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Review of Axanael

SubjectAxanael
Axanael
ByHelpfulness: 7
Vote: 8
alucard216 on 2022-08-09 last updated on 2022-09-13
ReviewAxanael is a visual novel that, despite being produced by the well-known Nitroplus - the same company that boasts some of the most successful VNs out there, such as Steins;Gate, Saya no Uta and ToToNo - isn't popular at all, at least in the Western world, as it hasn't been translated yet.

The story takes place in the everlastingly entertaining Akihabara, full of Japanese culture, quirky dudes and otakus, and its focus is a mysterious Russian Roulette game in which volunteers, in a tight spot, shoot themselves with a powerful gun called "Axanael" which, while potentially deadly, has a chance to grant someone's true wish.

Unlike most VNs, we don't have separate routes for separate characters, as we need to do all of them in the same playthrough to get to continue the story. That's because Axanael is narrated in a similar fashion to works like Durarara (the first one it reminded me of): this means we'll see the same events multiple times but from six different characters' viewpoint, getting more depth and information every time. Most characters don't know each other at the beginning, but their paths will unavoidably meet and all of them will have to deal with the fateful Russian Roulette, in a limbo between life and death. All these unique and fun interactions are the strongest point in this VN, in my opinion.

I was immediately enthrilled by Axanael right from the moment I started reading it, as it always keeps its audience interested, in a cycle of comedy, mystery and action. The range of characters goes from fun and cool to annoying, such as the dog Yuujirou, that I found obnoxious every time he appeared on the screen. But, in a way or another, all of them will play an influential part in the story; even the seemingly caricatural characters will be able to surprise you.

The VN contains multiple endings, which are based on the success of the Axanael gunshot, so, even if getting the true ending is not immediate, it is 100% doable after a few tries. Also, all of the alternative endings always show different sides of characters and new information that you might be missing in the other ones.

Excluding one, which I found to be interesting, the h-scenes are there just for the sake of it, but that's how most eroges are made, after all.

The art style is colourful and pleasing to look at, while the soundtrack, despite not having stand-out songs, definitely does its job and some OSTs are still stuck in my head, after hearing them over and over.

All in all, while not being a game that moved me emotionally, Axanael is an entertaining VN from start to finish that will keep you on the edge of your seat through its charming characters and hilarious interactions and I definitely recommend it.

Honestly, I don't understand why it hasn't been adapted yet, as it is made by the acclaimed Nitroplus and it would definitely appeal to the Western community. I would have fun in translating it to my language (Italian), however, due to game engine technical aspects I don't have the necessary knowledge for, I don't think I'll be able to do it.

Vote: 8
7 points
#1 by HataVNI
2022-08-09 at 23:07
< report >Sounds more than cool!
#2 by yunari-ah419
2022-08-10 at 03:43
< report >>Honestly, I don't understand why it hasn't been adapted yet, as it is made by the acclaimed Nitroplus and it would definitely appeal to the Western community
I think it had something to do with game not doing THAT well financially and not getting much attention even from JP Nitro fans. This situation is kinda similiar to Django(which was picked up for TL).
Honestly I think JAST was originally planned to TL it after Django, but since Django's in TL purgatory, Axanael's chances are kinda low.
#3 by georgankar
2022-08-24 at 10:58
< report >When I was playing this VN, every "decision gunshot" was always successful the first time (not killing the character), no matter what. I don't know if it was due to some issue with the version I played or something like that. Did any of the characters shoot themselves "on the first try" in your playthrough?
#4 by alucard216
2022-08-24 at 13:51
< report >
When I was playing this VN, every "decision gunshot" was always successful the first time (not killing the character), no matter what. I don't know if it was due to some issue with the version I played or something like that. Did any of the characters shoot themselves "on the first try" in your playthrough?

It was the same for me. In fact I thought that was the true ending for this reason, lol. What did you choose at the very beginning? I mean when the game makes you choose between "let destiny do its thing" or "manipulate destiny yourself". I chose the former expecting more craziness and accidental suicides, lol.
#5 by georgankar
2022-08-24 at 19:11
< report >Oh, tbh, I already don't remember what I chose exactly, but I thought it would just determine from which character I would start