Axiom Verge 1 & 2 Bundle

Genre: Compilation / Metroidvania

Players: 1

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Review:

Axiom Verge 1 & 2 Bundle, released on Nintendo Switch in 2022, is a Compilation of the two named titles, both Metroidvania games released separately on Nintendo Switch in 2017 and 2021.

I have previously reviewed both of these games. Here is what I thought of each of the games in this collection:

Game	Genre	# of Players	Grade
Axiom Verge	Metroidvania	1	A
tl;dr Axiom Verge is a Metroidvania that is the closest thing to Super Metroid outside of the Metroid series itself, yet it still maintains its own identity, with its own bizarre alien world, an intriguing plot, and unique powers based on the “glitchy” infection spreading through the game’s world. While the game has a few flaws keeping it from perfection (some control issues and a fairly high difficulty level), it is still a phenomenal game that fans of Metroidvanias absolutely need to get.
Axiom Verge 2	Metroidvania	1	A
tl;dr Axiom Verge 2 is a Metroidvania that is a big departure from the first game, focusing on a new character, with new enemies, a completely different set of abilities, and a compelling new sci-fi plot to follow. This game has excellent exploration, some fun and unique traversal options, and while there are definitely some areas where it could be improved, this is overall a must-play entry in the genre.

In short, this pair of games are two of the best Metroidvania games in the genre, and surprisingly quite different from each other. The original Axiom Verge feels like a loving tribute to the Metroid series and the original Metroid trilogy in particular, while Axiom Verge 2 features more close-range fighting and makes use of some experimental mechanics, like bosses that players aren’t required to fight and a drone that players control in an alternate world. I know many players were not thrilled with some of Axiom Verge 2’s unique ideas, but I personally loved it, and as a result this game received numerous award nominations during eShopperReviews 2021 Game Awards, including Most Underrated, Best Music, and Game of the Year, and winning Best Metroidvania (yes, that’s right, I like Axiom Verge 2 more than Metroid Dread). Needless to say, I think this is an outstanding game, and I think the original Axiom Verge is also quite excellent.

Clearly the quality of the content here is beyond reproach, so that just leaves the question of how good this bundle’s value is, and for that… well, at $40, this bundle is identical in price to the cost of buying both games separately. There’s no added value here at all. Though I suppose on the bright side, there’s no downside here either, other than that buying this means committing to both games instead of just one.

So, in the end, do I recommend buying Axiom Verge 1 & 2 Bundle? The short version is, I think you would be better-served buying both games separately, if only so you can play one before deciding to get the other. However, these games are both outstanding Metroidvania titles that I absolutely think fans of the genre should play, and however you go about getting your hands on them, you should definitely play these games.

tl;dr – Axiom Verge 1 & 2 Bundle is a Compilation of two extraordinary Metroidvania games, and while I highly recommend playing both of these games, you’re not really getting any benefit from buying them together in this bundle, which sells for the same price as both games combined. Still, whichever way you go about getting them, these games are well worth playing, and this is a perfectly fine way to get them both.

Grade: A

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