Golden Axe II

"Quality Sequel lacks charm of the Original!"

I'll tell you upfront that I'm a big Golden Axe fan. Myself and several friends used to play the original Golden Axe in the arcades regularly back when we were in college some 12 years ago.

Anyhow, when I got a used Genesis recently and discovered that there was a sequel to one of my favorite arcade games, I knew I had to have it. In fact, Golden Axe II is the most expensive Genesis cartidge game (a whole whopping $5.00 plus tax) I've ever bought, so I was expecting a lot.

Golden Axe II has a lot in common with the original, a standard 2D fighting side scroller. I guess Sega figured they had a good thing going with the original and didn't want to mess with it much.

The story (7) remains the same: you (or you and a friend each) play one of three medieval characters out to single-handedly save the realm from the clutches of an invading evil army. You must fight the various soldiers, henchmen, monsters and eventually their leader to reclaim the kingdom and regain control of the mystical symbol of peace, the golden axe.

Control (8) is unchanged: you again have your choice of the Amazon, the Barbarian or the Dwarf, all with their original weapons but mildly modified special moves and magic. All three characters look slightly more regal this time, sporting wealthier clothing and jewelry. I guess a king's ransom was paid for saving the kingdom last time.

Most of your favorite villians and henchmen have returned from the first game as well, and a number of new and faster enemies have been added. In fact, all the enemies seem a bit quicker this time around, so stay alert.

Even the dragons and chicken-leg beasts (you can ride them after you've toppled their original riders) have been given a makeover, but control is essentially unchanged. Beware: a slow-moving monster can fall victim to a faster-moving enemy on foot quite easily.

Sound (7) is much the same as the first Golden Axe. The tunes are different, maybe not as memorable as in the first game, but they're in the ballpark. The special effect sounds are fine; they work. Nothing special here.

Graphics (9) are improved! There's a little more variety where backgrounds are concerned, and there are more chances to fall off cliffs, down open shafts, etc. and kill yourself (always a plus). There's more color too.

Gameplay (8) is solid, straight from the original. Basically, you fight one on one (or one on several) enemies at a time through villages, forests, caverns, castles, etc. and several bosses until you get to the leader of the evil army's throne. Then, you kill him too.

You have your standard, jumping and running attacks to do this, along with your revamped special move and magic power (specific to each character).

Actually, getting through the game isn't too difficult given the number of continues you get, but getting a high rating mark for your job at the end is, just like in the original Golden Axe.

This game has most of the character and ambience of the original. It even has a "duel" option where you can practice fighting through many of the game's enemy soldiers and bosses on a single screen.

What this game doesn't have is the original's charm. The opening title screen and music is cheesy compared to the original. The scroll segment between levels (a crystal ball picture with lettering) doesn't have the class of the original's cryptic map, and the final level boss's throneroom looks to have been lifted from a futuristic spacecraft, completely out of context with the rest of the game. Also, regardless of which character you play as (alone or with a friend), all three playable characters show up for the ending finale and credits, as if they were there fighting with you all along during the game.

Don't get me wrong here; I'm a fan and I liked this game. I'd buy it again, and if you like medieval fighting side scrollers, you'll certainly get your money's worth, especially given what this one's selling for used.

I give it a solid 8.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 11/01/99