Aug 2022
Axiom Verge 2 is like the hipster sequel nobody asked for but everyone pretended they wanted. Think of it as a Metroidvania wrapped in a '90s time capsule, placed on a lonely iceberg, and served with a side of existential dread. You control Indra Chaudhari, a billionaire who goes to Antarctica for reasons that will make you question your life choices while dodging digital monsters that look like they were designed on a 12-year-old's computer.
The gameplay is reminiscent of classic titles, borrowing from games that shaped our childhood while subtly reminding us of just how bad we were at them. You navigate through two parallel dimensions: the Overworld which is surprisingly not filled with penguins, and the Breach which seems to be a neglected server of a game that crashed in the early '00s. You’ll be swinging axes and boomerangs like they’re going out of style, while also charmingly hacking your way through enemies – which is basically just yelling at them until they behave. Unlike most Metroidvanias, optional bosses exist, probably so you can feel superior if you decide to ignore them. Pro-tip: You can tell your friends you beat the game without beating any bosses and sound way cooler than you really are. Plus, you'll occasionally collect Apocalypse Flasks to upgrade Indra's abilities—because who doesn't want their character powered by apocalyptic beverages?
Axiom Verge 2’s graphics are like an art student's take on the raw beauty of retro games, brightening up pixel art while maintaining that nostalgic charm. You'll often feel lost in a dreamy digital landscape, where everything looks like it was deliberately made a bit off-kilter—kind of like your grandma's knitting. The visuals paid homage to Sumerian culture without the unnecessary footnotes, and the environments feel distinct, almost like each area is trying to shout, "Look at me; I’m cooler than the last one!"
In the end, Axiom Verge 2 is a delightful mix of nostalgia and innovative gameplay. Sure, there are moments when you might curse the screen and question your grasp of reality (or your choice to play video games instead of, I don't know, knitting?), but that’s just part of the charm. It’s like making an omelet and realizing halfway through that you forgot to crack the eggs. If you’re seeking depth, exploration, and a sprinkle of funky ambiance, this is your jam. After all, a game about looking for your daughter while trapped in another universe is basically what every parent dreams of in their downtime. So get ready, dust off your old retro love, and embrace the pixelated chaos. Axiom Verge 2 is waiting for you; just don’t forget to check for monsters hiding in the digital shadows!
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