JustAxe really takes me back to the golden era of Adobe Flash games on platforms like Newgrounds and Kongregate. It’s a short, straightforward platformer that channels that classic Flash feel, complete with its unique control quirks. But, let’s be real, for those who didn’t grow up playing these types of games, the slow-paced controls and awkward game physics could be quite off-putting. It’s not exactly what you’d expect from a new console release in 2024.
The enemies in JustAxe are relentlessly loyal to their mission of chasing down little Martha, the character you control. Their determination is almost comedic—they’ll leap over one another and plunge into traps or pits, seemingly oblivious to the danger, just to reach her. And when these foes manage to land a hit, they send Martha flying an absurd distance, defying any semblance of realistic physics. This artful chaos of Flash-game physics is in full swing here.
Navigating the game’s world doesn’t stray far from this either. Martha runs, jumps, and wields her axe with a certain expectation of precision, yet the controls somehow feel less fluid than they should. For instance, during one chase sequence, falling into a spiky abyss should logically mean game over for Martha. Strangely enough, she just ends up bouncing off the spikes, taking damage with each hit instead of plummeting to her doom. This kind of quirkiness highlights how rough around the edges the game feels at times.
On the bright side, JustAxe isn’t a lengthy adventure—it’s a mere three-hour trek that you can easily finish in an afternoon. Its story is pretty minimalistic, but for a game of this kind, that’s to be expected. It serves as a perfect little distraction when you’re looking to pass the time—whether you’re on a long train ride or trying to survive a tedious family gathering. At the very least, the game offers an escape from reality as you tackle its slightly frustrating levels and adversaries.
Just a note, this review was based on a retail copy of the game, courtesy of the publisher.
