JustAxe instantly brings back the nostalgic vibes of those classic Adobe Flash games from the golden age of Newgrounds and Kongregate. It’s a straightforward and brief platformer, capturing that signature Flash feel with its controls and fluidity. For gamers new to this style, the sluggish controls and quirky game physics might be off-putting. It’s certainly not the best look for a console game debuting in 2024.
The enemies in JustAxe are incredibly persistent, pursuing our protagonist, Martha, to the very brink of each level. Their determination is so intense they even plunge into traps or off ledges just to reach her. When these foes manage to land a hit, they send Martha flying—something that defies any real-world physics logic. This is typical of that Flash game charm.
As Martha navigates the world of JustAxe, wielding her axe, running, and jumping, there’s a noticeable lack of the smoothness we expect from modern titles. Take, for example, the chase levels: if Martha tumbles into the spike-filled abyss, you’d expect her to be a goner. Yet, instead of meeting her fate, she amusingly bounces off the spikes, taking damage with each bounce. These kinds of quirks suggest the game could use a bit more polish.
Fortunately, your stint with JustAxe won’t demand too much of your time. It’s a short, three-hour journey that you can wrap up in an afternoon. The storyline is minimal, which isn’t surprising given the nature of the game. It’s perfect for those moments when you need a distraction, like during a long commute or a family gathering you’d rather not be at. At least while playing, you’ll be immersed in its somewhat frustrating levels and battling relentless enemies, offering a brief escape from reality.
This review is based on a retail copy of the game provided by the publisher.
