AXIOM VERGE 2

Developer/publisher Thomas Happ Games Format PC, PS4, PS5, Switch Release Summer

The original Axiom Verge is still near the top of our list of favourite retro throwbacks, and not only because we remain slightly in awe of one-man development powerhouse Tom Happ, who not only designed and coded the game but created its pixel art and composed a soundtrack that hits the spot more effectively than many works from dedicated musicians. This sequel is another solo production, but set in an alternate Earth rather than an alien world, giving its environments a more familiar feel. There will be fewer weapons than before, meaning that new protagonist Indra will use more closerange moves, along with hacking and other skills, to progress. And if progress proves difficult, Happ is introducing settings allowing you to tweak the amount of damage taken and dealt, plus the option to bypass bosses entirely, theoretically opening his series to a new, broader audience.