When I think of JustAxe, I am transported back to the golden era of Adobe Flash games on platforms like Newgrounds and Kongregate. This neat little platformer captures that classic, fluid gameplay and control of those early games. However, for newcomers to this style of gaming, the slow response and unique physics might be off-putting. Frankly, it’s not the most flattering debut for a console game launching in 2024.
As you navigate through the levels, you’ll notice the amusingly aggressive behavior of the enemies towards your character, Martha. These foes are relentless, following Martha to the ends of each stage. Their eagerness to catch her leads them to amusingly leap over each other, tumbling into traps and pitfalls without a second thought. Yet, when they finally get a hit on Martha, the result is laughably unrealistic—they knock her back alarmingly far, showcasing the trademark physics reminiscent of Flash games.
The control system in JustAxe sometimes feels a little dated as well. Running, jumping, and swinging Martha’s trusty axe are all part of the expected experience, but there’s a certain something missing that makes the controls less smooth than you’d hope. Take, for instance, those tense chase levels; when Martha tumbles into a spiky trench, you might expect an instant “game over.” Instead, she’s comically bounced around, taking damage with each contact rather than meeting a definitive end. It’s these quirky details that leave the game lacking polish.
On the bright side, JustAxe is easy to finish in about three hours, making it perfect for killing time during a long commute or an awkward family gathering. The storyline doesn’t go deep, but that’s usually par for the course with this type of game. It offers a distraction, helping you momentarily escape into its world, albeit with some mildly irritating challenges and adversaries.
The game was evaluated using a retail copy provided by the publisher, and hopefully, this insight helps you decide if JustAxe is worth a slot in your gaming library.
