Last year, Axiom Verge creator Thomas Happ unveiled the sequel to the acclaimed Metroidvania title. It was meant to release this Fall for Nintendo Switch. Unfortunately, several factors led to the project’s schedule going “astray” and Happ is now projecting Axiom Verge 2 to release in the first half of 2021.
Some of the factors include “much more sophisticated” enemies, including certain foes that will scan their surroundings for the player and proceed to give chase after detecting them. There will also be something similar to the Address Disruptor from the first game. However, while its functionality is similar, it’s “in a way that gives the player more control over the outcome.” Happ also noted that the art style is more complex owing to the more Earth-like setting and environments over the original.
“In order to capture that difference, it was critical to formulate seamless tiles that can blend into one another. This may seem like a subtle change, but it has far reaching implications for the design, art, and ultimately feel of the game.” Finally, he alluded to the COVID-19 pandemic taking its toll in a number of ways.
Nevertheless, Happ is working hard. “I am extremely grateful for all of the inquiries into the release date for Axiom Verge 2. I had my concerns about whether people would even care at all about a sequel coming 5 years after the release of the original. Although it’s taking longer than I originally hoped, I am going to do my best to make sure it’s worth the wait.”
Axiom Verge 2 is currently exclusive to Switch but could “hopefully” release for all systems at some point. It has a “distinctly heavier” Zelda influence and will be about 10 hours long. Stay tuned for more details in the meantime.