When Axiom Verge 2 was announced in 2019, it was during a Nintendo Direct, so we didn't know what other platforms the title was coming to. We now know that the hotly anticipated Metroid-inspired sequel is coming to PC, exclusively on the Epic Games Store.
The announcement came today via the Epic Games Store Spring Showcase, which also brought word that the Kingdom Hearts series is finally coming to PC through Epic's storefront. The announcement closed out the livestream event from the gaming giant and informed players they can wishlist the title on Epic Games Store beginning today.
Axiom Verge 2 was originally announced for a 2020 release, but in October of last year, developer Thomas Happ said the game would instead release sometime in 2021. News for Axiom Verge 2 has been sparse, but earlier this year, Happ announced a free update to the first game, which adds a randomizer to the fan-favorite title.
When Axiom Verge initially launched, it quickly secured high praise within the Metroid-loving community. We loved the game upon release, calling it a, "stunning love letter to Nintendo's classic" and awarding it a 9.25 out of 10. Axiom Verge 2 is a part of that same story, but set in a different time period with new characters, new enemies, and in a new world. As such, you can play it before or after the original and you won't lose your ability to comprehend the narrative.
We don't know when Axiom Verge 2 is coming out, but the Epic Games Store Spring Showcase trailer ended with "Coming Soon," so hopefully it will be the earlier parts of 2021. In a blog post, Happ also explained his reasoning for going with Epic Games Store for this launch, but says it will come to Steam eventually, and that he has a great relationship with Sony and Microsoft and hopes to be able to talk about his plans on those systems in the near future.
For now, Axiom Verge 2 is scheduled to come to Switch and PC sometime this year.
The Epic Games Store Spring Showcase starts today, and there’s already been a big announcement: The entire Kingdom Hearts saga is coming to PC for the very first time. This means that, starting now, you can pre-purchase Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 Remix, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, Kingdom Hearts III, and Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory. Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 comes with a whopping six titles: Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories, Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days (with HD Remastered cinematics), Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix, and Kingdom Hearts Re:coded (with HD Remastered cinematics).
#KingdomHearts is coming to PC via the Epic Games Store for the first time ever on March 30th!
— KINGDOM HEARTS (@KINGDOMHEARTS) February 11, 2021
Join Sora, Donald, Goofy and beloved Disney characters across 4 games, as they unite to battle against the darkness threatening all worlds.
Pre-order today: https://t.co/dwf8zPIr4o pic.twitter.com/8fdKxc1ld6
Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue contains two games and one movie leading up to Kingdom Hearts III. Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance and Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep — a fragmentary passage — rounds out the playable experiences while the Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover movie tells the mysterious story of the Foretellers.
Kingdom Hearts III is the most recent mainline installment in the extensive franchise and serves as the final chapter in Sora, Donald, and Goofy's long odyssey. Melody of Memory, however, is a musical game that gives long-time fans a chance to relive their favorite moments in the series through playable songs.
Our Kingdom Hearts expert, Kim Wallace, ultimately enjoyed Melody of Memory and said, "I didn’t realize how much Kingdom Hearts’ soundtrack has impacted me until I played Melody of Memory. As a fan of the series, I’ve always praised the score, but something about actually going back through various tracks and tapping to the beats on familiar backdrops showcased just how powerful these songs have been. Melody of Memory delivers great music and tons of unlockables to keep you listening."
The entire Kingdom Hearts franchise comes to the Epic Games Store on March 30 and will be joined by the highly-anticipated Axiom Verge 2.