Axiom Verge Reviews

Axiom Verge is ranked in the 93rd percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Ken McKown
Top Critic
9 / 10.0
Sep 30, 2016

It is awesome to finally have Axiom Verge on all platforms now, and for those that missed it for some reason, there is simply no excuse anymore. It is an excellent callback to classic titles, while also bringing its own flair and making a stamp on the genre. I cannot recommend it enough. I am disappointed that I waited so long to finally dive deep into its world, but now that I have, I can't wait to go back.

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8.8 / 10.0
Sep 12, 2016

Finally arriving on the Wii U, Axiom Verge still packs a mighty punch long after its initial release.

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90 / 100
Sep 2, 2016

Despite superficial similarities to classic Nintendo games like Super Metroid, Axiom Verge isn't afraid to bring a lot of new ideas to the table, and is all the better for it.

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9 / 10.0
Sep 1, 2016

Axiom Verge is a great game with plenty of exploration, and the additions to the Wii U version were nicely handled.  Fans of the Metroid series will likely want to check it out.  Be cautious however, as there's a lot of back tracking to previous areas that felt like it could have been handled better.  If you can get past that, you have a great Metroid-style game that feels like it belongs on an 8-bit or 16-bit system.

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7 / 10.0
Sep 1, 2016

Axiom Verge is a game that will certainly please fans of the Metroid franchise. The entire experience is an homage to the classic video game that often does the right thing. While there are so many instances of greatness found throughout the 6-7 hour campaign, problems dealing with some of the core features of the genre hinder the overall experience. Backtracking is frustrating, the bosses are simplistic, constantly respawning enemies make for some tedious sections, and the narrative isn't engaging at all. Axiom Verge is sprinkled with fantastic ideas and concepts, but doesn't fully capture the greatness that its capable of.

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9 / 10.0
Sep 1, 2016

Axiom Verge is otherwise essentially flawless and it's one of my favorite indie games. This Wii U version is arguably the best one, too, so even if you've played it before it may very well be worth the double dip. And man, what's up with that post-credits scene?!

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7 / 10
Apr 21, 2016

It spends too much time recreating the genius of Metroid rather than adding to it, but this is still one of the best examples of the genre in recent years.

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VG247
Top Critic
Apr 21, 2016

Although it closely follows the Metroidvania blueprint, the brilliantly designed and executed Axiom Verge adds enough new and original features to make it a truly great game in its own right. An absolute must for retro fans.

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9 / 10.0
Apr 19, 2016

Axiom Verge is an interesting tribute to the classics of video games that will, without a doubt, stand among those greats as a classic itself.

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Apr 19, 2016

Axiom Verge is a love letter to another time. While games from that era don't impress in terms of visuals any longer, there's still fun to be found in the exploration and discovery facets of this intricate, well-formed world. Axiom Verge is one of the purest forms of Metroidvania titles that we've seen in recent years.

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Bit Cultures
Zach Nonnemacher
84%
Aug 26, 2015

It is a game molded around one gamer's deep respect and passion for video games of the past. Playing through Axiom Verge allows you to embrace that wave of nostalgia and make it your own. It never shies away from features of its predecessors, but carves out its own unique place in the Metroidvania genre.

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Gareth Fidler
Top Critic
8 / 10
Jul 18, 2015

While there's a slight stumble with regards to story progression, for the most parts it's a great success and the fact that it's all the result of one man's labour of love makes it all the more impressive. Occasionally, modern day tributes miss the mark and lack some of the heart that made the inspiration so great but it's safe to say that Thomas Happ has totally nailed the Metroid vibe with Axiom Verge.

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Isaac Rouse
Top Critic
Jun 3, 2015

Axiom Verge delivers one of the better experiences in the oversaturated Metroidvania genre, but if you've played a NES/SNES Metroid title, then you've played Axiom Verge. The game's plenty fun, but it fails to carve out a distinct

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4 / 5.0
May 30, 2015

In conclusion, Axiom Verge is a great indie game that has nailed the look and feel of the classic Metroidvania games. Unfortunately in this process, some elements were borrowed that can often result in a frustrating experience. Still, as a work of a single developer, Axiom Verge is a remarkable throwback to the old school side-scrolling action-adventure games.

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8 / 10.0
May 22, 2015

Not perfect, but one of the most absorbing, challenging and fun games of the year so far, which makes the fact it was developed by just one person all the more astounding.

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Digitally Downloaded
Hamza A.
Top Critic
May 21, 2015

That said, Axiom Verge is a near-flawless indie game that is sure bound to entertain you with its wide array of creative weapons and deep exploration that, at the end of which, rewards you handsomely. You bet I'll be re-visiting this game for many, many years to come.

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8 / 10.0
May 20, 2015

A homage to retro classics is one thing but having gameplay that's both challenging and fun makes Axiom Verge special. If you grew up in that era, you'd be a fool to miss out on this and if you're new to the genre, I can't think of a better entry.

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7 / 10
May 18, 2015

an accomplishment, but it often feels too safe

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8 / 10.0
May 17, 2015

As it stands Axiom Verge is highly recommended, it is a game that knows its source material, has the ability to authentically replicate its inspiration but interesting enough to add its own spin. If you want to relive the days of staying up late, making notes on maps and feeling like you are reconnecting with gaming of your childhood then Axiom Verge will not disappoint.

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Andy Kelly
Top Critic
85 / 100
May 13, 2015

A massive, challenging retro-flavoured shooter that takes the Metroid formula and runs with it. Old school, but with a modern edge.

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