Axiom Verge 2 Reviews
After the successful launch of solo-developed game Axiom Verge in 2015, developer Tom Happ has returned with Axiom Verge 2. A sequel mostly in name, the game showcases new settings, characters, and features for players to dive into. Does it reach the same heights as the original, or should we compare them at all?
Axiom Verge 2 marks a fine return to form for the indie darling, providing fans with a compelling adventure worthy of its Metroid-influences roots.
Axiom Verge 2 is a 2D metroidvania game that focuses on exploration in its huge environment. If you played the first Axiom Verge game you may be disappointed in some of the changes like lack of weapons and less of a combat experience.
In general, Axiom Verge 2 can be likened to an apple, half of which is healthy and the other half is broken! As a result, there is no one-off experience that the first version provided, and the game is just as annoyed with its struggles as it can get you involved in discovering its environments by providing interesting features.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Axiom Verge 2 is a fantastic evolution of Axiom Verge 1-it feels like a different game, but with enough gameplay and story connections to remain familiar. My issues with the protagonist and wayfinding pale in comparison to the addictive exploration and beautiful vistas that Axiom Verge 2 revels in, and I can't wait to speculate wildly about the storyline.
Thomas Happ clearly set out to make Axiom Verge 2 a familiar yet fresh sequel. While players of the original game will feel at home upon taking their first steps in the Antarctic, it quickly becomes evident that this is an entirely new adventure. Axiom Verge 2 builds upon what its predecessor established in various ways. The combat may not be overly challenging or deep. Nonetheless, this doesn’t take away from the overall experience that the player will gain. For Metroidvania enthusiasts, in particular, this is well worth your investment.
Axiom Verge 2’s attempt to create a free-form Metroidvania is let down by its lack of incentive to interact with optional content and create variety in combat and puzzles.
Axiom Verge was a game so well crafted, that it honestly didn’t need a sequel, while a lot has indeed changed it still at its core feels like the original. It goes without saying If you were a fan of the original or Metroidvania in general, you should definitely check it out.
All-in-all, I was thoroughly impressed by everything Axiom Verge 2 offered and would probably have devoured the entire thing in one sitting had adult life not gotten in the way. Yes, the combat could have used more variety and the story was a little head scratching at times, but that’s entirely worth it for the masterclass in retro graphics and sound that you get in return, along with some thoroughly enjoyable world building and exploration too.
Axiom Verge 2 is one of those happy cases where the wait paid off. Compared to the first game, the sequel offers a distinct experience in which the exploration and reward mechanics are capable of providing unique moments. Its combat system could have been worked better, but any mishaps in this regard are not enough to tarnish a work that should be experienced by every player who claims to be a metroidvania fan. Here's a title that masterfully mixes the classic and the modern, and its setting alone would be worth the admission ticket, recommended.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Axiom Verge 2 presents an intriguing and well-constructed narrative, mixed with a very interesting exploration system. Within a world rich in variations and with countless possibilities, the only problem is the repetitive combat. However, none of this takes away the shine of a game that is mandatory for exploration fans.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Axiom Verge 2 is a great game with undeniable flaws. The combat lacks focus regardless of what kind of player you are. Still, exploration manages to be enjoyable and engaging. This game is catered for Metroid fans. Anybody else might have a difficult time embracing its charm. At the end of the day, though, Axiom Verge 2 is a delightful time, deserving notable acclaim and overall success.
Axiom Verge 2 is another metroidvania with a good mapping that keeps us busy for hours and knows how to do it in the most attractive way.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
I thought I had seen everything Axiom Verge 2 when I could jump to my maximum height while underwater, thus becoming able to reach all manner of places I couldn’t before. Then I learned to climb the walls, and the world expanded greatly. The game got even bigger when I gained the ability to turn my hand into a tiny spider drone, opening up still more possibilities. And then came the Breach.
Axiom Verge 2 is a thoroughly enjoyable game that hits most of its notes perfectly, and is easy to recommend. Where Axiom Verge 1 was a clear love letter to Metroid, Axiom Verge 2 establishes more of its own identity, both in how it fleshes out the shared universe of the series, and the ways it blends elements of its predecessors and its inspirations together to create something really unique. Like the first game, it feels both familiar and entirely new. The sense of mystery and wonder, combined with excellent mechanical execution, will keep you going on a breakneck pace from start to finish.
Axiom Verge 2 is an outstanding game that really sets the bar for future indie Metroidvania games. It builds on the original’s success by introducing new mechanics and ideas that help freshen up a classic and sometimes stale genre. I loved every second of my journey as Indra, and I know you will too.