Axiom of Maria is an action-adventure game featuring Kay as the protagonist trying to get back her family from an AI in Seoul, a ghost town due to population decline.
Players praise the game's combat for its fluidity and responsiveness. The protagonist, Kay, wields a "reactive sword that responds to enemy fire," allowing for "fast, intense, and easy action." Reviewers highlight the combat's good balance of challenge and accessibility, enabling players to engage in "thrilling combat encounters" with a variety of moves and strategies.
Many players laud the game's satisfying hack-and-slash gameplay, drawing comparisons to titles like Shinobi and Kunoichi. The combat feels "smooth and flashy," with a wide range of attacks and special moves that keep the experience feeling fresh. Reviewers emphasize the importance of the game's "chip management system" in adding depth and complexity to the combat.
While the combat takes the spotlight, the game's platforming and traversal elements also receive praise, albeit with some room for improvement. The wall-running and wall-jumping mechanics are noted, though some players felt they could be better integrated with the combat system. The motorbike sequences are highlighted as a fun and engaging addition to the gameplay.
Across multiple reviews, players describe the game's controls as responsive and intuitive, making the gameplay easy to pick up and enjoy. The developer is commended for striking a balance between challenge and accessibility, ensuring a satisfying experience for both casual and more experienced players.
While the game's overall length may be on the shorter side, reviewers appreciate the variety of gameplay elements, from the combat to the puzzles and exploration. The different combat abilities and upgrades are said to offer a good degree of replayability, allowing players to experiment with different approaches and strategies.