- Publisher: Numskull Games
- Release Date: Apr 29, 2021
- Also On: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One
- Critic score
- Publication
- By date
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May 22, 2021Battle Axe is an arcade hack & slash game that stands out for its beautiful pixelated graphics, its great soundtrack and its challenging retro-style gameplay, although it offers levels that are not surprising. The possibility of playing doubles online is missing.
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Apr 25, 2021Battle Axe is a solid old-school hack & slash that, we think, fans of games like Gauntlet will enjoy even with its shortcomings.
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Apr 25, 2021Battle Axe is a good-looking homage to the classic hack and slash arcade efforts of yesteryear that's dragged down by some fairly dull and repetitive action. It looks the part, sounds the part, nails the aesthetic and vibe that it's going for completely, but then it drops the ball with regards to level design, enemy AI and in providing any sense of strategy or surprise during a short campaign that gives you very little reason to return once its done and dusted. If only it had a few twists and turns and a handful more levels, this one could have been well worth a playthrough but, as things stand, it's pretty forgettable stuff.
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Apr 23, 2021Battle Axe is a hard game, but it never felt frustrating or unfair to play. I can appreciate a game that takes a lot of practice and technical skill, but my favorite thing about Battle Axe is the way that it engages your memory and map knowledge. Once I mastered a particular level’s layout, I felt like the hero of a time loop movie, casually advancing through each zone and deflecting attacks with ease. It’s a beautiful game created by developers that have a genuine love and talent for pixel art. Visually speaking, Battle Axe is pixel perfect. My biggest problem with the game is that I want more of it, and that’s never a bad problem to have.
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Apr 22, 2021A great addition to anyone's Switch catalogue, Battle Axe provides some neat pick-up-and-play value with an Infinite mode accompanying the standard story fare. In tandem, these modes are perfect for coping with the daily commute with some bashing and slashing and are backed by a fantastic soundtrack and gorgeous retro art style. Although it has a savagely brutal difficulty curve for the young'uns (as well as older folk who don't have the reaction times they once did), Battle Axe is a decent conversion full of nostalgic fun.