Golden Axe

"Strong in Game Play and Graphics - It's the"

Golden Axe. This is an amazing game in its time, and I have decided to write a review of this game, as it is one of my favorite games. I hope that it could motivate you to purchase the game (depending on your preferred genre) or possibly bring back memories and force you to dust off the old Genesis.

Game Play (8/10)
This is what the game is all about. The game actually keeps you on your toes at all times. If you don't keep a look out after fights with Skeleton Warriors and Death Adders, little thieves will come and steal your magic. You can choose from three characters, all of which have a specific power and fighting style. If you are into action at all times while playing, you will definitely fall in love with this game. At the moment, I can't think of another game to compare this experience to, so you could say the game is rather original. Game Play is obviously the strong point in the game.

Story (7/10)
The game doesn't follow around a particular story line, but the cool thing about it is that it has three stories that fall into the same category. Each character has lost a family member at the hand of Death Adder, so they are all on a quest to get their revenge. This is an interesting part of the game, because you are pushed to see how the game will turn out with different characters.

Graphics (9/10)
Amazing. It's the only word to define it. For it's time, the game has excellent graphics for a Sega Genesis. The magic attacks are detailed when cast upon an enemy, and are full of broad color and smooth animation. Even the way the character walks looks realistic! The best part of the game, easily.

Sound (6/10)
The sound is okay, but it does get a little annoying when hearing the same type of music all the way through the game. The voices aren't too good either..once a character dies, it sounds like an antelope giving birth. This is definitely the fault of the game, maybe the developers could have spent a little more time on making the music seem original and the voices sound more human.

Replayability (7/10)
Once you beat it, there's a strong chance that you might have an urge to want to play as the other two characters. You're definitely going to play this game more than once, even if it is with the same character. The game play and graphics blend so well together that you automatically fall in love!

To Buy or To Rent?
Well, you obviously can't rent this game anymore, since it is on the old Genesis...but you might want to ask the people you are buying the game from if you can test it out. If you are a fan of fantasy and adventures (combined with a heap of action) this is the game for you. Buy it for $15.00 or under.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 02/16/01, Updated 09/03/02