Axelay sequel

Give us another Axelay, you cowards

After discovering this art from a Housemarque developer, I want it more than ever

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Later in the SNES era, shmup fans had no problem going to their local rental store and picking something up. One of those ’90s classics is Axelay from Konami, with the memorable “lava guy” box art (that’s exactly how I was drawn to it). Not only were the aesthetics on point, but it was also a very serviceable shmup on a mechanical level, and people still hold water for it today. While there’s no official Axelay sequeā™Šl in the books (one was planned, but scrappāœ¤ed), this Housemarque artist is keeping the dream alive.

by way of , although it’s a tad old at this point, it doesn’t make (of Housemarque fame) any less impressive. Noting that it was “easily one [their] favourite childhood videogames,” with “countless of hoursĀ  [spent] on this hard as nails- shoot em up,” they present what is essentially concept art for a modern version. We get a good look at the original ship players took control of in their bid to take down the Armada of Annihilation, as well as a rotating 3D render, boss battle recreations, and some level concepts that are absolutely stunning. You don’t have to be a shmup fan to appreciate the art.

If you haven’t played it before, it’s worth clicking around to see how ambitious it was at the time. And note that never happened!


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Chris Carter
Managing Editor - Chris has been enjoying Destructoid avidly since 2008. He finally decided to take the next step in January of 2009 blogging on the site. Now, he's staff!