When comparing Axiom Verge vs Monument Valley, the Slant community recommends Monument Valley for most people. In the question“What are the best indie games on Steam?” Monument Valley is ranked 17th while Axiom Verge is ranked 45th. The most important reason people chose Monument Valley is:
The gameplay for Monument Valley revolves around manipulating the environment in order to let your character proceed to the next level. It's similar to Fez in that it's obviously inspired by Escher paintings, requiring you to manipulate "impossible" architecture.
Specs
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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 The scenery is beautiful and incorporates clever Escher inspired gameplay mechanics
The gameplay for Monument Valley revolves around manipulating the environment in order to let your character proceed to the next level. It's similar to Fez in that it's obviously inspired by Escher paintings, requiring you to manipulate "impossible" architecture.
Pro No need for internet connection with offline gameplay
Monument Valley allows for offline gameplay, meaning that the user does not need an internet connection to play once the game has been downloaded onto his/her device.
Pro Perfect balance of difficulty in puzzles
No puzzle is too difficult or too easy. Never frustrating.
Pro Illustrative soundtrack
The soundtrack really helps illustrate the beautiful surrounding world in which the game is set.
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 The game is too short
The base game only has ten levels that can be completed within 20 minutes.