

On the whole, playing Axiom Verge 2 is a delightful experience. The real power of this dynamic becomes apparent later in the game, but I’ll say for now that it’s more than just a gimmick and it feels not just like a part of your arsenal but an extension of yourself.
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Utilizing a remotely controlled drone makes a return conceptually, but rather than just being a clone of an enemy type like in Axiom Verge 1, the drone becomes a central part of the experience as it allows for safe travel into The Breach (the alternate world between worlds first introduced in the original game), and it also has its own full set of unique abilities that allow it to access places that Indra can’t on her own. It also excels at finding new and interesting ways to experiment within the context of the genre, and within its own fiction, so that the mix of abilities you gain are not just practical upgrades that enable enhanced traversal (like climbing vertical walls or detonating loose rock), but exciting twists on old favorites and entirely new concepts that weave in seamlessly with the world and the gameplay. There is no direct reference or major overlap to the story or characters in Axiom Verge 1, which helps make the game accessible to folks who skipped the first, and adds to the sense of mystery and discovery for those who did.Īxiom Verge 2 hews closely to core tenants of the genre, with a major focus on exploration, loads of abilities and unlocks, and like its predecessor it boasts some truly wonderful artwork and music that both pay tribute to the roots of the Metroidvania legacy and elevate it above its forbears.

Indra starts off the game modestly, armed solely with a small health pool, an ice axe, and her apparent genius intellect to help her on her way. Things really pop off once you cross over into the alternate universe and your questions are answered with further, bigger questions.Īs Indra Chaudhari, the mysterious billionaire head of Global 3 (the aforementioned worldwide mega conglomerate), you set off on a journey to uncover the fates of the research scientists at the station belonging to a rival company she has recently acquired. This club has everything worldwide mega conglomerates, antarctic research stations, disappearing science crews, mysterious invitations, and portals to other universes, and one very impressive helicopter give you all of the pull you need to dig into the adventure that lies ahead, and this is all within the first fifteen minutes of the game.

Kicking off with an opening sequence befitting of the 16-bit era it pays homage to, Axiom Verge 2 pulls no punches with its setup.
