AK-xolotl Review (PC)

My AK is pumping a constant stream of relatively slow bullets into the air, aiming for the big crocodile who’s trying to jump on top of my character. I switch direction to make sure he fails to hit the target and swing the assault weapon around to deal some damage to the big fox-like creature that’s coming from my right, spreading a hail of projectiles ahead of itself.

I dodge again as a few smaller opponents move toward me, also shooting, which also allows me to avoid an incoming grenade. A piece of terrain gives my axolotl cover as he reloads his main weapon. I could switch to a katana but there are too many enemies around for close-quarter action. I’m hoping that someone drops a solid weapon, although this is a room where I’m supposed to get back some health.

Now that all enemy creatures are in the ground, I pick up currency and a few leaves. The next area is a vendor, which is great because I manage to pick up a helmet to make my character less vulnerable to explosions. I suspect a boss fight is coming in a few levels, so I’m hoping that the procedural generation gives me a chance to get at least one weapon that packs more of a punch.

AK-xolotl was developed by 2Awesome Studio and published by Playstack. I played the PC version using Steam. The game is also offered on the Nintendo Switch, the PlayStation 5, the Xbox Series X and S, and older consoles from Microsoft and Sony. The title uses top-down shooter mechanics and mixes them with a rogue-lite scaffolding.

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Don’t expect too much from the narrative. A group of axolotls is ambushed around the fireplace and the only survivor launches his very violent revenge quest, moving through this world while wielding a high-powered assault rifle. Young representatives of the species can be saved at certain points. It’s a decent setup for an action-focused experience but doesn’t enhance it in any way.

The contrast between the cute animal characters and their propensity for hyper-violence could have been explored more. It’s good for a chuckle, especially when the game introduces bosses and their unique approach to combat. However, the level of narrative immersion is limited, which is a problem in such a crowded genre.

AK-xolotl is played from a top-down perspective and is focused on fast battles in relatively small arenas. Shoot everything that moves and avoid all incoming attacks. Initially, just a few enemies try to whittle down his health but, as he moves from level to level, their numbers and capabilities increase. Some throw explosives, others focus on melee, and all are covered by creatures shooting projectiles in a variety of patterns. Use the dodge liberally to avoid them and focus fire on the most threatening first.

Our axolotl starts off with his AK, a good gun with decent range and infinite ammo. Each arena offers a reward chest and many of them are specialized in delivering extra weapons, ranging from katanas and shotguns to long-range options.

Chests can also deliver extra health, types of currency, food, or perks. And, inevitably, bosses show up, ready to soak up a lot of bullets and kill the players who fail to recognize their patterns. Try to reach them with maximum health and get out of the way when they deploy their biggest attacks.

Levels are procedurally generated but don’t offer too many surprises, other than environmental hazards that tend to hit the axolotl at the worst possible moment. The game clearly marks the spots where enemies will appear, making it easy to quickly eliminate one or two when a wave enters the arena. But make sure to always focus on dodging first. It’s hard to regain health once it's lost.

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When death comes, AK-xolotl allows players to regenerate in a peaceful clearing. Here they can use accumulated currency to unlock extra capabilities for their next run. But, more importantly, they can interact with the baby axolotls that can be found in some arenas. They get their own special area. Players can nurture and feed them. Love them and they will grow up to become playable characters, each with their own set of abilities. It is an interesting addition to a rogue-lite but does not feel central to the experience.

Ak-xolotl’s biggest issue is the limited variety of combat arenas and enemies. It makes it harder to engage with the core loop, which offers plenty of fun moments. The axolotl main character gives developers space to try out more outlandish ideas, but they chose to stick close to the classic concepts of the genre.

AK-xolotl adopts a vaguely retro style that has served many other indie titles well. Our axolotl hero and the boss enemies have unique details and animations that make them come alive, but the less important opponents often blend into the background. Thankfully, all weapon projectiles are suitable colorful, and bright, which is great because it means players are always aware of how likely they are to get hit. The game’s interface is also easy to read.

The combat sound effects aren’t too impactful, which is a little disappointing considering the arsenal of high-powered weapons the axolotl will wield. There’s no voice acting for the characters, but the soundtrack is good. It’s fast and aggressive and should help gamers as they move fast and kill as many animals with guns as possible.

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The Good

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Conclusion