Although it began innocuously enough
as a platform for high-def ports of classic arcade titles and casual games,
Microsoft’s Xbox LIVE Arcade platform has really come into its own, presenting
some truly high-quality titles and fostering indie development like no other
download platform out there. Titles like Braid, Shadow Complex, and ‘Splosion
Man are games that otherwise wouldn’t have a means of standard disc-based
distribution, but given the benefits of Xbox LIVE Arcade, they are able to
flourish and find their ways to the hands of willing gamers looking for great
games.
Axel & Pixel is another example of a
title that otherwise wouldn’t be able to have widespread distribution without
Xbox LIVE Arcade. Recently released for 800 Microsoft Points, Axel & Pixel is a
charming title with a lot of personality, being a perfect fit for the platform.
While the game is far from perfect, being far too short and easily finished, it
exudes charm, style and feels unique.
The game finds our titular heroes, a
painter and his dog, as they get their house destroyed by the evil Ice Giant and
his rat minion. Therefore, they embark on a mission to traverse through the four
seasons, leading all the way to winter in order to take on the Ice Giant in his
own world.
Axel & Pixel is an adventure/puzzle
hybrid, with the majority of the game unfolding in the point-and-click style of
other games like Secret of Monkey Island. You’ll solve logic-type puzzles,
combing the environment for clues and trying to get from one of the game’s 24
screens to the next. This is never very difficult, as your cursor will light up
whenever to find a place of interest, and it’s never a terribly taxing endeavor.
Aside from the standard
point-and-click adventuring, there are three vehicle-based minigames littered
throughout. These are hit and miss, being fun at times and kind of lousy at
others. However, should you enjoy the vehicle segments, you’ll be able to go
back and replay them through the menu.
Axel & Pixel’s main downfall is its
brevity. The whole game can be finished in about three hours, and there’s very
little incentive to go through the whole experience again after completing it
once. While the game does have leaderboard support, the whole affair is way too
short and too easy to warrant a second play through.
Graphically, the game looks great,
thanks to a unique art style. The character models have a strange juxtaposed
quality on the high-rendered background, and even move a bit strangely, but this
only serves to add to the game’s charm and sense of style. The sound effects and
music do a great job of capturing the mood and theme of the game, adding a nice
ambiance to the gameplay.
Axel & Pixel is a great example of
an original title with a great sense of personality. While the asking price of
800 Microsoft Points might be a bit much for such a short-lived adventure, it’s
definitely a great time while it lasts.
|
|
Gameplay: 7.5
The game is a short-lived experience, clocking in at around three hours from
start to finish. However, the game’s unique style and point-and-click gameplay
make it a joy to play for that brief time.
Graphics: 8.0
The graphics aren’t terribly complex, but the art design is done very well
and looks great.
Sound: 8.0
The music and sound lends an appropriate level of ambiance to the gameplay.
Difficulty: Easy
Concept: 8.5
An original and intriguing, Axel & Pixel has tons of style and personality.
Overall: 8.0
Axel & Pixel is short and easy, and doesn’t really heap on the replay value.
However, if you are looking for a fun night with a unique and charming title,
then look no further.
