JustAxe brings back a wave of nostalgia, reminiscent of those classic Adobe Flash games from the golden era of Newgrounds and Kongregate. This brief, straightforward platformer captures that signature Flash game fluidity in its mechanics and controls. However, if you’re new to this kind of gaming experience, the sluggish response and quirky game physics might leave you a tad underwhelmed. Unfortunately, for a console game set to release in 2024, it doesn’t quite hit the mark.
Imagine steering little Martha, the character you play, through a level, while the enemies relentlessly pursue her with over-the-top aggression. They become so fixated on getting to Martha that they’ll pile up on one another or plunge into traps and cliffs just to reach her. When they finally catch up and strike, Martha gets flung back impressively far, defying any sense of realistic physics. It’s that classic Flash game feel, through and through.
The navigation in JustAxe also follows this retro Flash-game style. Martha runs, leaps, and battles with her trusty axe, but the controls lack the smoothness you’d expect. Take, for instance, one of the chase levels—falling into a pit of spikes should, by all accounts, lead to a quick demise for Martha. Yet instead, she bounces off the thorns, taking damage with each bounce, which just adds to the unpolished feel of the game.
On the brighter side, JustAxe doesn’t overstay its welcome. Clocking in at around three hours, it’s a manageable game you can polish off in an afternoon. The storyline is minimal, but that’s not too surprising given its nature. It’s really designed for those looking to pass the time on a lengthy train ride or during tedious family meals. It offers a break from the real world with its somewhat annoying levels and challenges.
To wrap it up, this review is based on a retail copy provided by the game’s publisher.
