If you've read my Ori and the Blind Forest nomination, then you already know I'm a sucker for Metroidvanias. Axiom Verge is special in that it's not only a great example of the genre, but it actually plays and looks a lot like some of the earlier Metroid games. It's like a combination of the original Metroid's aesthetics, with Super Metroid's gameplay.
But Axiom Verge is also impressive because it's literally made by one developer. Tom Happ designed and coded the game, as well as composed the entire soundtrack (which is amazing) by himself. That fact alone is extremely impressive considering Axiom Verge's fantastic gameplay and intriguing story.
From countless powerups, deadly enemies and fantastic boss fights, Axiom Verge is a top-tier Metroidvania that pays homage to the ones that basically invented the genre.
Previous game: Pillars of Eternity
