Reflecting on their time playing JustAxe, many gamers might feel a nostalgic draw back to the days of Adobe Flash games on Newgrounds or Kongregate. It’s a straightforward platformer that carries the familiar feel of Flash, with all its smooth movements and controls. For those unacquainted with such retro experiences, the game’s somewhat laggy response and quirky physics might be off-putting, particularly for a console game debuting in 2024. It’s not the most flattering presentation for this era of gaming.
Take the enemies, for instance. They pursue Martha, the character you control, relentlessly across the levels. Their single-minded aggression often leads them to mindlessly jump on one another and plunge into traps just to reach her. When they finally manage to land a hit on Martha, it’s as if she’s propelled unrealistically far, proving that Flash game physics are alive and well in JustAxe.
Getting around in JustAxe, unfortunately, is hindered by these peculiar physics. While Martha’s running, jumping, and swinging her trusty axe might come off as you’d expect, the control just lacks the fluidity you’d hope for. Picture this: during a chase sequence, you’d think falling into a spiky pit would be an instant setback. Yet, instead of an automatic fail, Martha just bounces around, incurring damage with each impact. Such inconsistencies hint at a level of polish that’s conspicuously absent.
The bright side? JustAxe wraps up in about three hours, making it a short-lived ordeal you can finish in a single afternoon. The storyline is minimal, in line with expectations for games of this ilk. It’s perfect for whiling away the time on a lengthy commute or during a less-than-engaging family gathering. While navigating its frustrating levels and battling its persistent enemies, it does offer a temporary escape from the everyday.
This review is grounded on a retail copy of the game provided by the publisher.
