Axiom Verge

 Switch
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 158 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 118 out of 158
  2. Mixed: 32 out of 158
  3. Negative: 8 out of 158
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  1. ironzombi
    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.    … Expand
  2. hazsch
    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.
  3. DeusGod
    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.
  4. doginmylense
    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!
  5. Rtheom
    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
  6. AlexStrim
    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.
  7. 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.
  8. Voodooseeker
    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
  9. runeasgar
    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.
  10. FlyingPiloswine
    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...
  11. Ryuail
    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.    … Expand
  12. Enkindled
    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.    … Expand
  13. AllySky
    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.
  14. Pakon
    Mar 16, 2019
    10
    An amazing Metroidvania game with great story, gameplay and 8bit graphics. A solid game that shines on the Nintendo Switch.
  15. Fransu_YT
    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
  16. greengrapejelly
    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.
  17. Kaikyu
    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.
  18. Valkis
    May 2, 2022
    10
    В игре всё отлично, от геймплея до атмосферы. Музыка идеально дополняет атмосферу, а сюжет один из лучших, особенно финальная фаза.
  19. Daisuk
    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!
  20. SiggiRoo
    Jun 2, 2020
    8
    Great game overall!
    Only dislike was no fast travel, so backtracking was sometimes tedious.
  21. ophone
    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.    … Expand
  22. stibba
    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

Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Best Switch Game of 2017
40
#40 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2017
46
#46 Most Shared Switch Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

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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. Switch Player
    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.
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  2. Cubed3
    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.
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  3. God is a Geek
    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.
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