Golden Axe II

"Golden Axe II feels almost like a remake instead of a sequel, but some improvement have been made."

Two years after the original Golden Axe hit the Genesis, Sega returns with a sequel that plays mostly along the lines of the first game. The Genesis had a slightly larger beat 'em up scene then (The 1st Streets of Rage game had already been out for a year or so) and the arcades were starting to pump out side-scrolling brawlers at a steady pace. So, how does this console-exclusive sequel measure up to the original? Onto the review..

Graphics 8/10

The visuals here are a step above those found in the previous game, sporting more detail and animation. The environments are also more crisp looking, although aside from the opening level - they aren't as interesting as Golden Axe 1's stages. There are more enemy designs than seen before, but I can't help but point out that most of them are simply new skins slapped onto existing baddie bodies. For example, the minotaurs look and play almost exactly like the giant hammer men from the original game. I don't think the skeleton warriors look as good as they did in Golden Axe 1, either. The graphics are still pretty good though, especially from something created in late 1991.

Sound 8/10

The music present in Golden Axe II is about the same in quality as the original, possibly a little better. The battle noise isn't an improvement, though - as both the clashing weapons and enemy death cries sound muted. The villagers and other innocents you come across are mute this time around, now longer crying out as they did the first game. An improvement as been made in this category, however, as screams and such now coincide with the music instead of overriding it as in the original Golden Axe.

Control 10/10

This area has improved flawlessly, with smoother creature riding and little-to-no cheap beat-downs by the enemy hordes. There isn't any response lag and the button layout is perfectly fine.

Game-play 8/10

As most of the reviewers pointed out, the magic system in Golden Axe II differs from the one featured in the original. Instead of losing all your tomes at once when using magic, the scheme is broken into multiple sections. This way, you can ration out unleashing fiery death upon both the normal cannon fodder and still have enough to use against the upcoming boss. Magical tomes (the replacement for the pots/urns of the first game) also seem to be more plentiful than in the original Golden Axe, although now they're collected by beating evil wizards instead of docile imps. The game seems to be easier as well, although some of the enemies (lizard-men in particular) come off as very aggressive. Golden Axe II plays very much like the original game, with near identical bosses and one of the lowly enemies from the first Golden Axe present again. While I don't mind Sega not fixing what isn't broken, Golden Axe II almost feels like a re-mix or re-make of the original game. The game-play is still loads of fun, though - even if it isn't entirely original. Enjoyment is what matters most though, correct?

Replay value 6/10

Between three playable characters and the additional duel mode, you'll be coming back to this game almost as much as you did to the original. This category ranks moderately high, especially when compared to the limited library of beat 'em ups on the Genesis in 1991.

Overall 8/10

If you can get past there isn't much new offered in this console-exclusive sequel - you're bound to embrace it as much as the original. For American gamers (such as myself) there would be the last console Golden Axe beat 'em up until the lackluster Sega Ages remake and eventual Sega Genesis Collection compilation. Although it was overshadowed by the upcoming Streets of Rage 2 - Golden Axe II was one of the better side-scrolling brawlers for the Genesis. Since the Sega Genesis Collection version is pretty accurate to the original release, you could pick that one up if your 16-bit console is no longer working or you never had one. This game is almost going to be released on the Wii Virtual Console, although I cannot vouch for the quality at the time of this review. Regardless, it wouldn't be a bad decision in any way to purchase Golden Axe II in some manner.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 07/24/07