Golden Axe

"One of the Best Beat-Em-Ups Ever."

When I was three years old, I went to my uncle's apartment one day. He said that he wanted to show me something called a Sega Genesis. I was thrilled at the first glance of it. When he gave me that three button controller and put in a game, I was even more thrilled. I played as Ax-Battler (I wouldn't know his name though until many years later, I referred to him as the man), and my sister played as Tyris Flare. This was the day that I was introduced to the world of video games. This game is as much fun the as it is now. First will be game play.

Game play: 10/10

This game is so good in this section. The controls are outstanding, whether you are attacking with your sword, doing the twirling attack, using your magic, or downward thrusting, the controls work and feel effortless. There are also 3 modes. The first is the bread and butter of this game, arcade mode. You go through the eight levels and you try to defeat the bosses at the end of each level. Sounds simple? Think again. There is the beginner mode which is much easier, and any rookie should be able to beat it. And the final mode is the duel. Ok party-wise for 2 player, but it is best in 1 player, getting harder and harder with less and less life as you go on. In these three modes you can also ride a dragon and a chicken leg (not what you are thinking) called Bizzarians. They add a lot of flavour to the game. Game play is top notch, on to story.

Story: 8/10

The story is very good, but not as developed as other beat-em-ups. Each character has lost somebody close to them by the hands of Death Adder, and each character wants to fight their hardest, and will not stop at anything to get revenge. How the story plays out... you'll have to find out for yourself. Graphics are next.

Graphics: 8/10

For 1989, these graphics are outstanding, however they are a bit small, and hard to follow. They environment just looks so realistic though. With your warrior, the enemies, the backgrounds, it's simply amazing. Great for 1989, still ver good for 2006. On to sound.

Sound: 9/10

The sounds in this game are so good, they beat out many recent games. Firstly, there is the music. Absolutely fantastic. Every song is catchy and memorable, and they sound great. The sounds on the other hand are different. They aren't good... they are amazing. Realistic sounds in 1989? Who'd have thought it? Every swipe, kick, charge, and hit are all realistic, and the voices of the people being killed are also very realistic. Sounds are superb. On to replay ability.

Replay ability: 10/10

This game will have you coming back just for the sheer fun that the game has. Or, you can play it over and over to try and beat your score, and watch the humorous and entertaining credits sequence. And you will be playing the duel so much, you will grow old. You will come so close every time to beating it, and a little slip up will cost you your life. Great replay ability here.

Buy or rent?

You will not find this in any store to rent, no matter how hard you look. You can buy it off of ebay, or (at least here in Canada) you can buy it at a game shop that sells titles for every system, for little to no money.

This game (as I stated earlier) is what brought me into the world of video games. I'm glad that I was able to play this superb title as my first game (talk about a good first impression!). I will never get rid of my copy of Golden Axe ever. I will even be buried with it. "AAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!"

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 04/17/06, Updated 09/11/09

Game Release: Golden Axe (US, 12/22/89)