Golden Axe

"Any hardcore gamer should be familiar with this title...it's an undisputable classic."

Golden Axe is a classic ''beat-em'-up'' on the Sega Genesis, with a medieval flavor that gives it a unique feel, as opposed to games like Final Fight and Streets of Rage, both set in modern-day urban settings.

As with most of the ''beat-em'-up'' 's from this time period, there is three characters to choose from, all with different strengths and weaknesses. You can choose from the likes of a standard warrior, a sorceress and a dwarf, all who have suffered at the hands of Death Adder and are seeking revenge. Sounds pretty standard, huh? Well, it'd be a lie to say that the story isn't somewhat diluted rubbish, but then again, if Italian plumbers in red overalls can get away with it, then this game has committed no crime. It's really the gameplay that matters.

Basically, you have a three-button control scheme to contend with, and as with most of these type of games,a standard setup -- one button for a special attack (in this case, magic), one button for your regular attack and another to jump. Simple enough, and quite effective. By jumping and slashing, you can also execute a jump-slash, which is the move that I used throughout the majority of the game that worked equally well on regular opponents as well as some bosses. The magic system is great as well, allowing different spells depending on the number of magical pots you have. However, pots should be reserved for tough boss battles, as they are somewhat of a rarity.

Which brings me to one of my favorite aspects of the game -- I love the atmosphere, the enemies and and the bosses. Yes, many of your opponents will come back later with a different color scheme (black looks SO cool) , but, unlike in some other games, it doesn't feel like a cheap attempt to create variety amongst your opponents. And the bosses themselves are unique -- big sword wielding knights, beefy men that can kick you straight into the dirt, not to mention Death Adder and company. Also, it's pretty cool to find yourself journeying across a giant turtle, and then a giant eagle, with feathers and all. These aren't just stereotypical village settings, and I really love that.

Another unique aspect of this game is the animals that you can ride -- a dragon and another mythical creature with a long sweeping tail. Your opponents can use them against you, and then you can knock them off and take charge instead -- it's a very satisfying feeling to use an opponents own weapon against them, using the dragons to shoot fire at whoever is dumb enough to try to knock you from your steed. Great -- especially considering the time period this game was made.

My only gripes concerning Golden Axe are 1) the fact that it's WAY too short (only seven stages, I believe) and can tend to be pretty easy. If you don't beat it on your first try, then you certainly will on your second. But still, I think there is plenty of replay value -- you'll want to play this game again just to experience it one more time.

There is no reason to NOT play this game -- if you consider yourself a hardcore gamer, do yourself a favor if you've never played it and track it down, or at least play it as a ROM. It's a piece of classic gaming not to be forgotten, and one of the best games out there for the Sega Genesis.

PROS
1)Great atmosphere -- especially for a ''beat-em'-up''. It's not the same tired urban setting that you would expect.
2)The magic system is interesting and fun.
3)Cool enemies and bosses make every encounter exciting.
4)The ability to use your opponents creatures against them is very entertaining.

CONS
1)WAY too short. A couple of extra modes just don't make up for it.
2)Could have been harder. Was a breeze for me to play through.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/03/03