge is a beautifully crafted game that any true Metroid fan should fully enjoy. It has a great assortment of weapons and power-ups, hidden areas that require some diligence to discover, and fantastic level and character/creature design. It's a blast to play from beginning to end.

    My only complaint, and the reason I am not giving it a perfect 10, is that the bosses aren't challenging enough (even though their designs are fantastic). If you go in blindly and don't sit back and strategize then you might find them difficult, but almost every boss has some way to basically cheese the fight. I'm not going to say no skill, because it takes some skill to strategize, but there's far too many safe spots. Most of the enemies you encounter elsewhere in the game are far more annoying.    … Expand
  10. drnasty
    Oct 22, 2015
    8
    Axiom Verge takes me back to a time when I really loved the Nintendo games and consoles. It is classic in its controls, gameplay, level design and the music is great. It is nostalgic like the original Metroid and Super Metroid - my favourites of the series.

    This game may not be for everyone, but if you loved the original Metroids and can see past the 8/16 bit graphics you will have a    Axiom Verge takes me back to a time when I really loved the Nintendo games and consoles. It is classic in its controls, gameplay, level design and the music is great. It is nostalgic like the original Metroid and Super Metroid - my favourites of the series.

    This game may not be for everyone, but if you loved the original Metroids and can see past the 8/16 bit graphics you will have a blast.

    Enjoying my childhood again.    … Expand
  11. raccoondaddy
    Aug 27, 2017
    8
    Axiom Verge borrows a lot from Metroid 1 and Super Metroid and more or less is a love letter to the two. Carrying it's own intriguing, yet simplistic plot that is coupled with that great old-school action we got from its inspirations. Gadgets are fun to use and boss fights are tense and challenging, but not unbeatable. My only problem is, that the music does get a little annoying duringAxiom Verge borrows a lot from Metroid 1 and Super Metroid and more or less is a love letter to the two. Carrying it's own intriguing, yet simplistic plot that is coupled with that great old-school action we got from its inspirations. Gadgets are fun to use and boss fights are tense and challenging, but not unbeatable. My only problem is, that the music does get a little annoying during prolonged sittings. Turning it down a couple notches does help.… Expand
  12. Malooga
    Jul 7, 2015
    10
    Axiom Verge is a worthy spirit child of retro Metroid, but beyond a semi-clever level design and LOTS of guns, it doesn't really offer much to.......wait.....one guy made this? ONE GUY! ONE FREAKING GUY MADE THIS WHOLE GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Scratch everything, 10/10, shortest review ever. Your dreams can come true kids, this guy is proof. Completely worth the money, I had a blast with this    Axiom Verge is a worthy spirit child of retro Metroid, but beyond a semi-clever level design and LOTS of guns, it doesn't really offer much to.......wait.....one guy made this? ONE GUY! ONE FREAKING GUY MADE THIS WHOLE GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Scratch everything, 10/10, shortest review ever. Your dreams can come true kids, this guy is proof. Completely worth the money, I had a blast with this game. Guns, guns, guns. PLAY IT!    … Expand
  13. Geekman
    Jul 16, 2015
    10
    It's a great game that fills the 5 year gap since the last Metroid released. It's to Metroid what Shovel Knight was to Megaman, meaning there are lots of similarities, but it still feels like its own thing. The world of Axiom Verge, in my opinion is a lot more interesting than that of the original Metroid, and I feel the game in general is far superior to it;s NES inspiration. You'll getIt's a great game that fills the 5 year gap since the last Metroid released. It's to Metroid what Shovel Knight was to Megaman, meaning there are lots of similarities, but it still feels like its own thing. The world of Axiom Verge, in my opinion is a lot more interesting than that of the original Metroid, and I feel the game in general is far superior to it;s NES inspiration. You'll get lost a lot, but that's kind of the charm to Metroid games. Finding out what you need to do and what you need to have to do it. It's very satisfying. The protagonist isn't the most interesting, but frankly, it doesn't matter too much in a game like this.… Expand
  14. archonreptoid
    Apr 2, 2015
    9
    I started the game with some reservation This because a lot of retro metroidvania games i,ve played over the years didn't quite live up to the original masterpieces like maze of galious and usas. At the moment im about 4 hours into the game, and must say that i think it is really great. From the complex layout of it's maze, to the joy of discovering new weapons, health packs, hidden rooms,I started the game with some reservation This because a lot of retro metroidvania games i,ve played over the years didn't quite live up to the original masterpieces like maze of galious and usas. At the moment im about 4 hours into the game, and must say that i think it is really great. From the complex layout of it's maze, to the joy of discovering new weapons, health packs, hidden rooms, ways to reach that one place you coudn't just before.
    Another thing that took me by surprise was the atmospheric soundtrack, a perfect blend of the PSG soundchip, used in most consoles from the eighties, with some great and ominous dark synthsounds.
    So thanks Tom, for creating this universe of nostalgia with a enough newishnesh to keep it from being a mere copy. And yes when you read this Steven, doeg van de Retielen.    … Expand
  15. Dorana
    May 15, 2017
    9
    This game really captures the original Metroid feeling.
    It has that exploring that I have so missed in many other MetroidVania style games.
    I think partly because they have returned to that original style where you had to find out where to go rather then having it pointed out on the map. Some may argue that this is bad, they want that extra help to know where to go. I personally prefer    This game really captures the original Metroid feeling.
    It has that exploring that I have so missed in many other MetroidVania style games.
    I think partly because they have returned to that original style where you had to find out where to go rather then having it pointed out on the map.
    Some may argue that this is bad, they want that extra help to know where to go.
    I personally prefer the no info game style since it makes it so much more rewarding when you find out where to go and how to get there.
    I would recommend that you make use of the 2 notes you can place on the map, My only concern with them is that you can't write memos about them, like "Need high jump ability" or "narrow path" so that you can easily recall why you put the note there.

    Overall this game is as close to perfect as I can say, it has a true Metroid feel to it    … Expand
  16. DrakeGarrison
    Aug 26, 2015
    8
    A failed scientist dies in an accident, only to awaken in a mysterious, alien world. Where is he? How did he get here? And why do the fundamental laws of reality appear broken? Life. Afterlife. Real. Virtual. Dream. Nightmare. It's a thin line. It's Axiom Verge. [Thomas Happ]
  17. MudMonger
    Jul 4, 2016
    10
    Quite possibly my favorite game in the last year. Played front to back and barely put it down. Could not wait to get off work to play this again. well done.
  18. GreenMachineG
    Jan 1, 2016
    8
    Axiom Verge teleports you back to the prime of Metroid-Vania platforming. If you loved Metroid or Castlevania as a kid then you MUST play this game. The retro aesthetic and gameplay feel exactly like a game in those veins. I give a salute to the creator for matching up with how the old games felt and played, and the additions made in this game are tons of fun! Definitely a game worthAxiom Verge teleports you back to the prime of Metroid-Vania platforming. If you loved Metroid or Castlevania as a kid then you MUST play this game. The retro aesthetic and gameplay feel exactly like a game in those veins. I give a salute to the creator for matching up with how the old games felt and played, and the additions made in this game are tons of fun! Definitely a game worth giving a shot! I will however say that in the modern age of gaming that games such as these are easily overtaken by bigger games, and if you are a modern gamer exclusively who only plays big name titles, then I would skip this as the old school gameplay will probably bore you, which is a shame.

    8.0/10    … Expand
  19. tomvs123
    Dec 3, 2020
    8
    The best metriodvania I've played. Well, slight correction there: There's almost no Castlevania in this one; It's a better and more mature version of Metroid.

    If you're into intelligent and vague stories, then this one has a great one. While performing an experiment with your research organization, there's an accident that seems to cause you to be transported to a different world or    The best metriodvania I've played. Well, slight correction there: There's almost no Castlevania in this one; It's a better and more mature version of Metroid.

    If you're into intelligent and vague stories, then this one has a great one. While performing an experiment with your research organization, there's an accident that seems to cause you to be transported to a different world or dimension. There, you're tasked by the dying electronic/robotic giants with saving them (by restoring power, releasing repair drones, etc.).

    Well, exactly what happened, what you're doing, and even your existence is up for interpretation, which you'll have fun trying to figure out as you find documents and progress the story.

    A great part about this, is that while your protagonist isn't the smartest guy around, his actions are believable and he's got a good moral compass. This makes his ending choice make sense, even though it's a shame you can't choose the other option.

    This is a story you'll want to uncover for yourself, so I'll stop the story explanation here.

    The game is excellent gameplay-wise. After playing roughly 10 metroidvania games, I got a bit bored of the same repetitive level design, tools, and ways to open up new parts of the map. This game takes things in a different direction and seems to scrap everything from the past 20 years and starts over with Metroid as its base.

    For example, you get a high jump early on, but you still can't jump high enough to reach some areas. You'd expect that a higher jump or double jump is next, but no.. The game offers three completely different skill-based solutions for getting higher, two of which I've never seen before.

    Using your own abilities isn't the only way to progress and find secret areas. You get a sort of hacking skill that modifies your environment in various ways (in addition to making you wonder whether you're in a digital world - just one of many of the game's thought-provoking elements). You can also hack enemies, with each one reacting differently, and unexpectedly per standard video game logic.

    There's multiple digital aspects to the world. In addition to hacking, there's passwords to find and enter (game genie-style), and glitched secret areas that are beautifully broken. Getting close to a secret area and entering it has various random effects that you'll be familiar with if you've played NES games. The game expertly integrates these segments into the gameplay and story.

    I won't talk more about the gameplay because experiencing these unique mechanics blind is one of the reasons the game is so good.

    The only real downsides to the game are its length (10-15 hours based on how much stuff you try to find), and how it presents its lore. The lore that you'll uncover (or maybe not uncover) its random because much of it is hidden around the world map. The lore would would work better if told in order or after certain story segments. But that would go against Metroid mechanics, so I see why it wasn't done that way.

    So with its excellent mechanics and mature sci-fi story, the game is a must-play for intelligent story lovers and metroidvania fans. I just learned there will be a sequel, and it's a definite buy for me.    … Expand
  20. Pietrovish
    Jun 21, 2020
    8
    Todo lo bueno de Super metroid, esta aplicado en este video juego. Un juego de estilo retro que hace gala de los mejores recursos de grandes titulos.
  21. AbhinavDasiga
    Dec 4, 2020
    8
    A great metroidvania which entices the player to search for every item and weapon. The soundtrack is particularly impressive. The only places where the game falls short are the ease of traversing the map and the plot (which probably warranted more breathing room than the game gave it). Overall it's a splendid effort, all from the mind of one person.
  22. Darros2
    Jun 30, 2020
    10
    Un muy buen juego, tiene un montón de coleccionables y armas que puedes desbloquear, que no son todas necesarias para completar la historia, pero si te dedicas a sacar todo el contenido secundario obtienes un final secreto para el título, la jugabilidad es bastante buena y entretenida. Si te gustan los juegos estilo Metroid no puedes pasar por alto este juego.
  23. futureblues
    May 6, 2022
    10
    The best modern Metroid or Metroid-style game. I'd say it's an easy pick for that distinction, but the sequel is as good - this one gets the nod by way of seniority.

    The music, pixel art, environments & mood capture exploring an ominous, alien world through a retro-futurist lens flawlessly.

Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Best PS4 Game of 2015
87
#87 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2015
81
#81 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 61 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 55 out of 61
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 61
  3. Negative: 0 out of 61
  1. Pelit (Finland)
    Sep 1, 2015
    88
    Axiom Verge is a very traditional metroidvania, but in its details lurks a whole lot of innovation. [Aug 2015]
  2. The Digital Fix
    May 26, 2015
    80
    As it stands Axiom Verge is highly recommended, it is a game that knows its source material, has the ability to authentically replicate its inspiration but interesting enough to add its own spin.
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  3. GameCritics
    May 25, 2015
    85
    Tom Happ took great care when taking the Metroid formula and expanding on everything that makes it great, and it shows. Although I spent a bit too much time wandering around and I could have done without the eleventh-hour difficulty spike, Axiom Verge is an excellent Sci-Fi adventure that I'd recommend to anyone.
    Read full review
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