Playing JustAxe is like stepping into a time machine that whisks you back to the days of those classic Adobe Flash games found on Newgrounds and Kongregate. This is a straightforward, no-frills platformer that captures the distinctive feel and somewhat clunky controls of those earlier games. Folks unacquainted with this genre might find themselves a bit irritated by the sluggish movements and unusual game physics. It doesn’t seem to translate well to a console title arriving in 2024.
Let’s take the game’s enemies as an example. They possess a peculiar determination to follow the character, Martha, doggedly chasing her through each level. These foes are so fiercely intent that they’ll stumble over each other and even fall into traps in their relentless pursuit. When they do manage to land a hit, they send Martha flying with a force that defies the laws of physics. It’s a clear nod to the quirky, exaggerated nature of Flash-game mechanics.
Moving through the world of JustAxe, the Flash-game physics become even more apparent. While Martha can run, jump, and swing her trusty axe, something about the controls feels off. It lacks that seamless fluidity you’d hope for. Take, for instance, a level where one might expect an instant demise upon falling into a spiky pit, but instead, Martha bounces harmlessly, accumulating damage with each recoil. These small oddities give the game an unpolished edge.
Fortunately, JustAxe doesn’t demand too much of your time, clocking in at about three hours to complete. Its storyline is minimal, which is to be expected for this style of game. It serves perfectly as a way to pass the time during a lengthy train or bus ride, or perhaps when you’re stuck at a dull family gathering. It can at least offer a brief escape from reality, though some of the levels and enemies might test your patience.
This review is based on a retail copy of the game provided by the publisher.
