Perhaps more individual moments, or a greater focus on detailing their stories, would make it more than what it currently is: passable. Her relationship with the “Arms” she comes across-entities with personified traits used as tools-feels somewhat hollow, even with her circumstances. Even if the ending was sufficiently satisfying from a general standpoint, it’s ultimately rather anticlimactic. The grander narrative of the game did little to emphasize her sympathetic qualities, nor does it focus intently enough on her as a person to leave much impact. To be blunt, I hardly care for Indra or her plight. I may have spoken with this person a few too many times. Far more isolating in general, even with the expressive openness of the setting. Less dialogue, fewer cutscenes, smaller emphasis on major characters. Axiom Verge 2 does less of this, though generally through doing less of everything, narrative-wise. Even characters admitting ignorance to the credibility of the whole ordeal is commonplace, as the original game showcases. Given the sci-fi veil, it’s easy to hide behind a variety of technical jargon and confound the player with astoundingly bizarre theorems (and many do so). Per my thoughts years ago, the original Axiom Verge‘s narrative was more streamlined, though struggled to acutely detail the realistic ramifications of the major plot. Only its implementation has less impact overall. The character of Indra, other intellectual beings she meets, and the major goal are occasionally detailed for the sake of player motivation. In what I’ll get into later, Axiom Verge 2 is more engaging in a sense of “freedom.” Whatever story may be occurring behind the scenes, it seems almost inconsequential to the greater heights that the setting instills. Where it differs here is that, per my view, there’s less of a focus on the greater narrative overall. Much like the original, a large emphasis of worldbuilding is done via communicating with vague entities and collecting notes throughout the world. Indra Chaudhari swoops in by helicopter, with limited amounts of dialogue following. Whereas the first featured an in-depth (though bereft of context) cutscene elaborating on the origins of the main character, the second drops one into the game almost immediately. One can tell the difference between first and second affairs from the opening alone. (This review will contain minor spoilers to the story and gameplay mechanics of the title.)ģ) Graphics & Audio – “Wait, Is This Sci-fi?” Story – Among the Clouds The experience, if such was the goal, was incredibly alienating in a multitude of ways.Īxiom Verge 2 is available to purchase via Epic Games Store, Nintendo Switch, and PS4 for your regional pricing. Upon a couple grueling delays, the game is finally here. Embodying everything that I love about metroidvanias, sci-fi aesthetics, and mental tomfoolery, suffice it to say that a sequel in development had me a smidgen excited. On top of being one of my favorite games in the last decade or so, it single-handedly encouraged my trek into the indie gaming scene, which has provided in full-force to this day. How one could analyze and appreciate the first may not necessarily apply to the second, assuming its goals are not the same.Ģ015’s Axiom Verge means a lot to me personally. Knowing the mindset of the creator makes the quality of judgment one could attach to a subsequent project all the more complex. It will also serve as the basis for the foundation of this review. Knee-deep in the development of Axiom Verge 2 (and prior to a certain pandemic), it provided a precedent for what players could expect with the upcoming project. You sense there is a bigger secret to this world.In January of 2020, developer Tom Happ took the time to discuss his thoughts on the nature of sequels in video games. This allows you to be reborn if you take too much damage to continue. Save Shrines: Every time you stop at one of these, a tiny piece of you is left behind.But like anything with a computer at its core, they can be hacked, each for varying effects. Drones: These mechanical foes attack you on sight.As you draw nearer to an urn, the light coalesces to point in its general direction. Compass: This lapis lazuli pendant sparkles with light.Urns: If you break open one of these you’ll gain new powers and abilities from the entities trapped inside.Climb your way across a variety of terrains.But you get the feeling that something else is lurking just past the fringes of reality, waiting to pull you in. Hiding in a cargo lift in Antarctica is what appears to be an ancient, alternate Earth, complete with mountains, lakes, deserts, and the ruins of a civilization. DECADES LATER… OR IS IT CENTURIES EARLIER?
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