Axel Quest is a single-player action-adventure game with RPG and Metroidvania elements, released on PlayStation 5 in June 2026. Players control a lone hero navigating a pixel-art world filled with monsters, collecting gear, and using abilities to progress through interconnected areas while battling bosses.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on exploration and combat in a 2D side-scrolling environment. Movement uses the left analog stick or D-pad, with jumping handled by the X button. Combat starts with a basic sword attack via the Square button, and players can perform a downward thrust by jumping and pressing Circle or down on the stick to bounce off enemies. The Circle button also allows picking up and throwing objects or opening chests.
Health begins at five hit points with low starting attack and defense stats. Progression comes from finding or buying better armor, weapons like the Ranger Bow for ranged attacks on Triangle, and items such as rings or hearts that boost maximum HP. Magical gems provide new abilities, including breaking rocks with the Stone Gem, swimming with the Aqua Stone, and fast travel between activated shrines using the Thunder Gem. Shrines serve as checkpoints and warp points, while bottomless pits instantly reset progress to the last shrine.
Equipment upgrades occur through vendors and shops scattered in the world. Hidden paths and secret areas reward thorough searching, and the handcrafted pixel visuals pair with a retro soundtrack to emphasize the nostalgic feel. Controls remain responsive throughout, supporting both careful platforming and aggressive fights against varied enemies.
Game Modes
Axel Quest features a single main campaign mode focused on linear yet exploratory progression. There are no separate multiplayer, co-op, or competitive modes. The experience revolves entirely around the single-player journey of rescuing key figures by defeating bosses, gathering upgrades, and uncovering the full map through ability-gated paths.
Progression ties directly to collecting relics, weapons, and gems that open new routes. Trophies track completion milestones such as obtaining specific items, defeating each boss, and locating all treasures, with a Platinum trophy available on both PS4 and PS5 versions due to cross-buy support.
Story and World
The narrative follows a straightforward quest to save the King and Princess after they are captured by creatures. The pixel-art world includes villages with NPCs, shops for upgrades, and dangerous zones filled with monsters of different types. Exploration reveals new abilities that expand access to previously unreachable sections, creating a classic Metroidvania structure without overwhelming complexity.
Shrines act as central hubs for saving and fast travel once unlocked. The focus stays on moment-to-moment discovery rather than deep dialogue or branching choices, keeping the emphasis on action and platforming.
Is It Worth Playing?
Axel Quest targets fans of short, retro-inspired 2D adventures. It delivers tight sword combat, ability-based exploration, and boss fights in a compact package priced affordably. Recent patches have addressed issues such as inventory soft locks, improving overall stability since launch.
Player feedback on the PlayStation Store shows an average rating of three stars from a small number of reviews. The game suits those who enjoy classic Metroidvania mechanics and nostalgic pixel art without expecting modern scale or multiplayer features. For players seeking a straightforward single-player experience with responsive controls and upgrade systems, it provides a solid, low-commitment option on PS5. Those preferring longer campaigns or higher production values may find it limited in scope.
