JustAxe [Review]
JustAxe is a modern platformer developed by Supergalactic Gamedev and published by Targem Studios. The game is simple like a platformer should be. It’s something you can pick up and play for a bit at a time. While the levels are a bit longer than a regular platforming level, there are a lot of save points throughout the level that allow you to stop in the middle. There are also not a lot of levels, so even after spending fifteen or twenty minutes on each level, you can beat the game in one sitting. Wanting to collect everything at once will probably add an extra hour or two to gameplay, or you can save it as something to do in a second playthrough.
The art and presentation of JustAxe remind me of a storybook. It has a bit of a trippy-looking mixed art style, some enemies look 3D which contrasts against the 2D background and main character. The unique mix of art styles reminded me a bit of Alice in Wonderland. The art style is lovely but can be a bit obscuring at times, as there are a lot of flat 2D images in the foreground that can occasionally block enemies. Luckily the collectable coins are deliberately not blocked so you shouldn’t miss any if you’re trying to get all of them.
The game isn’t as linear as usual platformers and has a bit of a wandering aspect to it. There aren’t areas in a level that you cannot go to without another ability, you’re able to collect everything the first time around (If you are willing to spend extra time on the level to do so). But, you are introduced to different abilities throughout the levels, like a hook shot ability on the second level.
JustAxe is a short and generic platformer and isn’t too ambitious. Which is perfectly fine for the type of game it is. Platformers don’t always need to reinvent the wheel and are great as short games, JustAxe clocks in at around three hours. I think JustAxe succeeds very well in what it tries to do. I will give JustAxe a 6/10, it isn’t a bad game and is a nice game to pick up when you’re in the mood for a platformer. JustAxe is available on Steam.