User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 158 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 8 out of 158
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  1. Jul 6, 2018
    7
    Axiom Verge is homage a to Metriod (NES) that shows a lot of love. The Graphics are pixelated, dark and strange. The story is pretty good, mysterious, surreal. Surreal is definitely the a fitting word for it.
    This game would have been one of the greats if it came out back in the NES days, but in modern times it feel like it could have used more mechanics to really make it stand out. Still
    Axiom Verge is homage a to Metriod (NES) that shows a lot of love. The Graphics are pixelated, dark and strange. The story is pretty good, mysterious, surreal. Surreal is definitely the a fitting word for it.
    This game would have been one of the greats if it came out back in the NES days, but in modern times it feel like it could have used more mechanics to really make it stand out. Still I recommend it to anyone who loves the genres. I'm definitely keeping my eyes out for future titles by Axiom Verge's creator, Tom Happ,
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  2. Feb 13, 2018
    10
    This game far surpassed my expectations and considering that it was all done by 1 person, I decided this game deserves a 10/10, if there are any faults with the game, it would be that some weapons kind of felt underwhelming, I ended up focusing my playthrough on a few weapons only. Axiom Verge is easily one of the best Metroidvania games I have personally played and the fact that it standsThis game far surpassed my expectations and considering that it was all done by 1 person, I decided this game deserves a 10/10, if there are any faults with the game, it would be that some weapons kind of felt underwhelming, I ended up focusing my playthrough on a few weapons only. Axiom Verge is easily one of the best Metroidvania games I have personally played and the fact that it stands next to Super Metroid is all you should need to know if you are considering playing Axiom Verge.

    I loved the soundtrack, the graphics and the movement of Trace was on point, some of the sound effects were a bit screechy and would be the second issue I would have with the game. The speedrun mode is an awesome addition and provides some replayability along with the randomized secret areas, I also bought the Multiverse Edition which is a great physical release, if you are a Metroid fan you NEED to play this game.
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  3. May 21, 2020
    9
    Absolutely fantastic, and the best metroidvania on the Switch. The fact that this was made by just one guy is amazing.
  4. Jun 12, 2018
    7
    It's a great game, that's for sure. Great homage to the classic metroidvania style with really nice and original abilities (glitching enemies and environment is just amazing). And it was developed by a single person which is most impressive.
    Graphics are a mix bag, with great animations and effect but some weird enemies and backgrounds. But it all works.
    The main complain I have is,
    It's a great game, that's for sure. Great homage to the classic metroidvania style with really nice and original abilities (glitching enemies and environment is just amazing). And it was developed by a single person which is most impressive.
    Graphics are a mix bag, with great animations and effect but some weird enemies and backgrounds. But it all works.
    The main complain I have is, though i'm not new to the metroidvania genre, it feels a bit cryptic in places and some of the hidden objects and rooms are too hard (imo) to find without a guide even with the map provided in the special edition and backtracking can get tedious. Story is a bit chaotic but it works.
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  5. May 22, 2018
    4
    The gameplay is sub par, 4-direction shooting is pretty boring to me. The enemies, not bosses, are poorly designed, relatively boring, and not memorable at all. The fact that once you get deep into the map, backtracking becomes the only task, is super tedious and can become boring really fast, even with a walk-through. Best part of this game is the story, it's mysterious and you feel theThe gameplay is sub par, 4-direction shooting is pretty boring to me. The enemies, not bosses, are poorly designed, relatively boring, and not memorable at all. The fact that once you get deep into the map, backtracking becomes the only task, is super tedious and can become boring really fast, even with a walk-through. Best part of this game is the story, it's mysterious and you feel the need to help out the protagonist on his adventure, which helps you want to progress more. Expand
  6. Jun 26, 2018
    8
    Getting directions is so difficult and the game is unkind, so there is a lot of time to waste as an out-of-game factor. It is still a well-made game.
  7. Nov 9, 2017
    6
    Interesting game, and very similar to Metroid. Actually in some aspects I would say even better than Metroid with the large variety of weapons and items; however, overall it wasn't as good as I would had hoped.
    I totally agree with the other reviewers that the backtracking is what really gets annoying. The map may seem big, but it really isn't at all. It is actually quite small and can be
    Interesting game, and very similar to Metroid. Actually in some aspects I would say even better than Metroid with the large variety of weapons and items; however, overall it wasn't as good as I would had hoped.
    I totally agree with the other reviewers that the backtracking is what really gets annoying. The map may seem big, but it really isn't at all. It is actually quite small and can be completely explored within a couple hours. What makes it seem larger than it is, is the fact that there really isn't a teleportation system, so you have to go back and forth, and back again.
    Another thing is the difficulty. I played it on hard, and it really wasn't that hard at all. I haven't even tried the normal difficulty, but at this point I am afraid to ever consider it.
    Other reviewers praised the music, but maybe I just don't get it, but it annoyed me. Most of the time I played through the game with the volume off. Especially with that song of a girl who sounds like she just tripped and fell down a well.
    Overall it is an interesting game, but just not one for me, I suppose. The game is a little on the short side, and beyond the beginning, the challenge doesn't get any better, but easier as you pick up more upgrades. Once you find a weapon that works for you, you are pretty much. Also I advise you to change the input scheme for a more comfortable play. For the switch, I completely changed all of the buttons, since they are all used, in order to find a format that worked for me.
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  8. Apr 24, 2018
    6
    I played on hard mode without music, because it's annoying after few minutes. I stop playing this game after 16h, mostly because of:
    - teleportation controls (you need to tap twice same direction to activate teleportation)
    - lots of empty, repetitive spaces/locations, backtracking is very boring - your character can't avoid certain enemies/attacks, ex. ghouls - poor map design, ex. you
    I played on hard mode without music, because it's annoying after few minutes. I stop playing this game after 16h, mostly because of:
    - teleportation controls (you need to tap twice same direction to activate teleportation)
    - lots of empty, repetitive spaces/locations, backtracking is very boring
    - your character can't avoid certain enemies/attacks, ex. ghouls
    - poor map design, ex. you can land on enemies
    - most bosses are very easy, but some requires additional health, because their attach is unpredictable nor unescapable - no challenge :(

    Game at it's current state is not worth the price.
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  9. Jun 12, 2019
    10
    This is one of my top 3 indie games. It's a fantastic love letter to the NES and Metroid with such uniqueness and creativity. I bought this game used thinking meh I might like it and I was absolutely blown away. In my top 10 on switch I can't recommend this title enough!
  10. Nov 5, 2021
    8
    Axiom Verge is one of those rare indie games where it manages to serve as an homage to past greats while also improving upon them in significant ways. The story is intriguing and told in a way that draws you in. The combat is good and the controls precise. Even the overall gameplay is great. In particular, I loved the way Boss Battles were handled. It was not what I expected, but much moreAxiom Verge is one of those rare indie games where it manages to serve as an homage to past greats while also improving upon them in significant ways. The story is intriguing and told in a way that draws you in. The combat is good and the controls precise. Even the overall gameplay is great. In particular, I loved the way Boss Battles were handled. It was not what I expected, but much more pleasant and interesting. Overall, I have played this game several times through and would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a good Metroidvania fix. Expand
  11. Mar 6, 2018
    8
    The game satisfies in fulfilling all your Metroidvania needs! If you're into sidescrolling - map exploring gameplay in a dark and hostile environment, this game is what you need.
  12. VTL
    Dec 9, 2019
    9
    Este juego si te gustan los metroid y los castlebania.... tardas en jugarlo.
    Brutal, dificil, sorprendente,.... increible juego. Y con esa estetica viejuna 8-16 bits... espectacular.
  13. Feb 17, 2018
    9
    Axiom brings back my teenage memories...I played a game called Bio Menace, a 2D platformer on a single floppy disc. The alien themed story, aliens, a huge varity of weapons, YES Axiom Verge got it. Perfect for a serveral of hours gaming - shoot, jump, explore and investigate weird/hidden objects. The best thing in the game is the music! OMG, I bought the big box version so I got theAxiom brings back my teenage memories...I played a game called Bio Menace, a 2D platformer on a single floppy disc. The alien themed story, aliens, a huge varity of weapons, YES Axiom Verge got it. Perfect for a serveral of hours gaming - shoot, jump, explore and investigate weird/hidden objects. The best thing in the game is the music! OMG, I bought the big box version so I got the soundtrack CD. The reason it gets a 9 instead of 10 is the map system.......no portaling, which is a "little" annoying from time to time. Expand
  14. Jun 1, 2018
    9
    What a gem. Amazing gameplay, music, and overall atmosphere. The metroid aspect is fantastic. The weaponry / tools are diverse and entertaining. The story is ok, too.

    Be warned, though, the game does get quite hard near the end. Learning the infinite jump trick will help. Some of the boss battles may require googling.

    Ultimately a very rewarding experience.
  15. Oct 9, 2020
    9
    Excellent Metroidvania with a unique set of upgrades and weapons. I played on hard mode and, as someone who hates dark souls, found it to be challenging but fair. Music is great, and bosses will definitely require some effort. The music in Zi will be stuck in your head forever...
  16. Jun 30, 2022
    0
    the lack of content hits hard here. this game really needs more good gameplay content
  17. Aug 25, 2022
    0
    this game is very bad with really annoying gameplay. i hate it everyhting here
  18. Mar 15, 2023
    6
    Having been knocked unconscious in a lab explosion, Trace awakens on the alien world of Sudra. When he hears a voice speaking to him, he decides to fight his way to the source.

    Axiom Verge is an old school metroidvania game, but one that ultimately doesn’t live up the best in the genre. The gameplay is decent enough, and there are plenty of weapons and power ups to use, but the
    Having been knocked unconscious in a lab explosion, Trace awakens on the alien world of Sudra. When he hears a voice speaking to him, he decides to fight his way to the source.

    Axiom Verge is an old school metroidvania game, but one that ultimately doesn’t live up the best in the genre. The gameplay is decent enough, and there are plenty of weapons and power ups to use, but the repetitive design of the maps and constant backtracking means you spend far too much time wandering around just trying to figure out where to go next.
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  19. Jul 27, 2020
    7
    Solid metroidvania, heavy on the metroid. It gets tough and its easy to get lost and desperately needs fast travel. Overall, good gameplay and clever story, but loses some steam after all the backtracking. Still looking forward the sequel.
  20. Apr 23, 2021
    3
    Good things: Gameplay is fun. Visuals create a Metroid-ish mood. Soundtrack is good.

    OK things: Controls are smooth, once you're in-game. The idea of "glitching" seems like it could be fun game mechanic....although at first it seems to just mean you take damage if you try to follow certain paths. Bad things: Clunky menu controls. Map design seems based on the principle of "feeling
    Good things: Gameplay is fun. Visuals create a Metroid-ish mood. Soundtrack is good.

    OK things: Controls are smooth, once you're in-game. The idea of "glitching" seems like it could be fun game mechanic....although at first it seems to just mean you take damage if you try to follow certain paths.

    Bad things: Clunky menu controls. Map design seems based on the principle of "feeling stuck and resorting to shooting every wall was the best part of the Metroid games!" Some of the visuals look like they weren't just 'inspired' by Metroid, but were lifted from the early games. I mentioned earlier that the soundtrack is good...but the audio mix is all over the place, and some of the synth sounds completely swallow the mix, becoming completely blaring. It left me with little choice but to turn the music volume nearly all the way down. The result is a good soundtrack gone to waste.

    If this were a student project, things like idiosyncratic menu control layouts, a bad audio mix and "way-too-familiar" art wouldn't be a huge deal....but this is a product being sold via retail. The result is a game that feels like an amateurish money-grab by someone with a lot to learn before they're ready for prime-time.

    I bought the game on sale at half-price, and even that left me with buyer's remorse. I wish there had been a demo...or that I'd bought it somewhere that offered refunds (eg. Steam). The sequel is apparently coming to the Switch store this year; I doubt I'll pick it up unless there's a demo that lets me confirm that it won't feel like a waste of money.
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  21. Sep 30, 2018
    6
    It's OK. Biggest problem is controls. Entire control scheme completely sucks, to a level of unacceptable professionalism. I see even seasoned players accidentally dashing when they didn't mean to all the time.
  22. Feb 1, 2020
    10
    One part Metroid, another part H.R. Giger, and a touch of existential dread is a recipe for one of my favorite indie games of all time. The bump'n soundtrack certainly doesn't hurt either!

    Weapons and exploration. That's the name of the game here, Axiom Verge gives you loads of weapons and tools to traverse a hostile world that seems to treat you more like an infection than a person.
    One part Metroid, another part H.R. Giger, and a touch of existential dread is a recipe for one of my favorite indie games of all time. The bump'n soundtrack certainly doesn't hurt either!

    Weapons and exploration. That's the name of the game here, Axiom Verge gives you loads of weapons and tools to traverse a hostile world that seems to treat you more like an infection than a person. This is the kind of game that could only exist in the indie scene, much like Ed McMillan & The Binding of Isaac, Tom Happ made something special with Axiom Verge, and I look forward to his next major project.
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  23. May 13, 2020
    7
    Axiom Verge is a retro-styled metroidvania with a very classic feeling, 16-bit graphics, and a few clever mechanical twists. It was developed entirely by one very talented individual, and that fact certainly makes it special–but it also comes with downsides. While Axiom Verge is fun and lovingly built, it's marred by a slightly unpolished overall feeling, including clunky controls, aAxiom Verge is a retro-styled metroidvania with a very classic feeling, 16-bit graphics, and a few clever mechanical twists. It was developed entirely by one very talented individual, and that fact certainly makes it special–but it also comes with downsides. While Axiom Verge is fun and lovingly built, it's marred by a slightly unpolished overall feeling, including clunky controls, a confusing story that attempts to mix one too many high concept, and uneven graphics that go from great to mediocre.

    If you cherish your memory of playing Super Metroid back in the days, then Axiom Verge should be on top of your list. However, this game's love for the classics seems to push it a little bit too far. It doesn't just look retro–it plays a tad retro as well. It's worth playing, and a great success as a personal project, but it doesn't necessarily stand out from the currently crowded metroidvania scene.
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  24. Jun 2, 2019
    8
    Axiom Verge is a 2D side-scroller shooter. This game is a Metroid-inspired game, you go through a claustrophobic dungeon, with alien-looking creatures and structures. I actually have no complaints, this is, indeed, one of the best 2D Platformer Shooters I`ve ever played, and man, I play games like these since 1994...so that's a lot. I can`t say its perfect because its style is not unique.Axiom Verge is a 2D side-scroller shooter. This game is a Metroid-inspired game, you go through a claustrophobic dungeon, with alien-looking creatures and structures. I actually have no complaints, this is, indeed, one of the best 2D Platformer Shooters I`ve ever played, and man, I play games like these since 1994...so that's a lot. I can`t say its perfect because its style is not unique.

    However, I must say the following: (i) The artwork is amazing. This is a pixel art game, and it is as good as it comes. The environment is amazing; (ii) The gameplay is fluent and easy; (iii) The difficult is extremely balanced. It's not easy, but not overly frustrating; (iv) The story is interesting enough for you want to keep exploring the mystery; (v) The gadgets you have are beyond awesome, and you have so much fun with them. So, without further delay..., it's a great game, and perfect for the Switch. Don't miss it.
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  25. Nov 18, 2018
    9
    Axiom verge is the perfect fan game for metroidvania fans, even improving in some areas, this game is not one to miss. With enough hidden areas that is capable of even making each play through different, due to the variety of weapons, items and perks, there is really no reason to skip this game if you are into metroidvania games.
  26. Mar 16, 2019
    10
    An amazing Metroidvania game with great story, gameplay and 8bit graphics. A solid game that shines on the Nintendo Switch.
  27. Jun 30, 2019
    9
    A masterpiece in retro-like design, combining old and new gaming mechanics alike and borrowing from some of the medium's most renounced genres, like Metroidvanias and story-driven platformers. A great story, beautiful gameplay and a lot of cool vistas and a jamming soundtrack makes Axiom Verge come to life in an oddly eerie way. The only things that could be better is that some of theA masterpiece in retro-like design, combining old and new gaming mechanics alike and borrowing from some of the medium's most renounced genres, like Metroidvanias and story-driven platformers. A great story, beautiful gameplay and a lot of cool vistas and a jamming soundtrack makes Axiom Verge come to life in an oddly eerie way. The only things that could be better is that some of the backtracking is a bit tedious for two reasons. For one, the main protagonist, Trace, could move a bit faster, and second, there could be a bit more of that classic Super Metroid level design where the maps are designed to go around to the hub-like part of each area to speed up traveling throughout the world. The second meaningful flaw of this game is that some of the collectibles are the "poke around every wall in the game" -kind of collectibles, though most of them are really well designed with the game's mechanics in mind. Expand
  28. Apr 16, 2019
    8
    I was on the fence about whether or not I should have picked this game up, and I'm glad I fell off the fence and into the store to buy this game. The graphic style is very retro but feels very modern. It's like a 90's skateboard but pressed in a modern mold, I don't know how else to describe it. For those of you who like retro games these days, I would recommend this.
  29. Oct 3, 2020
    10
    One of the greatest Metroidvanias I’ve played lately. This will never get old. Looking forward to part 2 on Switch!

    Tom Happ should work on a Metroid game.
  30. Sep 7, 2019
    5
    Decided to buy this game due to the crazy high Metascore, but unfortunately for me it was a bit disappointing. It seems that this game has been praised for its (1) metroidvania-style gameplay, (2) 8-bit music/graphics, and (3) awesome/subversive story.
    As someone who has played through it, I believe these strengths are outclassed by Hollow Knight, Fez, and Undertale respectively.
    That
    Decided to buy this game due to the crazy high Metascore, but unfortunately for me it was a bit disappointing. It seems that this game has been praised for its (1) metroidvania-style gameplay, (2) 8-bit music/graphics, and (3) awesome/subversive story.
    As someone who has played through it, I believe these strengths are outclassed by Hollow Knight, Fez, and Undertale respectively.

    That being said, I still had a fun time overall and would say it'd be worth getting on sale.
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  31. May 2, 2022
    10
    В игре всё отлично, от геймплея до атмосферы. Музыка идеально дополняет атмосферу, а сюжет один из лучших, особенно финальная фаза.
  32. May 26, 2020
    8
    Very enjoyable metroidvania with all the ingredients needed. Lots of cool upgrades and weapons, some great bosses, the music is very good, and the level design is superb. Better graphics and a longer game with more challenging boss fights would do this game a world of good though. Can't wait for the sequel!
  33. Jun 2, 2020
    8
    Great game overall!
    Only dislike was no fast travel, so backtracking was sometimes tedious.
  34. Jun 18, 2020
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Me impresiona la nota tan alta que la gente le pone, aunque admito que la música, gráficos e historia son muy muy buenas, su jugabilidad deja mucho que desear, y lo peor sus jefes, el último es la decadencia del juego, es triste ver que solo necesité aplastar botones a lo loco para ganarle. Expand
  35. Feb 28, 2021
    7
    A very passionate indie project by the developer, who's clearly very talented. Great story, solid soundtrack and neat visuals. The game does feel very dated gameplay-wise though. It's not like the gameplay is poor, just that it fails to stand out in any real way when compared to some of its contemporaries (ESA, Hollow Knight, Guacamele). Overall a good game which I'd recommend to anyoneA very passionate indie project by the developer, who's clearly very talented. Great story, solid soundtrack and neat visuals. The game does feel very dated gameplay-wise though. It's not like the gameplay is poor, just that it fails to stand out in any real way when compared to some of its contemporaries (ESA, Hollow Knight, Guacamele). Overall a good game which I'd recommend to anyone who's a fan of the genre. Expand
  36. Aug 30, 2021
    8
    A more than decent Metroid homage developed by one single guy.
    He even did the soundtrack, which is mainly 70s and 80s style synth music with one outstanding aspect which will stay in my memory: The mid-eastern singing in the Kur area.
    It's one of those games I was avid to finish, even if I had to consult a play-through on Youtube due to the games only real flaw: Quite often I didn't
    A more than decent Metroid homage developed by one single guy.
    He even did the soundtrack, which is mainly 70s and 80s style synth music with one outstanding aspect which will stay in my memory: The mid-eastern singing in the Kur area.
    It's one of those games I was avid to finish, even if I had to consult a play-through on Youtube due to the games only real flaw: Quite often I didn't know where to go to progress in the game. I didn't have this problem in Hollow Knight, at least not as strongly.
    Otherwise it's got an intuitive game-play with different abilities, a diverse weapon selection, most notably special weapons to create glitches, challenging boss fights and an intriguing story. All in an end of 80s start of 90s look.
    Nice game.
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  37. Oct 29, 2021
    6
    An over rated game again. Music are nice, graphics are greats if you like pixel art, and the gameplay is precise and efficient. The ambiance catch me. But the story is totally a boring mess without interest and the ton of weapons you can find are pretty useless. The worst for me is about boss fight. They are poor patterns and are really easy and uninteresting. The final fight is so messyAn over rated game again. Music are nice, graphics are greats if you like pixel art, and the gameplay is precise and efficient. The ambiance catch me. But the story is totally a boring mess without interest and the ton of weapons you can find are pretty useless. The worst for me is about boss fight. They are poor patterns and are really easy and uninteresting. The final fight is so messy and bad. So, the experience let me indiferent. But, I must recognize it's an awesome job for one guy, even if the story could be easily better for this universe. Expand
  38. Nov 6, 2021
    8
    This game just sucks you right in to its alien world, really immersive and beautiful. With its Hr giger inspired art and atmosphere similar to metroid on nes this is really a unique experience. The soundtrack fits the game but isnt very memorable, which is a shame because a game with this much atmosphere deserves it. The game is filled with sprawling otherworldly pixelart backgrounds whichThis game just sucks you right in to its alien world, really immersive and beautiful. With its Hr giger inspired art and atmosphere similar to metroid on nes this is really a unique experience. The soundtrack fits the game but isnt very memorable, which is a shame because a game with this much atmosphere deserves it. The game is filled with sprawling otherworldly pixelart backgrounds which again and again had me stop in my tracks just to soak them up, I really appreciate the world that has been crafted here, while the tiles that make up the playable parts are unvarying, i find that with the backgrounds this had me fill in alot of the blanks with my imagination. The gameplay is simple but solid with the exception of a late game dash mechanic which is akwardly mapped to the movement buttons. The difficulty is also well adjusted for most of the game, and with the exception of the occasional **** enemy and one or two really unfair bosses (although there is a gimmicky way to beat the wasp boss, and it was rewarding finding that out, the boss can still suck my dick) i rarely found myself frustrated with the game. I think the story of the game is ok, but its something you should manage your expectations of, sometimes less is more and the stellar artwork of the world and characters does well to set the mood, the story doesnt take up more space than it warrants and for me did not take away anything from the experience. Expand
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Feb 13, 2018
    100
    This isn’t a game for the faint-hearted. It’s a challenging action adventure which forces you to use physical and mental dexterity in equal measure. It wields nostalgia and innovation with laser precision, creating one of the most fun and inspiring games that you will have the chance to play. If you want an excellent adventure platformer, then it would be a disservice not to own this game.
  2. Feb 12, 2018
    90
    A lesser game would have broken away from the standard Metroidvania fare by referencing Super Metroid and playing out like a 2D Metroid would be expected to. It wouldn't be bad, but it wouldn't be particularly special, either. Axiom Verge is not a lesser game, though. It strictly pays tribute to the original NES Metroid, but not once does it do anything with its premise that feels derivative. Any instance of homage is quickly subverted and thrust down a path all of its own. Solutions to puzzles are genuinely creative and the overworld is filled with more optional weapons and upgrades than actually necessary for a normal playthrough, offering an incredibly rewarding, explorative experience. Challenging, creative, and endlessly endearing, Axiom Verge: Multiverse Edition is the best take on the Metroidvania genre in years.
  3. Feb 9, 2018
    75
    A fine game that is let down by the main character being a bit drab. This is the same version of the game, but on Switch. Make of that what you will.