REVIEW: JustAxe (PC) – That VideoGame Blog

Playing JustAxe instantly transported me back to those classic Adobe Flash game days on platforms like Newgrounds and Kongregate. It’s a short and straightforward platformer that exudes the trademark fluidity and control scheme reminiscent of those times. However, for gamers unfamiliar with such nostalgic mechanics, the experience might come across as clunky and somewhat awkward. Frankly, it doesn’t hold up well compared to console games releasing in the modern gaming era of 2024.

Enemies in JustAxe are relentless. Little Martha, the character you control, attracts them like a magnet, and they’ll stop at nothing to reach her. Even if it means piling on top of each other and tumbling into traps and crevices—they’re that determined. When they finally do catch up to Martha, their attacks send her flying ridiculous distances, defying any sense of realistic physics. This is Flash-game logic in action, for better or worse.

Navigating the game world reinforces that feeling. Martha moves, hops, and swings her trusty axe as you’d expect, yet something’s off—a lack of the fluidity that one would anticipate. For instance, during a particular chase sequence, falling into a pit of spikes should logically spell game over. Instead, Martha comically bounces off, taking damage with each impact, which makes the game feel somewhat unfinished.

Thankfully, JustAxe is a quick experience, only about three hours long. Its storyline is sparse, which isn’t surprising for a game like this. It’s perfect for moments when you just want to pass the time, whether you’re on a long commute or enduring an otherwise dull family gathering. At least it offers some distraction as you tackle its mildly infuriating levels and adversaries.

Please note, this review is based on a retail copy of the game, kindly provided by the publisher.