Axel & Pixel

 Xbox 360
  • Publisher: 2K Play
  • Release Date: Oct 14, 2009
  • Also On: PC
Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 30
  3. Negative: 1 out of 30
  1. Digital Chumps
    80
    Axel & Pixel may be short, but it grants a feeling not often found in Live Arcade titles; when was the last time you pressed all way through a game because of its charm?
  2. Eurogamer Italy
    80
    A charming and surreal trip into the world of imagination. Axel & Pixel lacks in longevity, but still remains an intriguing "point and click" adventure, with wonderful settings, cute characters and a proven gameplay. Give it a chance, you wont' regret it!
  3. GameCritics
    80
    Although some may be put off by the ease with which the game can be completed, I didn't see that as a negative at all. Games of this sort tend to lean towards being esoteric and frustrating as a means of delivering challenge, and in this genre, I'd much rather play something that invites me in and makes me smile rather than something that has me running to the Internet for an FAQ.
  5. GamerNode
    75
    A fine but short-lived adventure that will capture the imaginations of anyone with an open mind and the will to give it a try.
  6. Gamervision
    75
    The potential is there, and it would be a shame if this is the last time Axel & Pixel take the stage.
  7. Games Master UK
    83
    Bizarre, beautiful. [Christmas 2009, p.80]
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  8. GameZone
    80
    Axel & Pixel is short and easy, and doesn’t really heap on the replay value. However, if you are looking for a fun night with a unique and charming title, then look no further.
  9. Gaming Age
    83
    Not quite mind-blowing, but still fun, and I hope to see another adventure or two out of this duo in the near future.
  10. IGN
    82
    I had a blast playing Axel & Pixel, but the thrill was short lived. It can be beaten in a day and although the arcade mini-games are worth sticking around for they're not as engrossing as the adventure.
  11. Multiplayer.it
    78
    Axel & Pixel looks and plays like a graceful and fresh add to Xbox Live Arcade line up, and a good game for graphic adventures' fans. It's a bit short and easy, and its look may not appeal to everyone.
  12. Pelit (Finland)
    86
    Despite being too easy, Axel & Pixel is a treat for all fans of point & click adventures. A short, but sweet journey to a beautifully surreal world. [Dec 2009]
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  13. X-ONE Magazine UK
    90
    A quite marvelous piece of work. [Issue#53, p.104]
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  14. Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
    80
    A splendid slice of silliness. [Jan 2010, p.121]
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Awards & Rankings

89
#89 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2009

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 3 out of 14
  1. relentless879
    May 9, 2014
    8
    Axel & Pixel is a charming point & click adventure game about a painter, Axel & his dog, Pixel who are thrown into a weird dream world after aAxel & Pixel is a charming point & click adventure game about a painter, Axel & his dog, Pixel who are thrown into a weird dream world after a rat had tampered with a magic record player.

    Within this dream world, weird creatures appear, and the rat had transformed into an evil demon rat. You have to chase the rat through dozens of scenes depicting the four seasons, spring through to winter. To progress through, you have to solve puzzles using the magic cursor clicking on numerous objects around the scenes in the correct order.
    The game varies slightly, where some actions will require you to follow a sequence of button presses that appear on screen, usually to climb objects or dodge hazards. At the end of each season you have to control a vehicle, a hot air balloon, car and a boat, using controls to avoid hazards along the way.

    Graphically the game shows good details showing the different seasons, with snow covered landscapes, blooming flowers of spring, and orange tones of autumn. The characters are quirky, with painter looking like a modern day Picasso, acknowledging the player when he has made the correct choice or not, with mumbles and cheers.

    With the world being weird, some of the puzzles you need to complete would not make any sense if the objects did not get highlighted. For example, you would not expect hitting a bird to get an egg to crush would be needed to grow a beanstalk to climb on top of a turtle.

    But with the game being an adventure game, the game makes you feel like a spectator, even though for each scene you are given 3 clues, mostly likely you'll never need them. The magic cursor changes colour and shape whenever the cursor is over an object, so you just have to use trial and error to figure the puzzles out.
    Most players will find the game too easy, even for young gamers this is aimed at, the story can be finished in a couple of hours. There are hidden objects within the scenes as well are paint tubes, paintings, and dog bones for you to find, which will give some replay value if you missed any on your first play-through. Collecting all the items and solving the scenes with less clues will give you a score which goes on a leader-board to compare with friends.
    The game features mini-games featuring the 3 vehicles from the story, collecting items and trying to get a high score, but these games don't offer much more of a challenge either.
    Overall the game doesn't offer much of a challenge considering the price is 800 MS points or about £8, to be played just for a couple of hours. Though the player will enjoy the quirky characters and unique art style of the scenes, this does not feel like a real game as it could have been.    … Full Review »
  2. MegWhiteley
    Mar 6, 2012
    10
    Axel & Pixel is a fantastic games, have one of the most simple and addictive funny gameplays that I watch, is really funny and interesting.Axel & Pixel is a fantastic games, have one of the most simple and addictive funny gameplays that I watch, is really funny and interesting. This is one of the most better games on Xbox Live Arcade.… Full Review »
  3. GaryGamesoup
    Sep 27, 2011
    9
    --[THE GOOD]--

    - The dream world is a thing of beauty, wonder, and absolute insanity - Simple and awesome point-and-click gameplay -    --[THE GOOD]--

    - The dream world is a thing of beauty, wonder, and absolute insanity

    - Simple and awesome point-and-click gameplay

    - Visually pleasing

    - Beautiful, charming soundtrack

    - Fantastic mini games


    --[THE BAD]--

    - Pixel hunting is maybe a bit too prevalent


    (Graphics) - [9] - The key graphical formula in Axel & Pixel is that of simple, hand-drawn cartoon characters against beautifully rendered real-life environments of the four seasons, each with their own special feel, with Spring featuring very subtle colours and a looming tone of that after-Winter feeling, while Winter itself is covered in soft-on-the-eyes whites, light blues and greys, with a strong emphasis on ice itself. It's definitely the most visually pleasing of the four seasons and there's an inescapable feeling of comfort and warmth along with it. In fact, the whole darn place is extremely pretty indeed. Each and every morsel of the dream world has a bit of life, magic and depth to it; some of the stuff around you has absolutely no significance to the game itself â    … Full Review »
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