Is anyone else as surprised at the number of point-and-click adventure games popping up on XBLA? Granted, the number is still small, but for a genre that was thought to be dead outside a small dedicated PC audience, it's a big thing. Though a little different than the typical point-and-click adventure game, Axel & Pixel is a great addition to the system's growing library.

Axel is an artist who falls asleep one night and finds himself transported to a dream-like fantasy world that looks like something right out of a Monty Python production. Backgrounds are hand drawn and feature the cartoon-y realism found in most Python bumpers. They aren't realistic, but find just the right balance between drawing and photo to give the entire game an otherworldly feel - particularly when taken alongside the more animated-looking Axel and Pixel.

The game's soundtrack plays right into the feeling conveyed by the visuals. Each piece of music fits the mood of the level. I can't recall any of the tunes from the top of my head, but I do remember everything sounding just right while playing. The only minor annoyance was Axel's Simlish-sounding vocals. All of Axel's actions are accompanied by happy mumbles and grunts. This probably won't bother most players, but I have this strange hang-up about mumbles and grunts.

Axel & Pixel finds the duo transported to this magical land where, soon after arriving, an evil rat decides to drop a rock on Axel's house. To make matters worse, he also has the key to the place. Unless Axel can track down the rat, he's stuck in the dream - sending you on a puzzle-filled quest.

There isn't much to Axel & Pixel. You control a context-sensitive cursor that highlights areas of interest with a glowing halo. Once an object is highlighted, you simply need to hit a button and see what happens. Early on, you can solve puzzles with a few clicks. Later on, you'll need to click on multiple objects in a particular order.

Although mostly a point-and-click game, Axel & Pixel features a few action-based challenges. These range from a few short quick-time sequences where you need to hit button combinations to jump between platforms or dodge threats, to a few annoying mini-games. Every few levels you'll have to drive a car, fly a balloon, or float down a stream. These areas aren't hard, but get a little frustrating. For instance, the balloon areas are momentum-based and everything you need to collect (including fuel for the balloon's burner) is snug up against a wall or obstacle. It's unlikely these sections will cause you to quit playing, but may elicit a few choice words as you crash into a small outcropping for the fourth of fifth time.

Axel & Pixel takes place over 24 levels; it's a short game by most standards, but how long each area takes to complete will hinge on how long it takes to you solve puzzles and how much (or little) you use the in-game hint system. Every puzzle is contained to a one-screen, 2D-level, so there's no awkward scrolling or odd object placements. Most of the solutions are easily solvable, but only if you apply a healthy dose of logic. Everything you need is right in front of you, but seeing how they work together requires some vision beyond the obvious.

If you get stuck, there's an in-game hint system that will highlight the next part of the puzzle for you. I ended up using the system about five or six times, so it does come in handy.

Levels are based around finding and activating objects in the background in order to set up reactions that will eventually unlock an exit. In some levels, you'll need to find components to build something while in others, you'll need to move an obstacle from your path. It's simple stuff and the game manages to squeeze a lot of different scenarios out of the mechanic.

Other objects like bones, paint, artistic inspiration and brushes are also scattered throughout each level. These add a slight bit of search-and-find gameplay and some will alter how you solve a puzzle. For instance, you'll sometimes need to complete half of the solution to access a hidden item, while other times you'll need to come up with a different solution using the same objects need to complete the level.

Axel & Pixel is great for what it is - a bite-sized XBLA adventure. It's a little too easy at times and short, but it will absolutely win you over with its charm and relaxing play style. If you're looking for a brain-bending adventure, this isn't it. If, however, you're looking for a game you can simply lose yourself to over a long weekend, this is it.