JustAxe takes me back to the nostalgic era of Adobe Flash games, much like those you’d find on Newgrounds or Kongregate. This platformer, with its simple gameplay, has that familiar Flash-like fluidity in both its mechanics and controls. However, if you’ve never played games from that era, you might find yourself frustrated with its sluggish feel and quirky physics. Unfortunately, this doesn’t translate well as a console release in 2024.
In the game, you navigate Martha—the character you control—through various levels. The enemies are relentless, chasing her across the stage with an aggression that’s almost comical. They’ll even jump over each other and plummet into traps just to reach Martha. When they do manage to land an attack, they send her flying yards away in a manner that defies real-world physics. This is classic Flash game physics in action.
The control mechanics of JustAxe also remind you of its Flash roots. Martha can run, jump, and swing her trusty axe, but there’s a lack of smoothness in how these actions flow. Take, for instance, a chase level where Martha falls into a spiky pit. You’d expect such a fall to be game over, but instead, she bounces off the spikes, taking damage each time she hits them. These quirks make the game feel a bit unfinished.
In terms of time commitment, JustAxe is a brief experience, clocking in at around three hours—a length that makes it manageable for a single afternoon. Its storyline is quite minimal, which is typical for games like this and perhaps even preferable. It’s ideal for killing time during a lengthy commute or at a dull family gathering. At least, it offers a brief escape from reality with its mildly challenging levels and persistent foes.
This critique is based on a retail copy of JustAxe, provided by the publisher.
