When comparing Axiom Verge vs Ancient Domains of Mystery (ADOM), the Slant community recommends Axiom Verge for most people. In the question“What are the best singleplayer games on Steam?” Axiom Verge is ranked 94th while Ancient Domains of Mystery (ADOM) is ranked 126th.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Great soundtrack
Pro Retro feel with a modern spin
Provides a good change of pace to what many modern titles offer. Axiom Verge is a well crafted combination of the original Metroid 2D platformer style, with unique game mechanics that make it refreshing.
Pro Somewhat complex story
While maybe not necessarily mind-blowing, it does have some interesting twists that one usually is more likely to find in movies rather than games. Also multiple endings.
Pro Tons of power ups to collect
In addition to having lots of things to find, the power ups give you diverse abilities that allow you to interact with the world in new unique ways.
Pro Beautiful art and environments
Pro Really, really deep
The game has been around for a dozen years or so, most of that time went into adding and expanding features. There are lots of ways to play the game, and you can dive into it literally for years and still be surprised by unexplored options.
Pro Surprisingly well balanced
Older roguelikes tend to have all of the things including the kitchen sink, and so does this. But the game feels cohesive and whole, and feels vast and expansive for its kitchen sink design rather than cluttered and messy.
Pro A true classic
It's one of the four games that really defined the genre, and it still is relevant today. A great addition to any roguelike fans' library.
Cons
Con Poor weapon design
There are a ton of weapons, but most of them lack purpose. You end up sticking with just a few.
Con Not modern enough
It's intentionally retro style makes the world monotonous and dead compared to modern Metroidvania's.
Con Soundtrack can feel repetitive
While the soundtrack has some great electronic music, it can start feeling repetitive over long play sessions, especially when you find yourself just wandering around, looking for items or the next destination.
Con Too short
And no reason to replay.
Con Complex interface
A common complaint is that there are a lot of commands to learn, although the devs have been working hard to simplify and streamline the interface (both graphical and ASCII)
Con Upgraded version only available via Steam
You can't buy the upgraded version, with all the extra features, from the developer or through DRM-Free sites like GOG, Itch.io, or Humble.
Con Generic and plain setting and story
About as generic fantasy as you can get.