Axiom Verge Gets ‘Sophisticated’ Randomization Mode Six Years After Launch

Axiom Verge, the tailor-made Metroid-As developed only by independent designer Thomas Happ, is still receiving new content long after its initial release. A new update will make the game look like new every time you play by randomizing the order in which you get new weapons and unlock new areas.

Currently available on the Steam and Epic Games Store versions of the game in beta, the Randomizer was originally born through the work of Axiom Vergethe speedrunning community and, in particular, the creator of the mod that goes through Pozzum.

“[T]hey came up with an unofficial version that required a legal copy of the game to use and have since worked with me to bring it into the game as an official game mode, ”Happ writes in a new developer update. “They spent years working on it and refused any compensation I offered them. It was a labor of love, and I am extremely grateful to them.

Like a side-scroller inspired by Metroid, Axiom Verge revolves around exploring levels, finding new upgrades and power-ups, and then using them to go back and reach new areas that were previously blocked by obstacles. The challenge for any randomizer then is to make sure that things are randomized in such a way that players don’t get stuck in one area without having access to the powers to move on to the next.

Happ set the example of the Start Zone where the requirement to progress is just to be able to film stuff, so any upgrade that meets those criteria can be included in the possibility pool. Likewise, there is a later part where you get the Kilver pistol which allows you to shoot through barriers. There are other weapons that can do this as well, so they can also be substituted in that particular part of the progression path.

The new mode includes three different options:

• “Beginner” for players who have beaten the game several times but want to play it normally.
• “Advanced” for speedrunners familiar with how to navigate certain obstacles and sections.
• “Masochist” for Axiom Verge experts who know intimately all its quirks, problems and secrets.

“Right now there are exactly 4 people in the world who can play this mode,” Happ writes. “If you don’t know you’re one of them, you probably aren’t. This mode of progression is included primarily because the aforementioned people who developed this mode include the masochists in question.

If you want to get a feel for what Happ is all about, check out this speedrun from the game from Awesome Games Done Quick 2021:

It’s great to see a 2015 indie game have a new lease of life so long later, but especially as a collaborative effort between the game developer and his passionate speedrunners. And while the Randomizer is currently only in beta on PC, it should be available for free in console versions in the future.

It also makes me jazzed up Axiom Verge 2. Originally expected last year, it was delayed to fall until the first half of 2021. Fortunately, it still appears to be the case. Happ writes, “I’m putting the finishing touches on this and will talk about it more soon.”