Difference between revisions of "Golden Axe"

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[[Image:Golden Axe - ARC - USA.jpg|thumb|256x256px|North American arcade cabinet.]]
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{{Video Game
 +
| Title            = Golden Axe
 +
| Image           = Golden Axe - ARC - USA.jpg
 +
| ImageDescription = Arcade cabinet - USA - 1st edition.
 +
| Developer        = {{VideoGameDeveloper|Sega|Sega R&D1}}
 +
| Publisher        = {{VideoGamePublisher|Sega}}
 +
| PublishedYear    = 1989
 +
| PublishedMonth  = 05
 +
| PublishedDay    = ??
 +
| Platforms        = {{Platform|Amiga}}, {{Platform|Amstrad CPC}}, {{Platform|Arcade}}, {{Platform|Atari ST}}, {{Platform|Commodore 64}}, {{Platform|DOS}}, {{Platform|Genesis}}, {{Platform|Master System}}, {{Platform|TurboGrafx-CD}}, {{Platform|WonderSwan Color}}, {{Platform|ZX Spectrum}}
 +
| Genres          = {{VideoGameGenre|Action video game|Action}}, {{VideoGameGenre|Beat 'em up|Beat 'em up}}
 +
| Themes          = {{MediaTheme|Fantasy}}
 +
| Series          = ''[[Golden Axe (universe)|Golden Axe]]''
 +
| Multiplayer      = {{GameMultiplayer|Simultaneous co-op}}
 +
| Distributions    = {{VideoGameDistribution|Commercial}}
 +
}}
  
'''''Golden Axe''''' is a fantasy [[beat 'em up|hack-and-slash]] by [[Sega]], originally released for the arcade in May of 1989, but then ported to many other platforms. This was the first title in the series which has spawned several more games.
+
'''''Golden Axe''''' is a fantasy [[beat 'em up|hack-and-slash]] by [[Sega]], originally released for the arcade in May of 1989. It was released using the [[System 16|System 16B]] board, and then ported to many other platforms. This was the first title in the series which has spawned several more games.
  
I was in awe of the game when I first saw it in the arcades in the late 1980s because I loved high fantasy movies. Tyris' fantastic fire spirit magic (which reminds me of the ghost from ''[[Raiders of the Lost Ark]]'') in the attract was amazing. However, when I finally got quarters and played the game, I learned how unfair it is, and I became disenchanted. This really became apparent when, at my cousin's birthday at a Little Caesars children's restaurant (back when they still existed, circa 1990), several kids at the party were given quarters, and we collectively dumped about $20 in before finally beating the game. This cabinet was also present at an Evangelical Christian summer camp I attended, but the pastors kept unplugging it because they felt it was evil, but most of the kids would plug it back in to play it. Interestingly, they had no problem with us playing ''[[Raiden]]'', which is also extremely violent, but it lacked the occult theme, so it was acceptible!
+
==Personal==
 +
{{VideoGameStatus
 +
| Own      =
 +
| CantOwn  =
 +
| Won      = Yes. Genesis in arcade mode at hard difficulty. Strength: 62.9.
 +
| CantWin  =
 +
| Finished = 2017-06-01.
 +
}}
  
==Status==
+
I was in awe of the game when I first saw it in the arcades in the late 1980s because I loved high fantasy movies. Tyris' fantastic fire spirit magic (which reminds me of the ghost from ''[[Raiders of the Lost Ark]]'') in the attract was amazing. However, when I finally got quarters and played the game, I learned how unfair it is, and I became disenchanted. This really became apparent when, at my cousin's birthday at a Little Caesars children's restaurant (back when they still existed, circa 1990), several kids at the party were given quarters, and we collectively dumped about $20 in before finally beating the game. This cabinet was also present at an Evangelical Christian summer camp I attended, but the youth pastors kept unplugging it (and ''[[Black Tiger]]'') because they felt the games were evil, but most of the kids would plug it back in to play it. Interestingly, they had no problem with us playing ''[[Raiden]]'', which is also extremely violent, but it lacked the occult theme, so it was acceptable!
I do not own the game, but I have beaten it on the [[Genesis]] in arcade mode at hard difficulty with a strength of 62.9.
 
  
 
==Review==
 
==Review==
* '''Overall:''' 3/10
+
{{Video Game Review|5|4|7|7|5|Arcade}}
* '''Best Version:''' Arcade
 
  
 
{{Spoilers}}
 
{{Spoilers}}
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* I find joy in kicking the gnomes to steal their magic and food, probably because of their annoying giggle.
 
* I find joy in kicking the gnomes to steal their magic and food, probably because of their annoying giggle.
 
* The game's ending is hilariously cheesy.
 
* The game's ending is hilariously cheesy.
* The Genesis port adds a [[boss tease]] and an additional final level after you defeat Death Adder.
+
* The Genesis port adds a [[boss trick]] and an additional final level after you defeat Death Adder.
  
 
===Bad===
 
===Bad===
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* The graphics and sound are the game's main selling point, but most of the ports take a serious hit in these departments, especially the 8-bit computer ports. The Genesis is pretty close, and mercifully allows you to add more health or play on easier difficulties.
 
* The graphics and sound are the game's main selling point, but most of the ports take a serious hit in these departments, especially the 8-bit computer ports. The Genesis is pretty close, and mercifully allows you to add more health or play on easier difficulties.
 
* The Genesis ending lacks the funny run through the arcade, but it's nice to see actual credits.
 
* The Genesis ending lacks the funny run through the arcade, but it's nice to see actual credits.
* The final boss fight in the Genesis port is a pain in the ass. Two invincible skeletons and Death Bringer, who can cast unlimited spells. It basically requires you to hop around like mad trying to whack everyone to the ground before another spell goes off.
+
* The final boss fight in the Genesis port is a pain in the ass. Two near-invincible skeletons and Death Bringer, who can cast unlimited spells. It basically requires you to hop around like mad trying to whack everyone to the ground before another spell goes off.
 
* None of the releases have decent box art.
 
* None of the releases have decent box art.
 
* Ax Battler has a stupid name.
 
* Ax Battler has a stupid name.
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===Box Art===
 
===Box Art===
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
Golden Axe - ARC - USA.jpg|Arcade cabinet, North America. Just looks like clip art.
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Golden Axe - ARC - USA.jpg|Arcade - USA - Cabinet. Just looks like clip art.
Golden Axe - ARC - USA - Marquee.jpg|Arcade marquee. I like the layout, but the art is too primitive.
+
Golden Axe - ARC - USA - Marquee.jpg|Arcade - USA - Marquee. I like the layout, but the art is too primitive.
 +
Golden Axe - ARC - USA - Bezel.png|Arcade - USA - Bezel.
 
Golden Axe - GEN - USA.jpg|Genesis, North & South America. The layout is great, but the characters are all a little odd looking, and none of them match the game.
 
Golden Axe - GEN - USA.jpg|Genesis, North & South America. The layout is great, but the characters are all a little odd looking, and none of them match the game.
 
Golden Axe - GEN - EU.jpg|Mega Drive, Japan, Europe, Australia, South Korea. Looks more like a warning posted for steroid abuse. One body builder has a little boy's head, the other has a wizened old man's head. At least they got the colors and weapons right. But damn, those blue bikini bottoms! Different regions used minor graphic differences.
 
Golden Axe - GEN - EU.jpg|Mega Drive, Japan, Europe, Australia, South Korea. Looks more like a warning posted for steroid abuse. One body builder has a little boy's head, the other has a wizened old man's head. At least they got the colors and weapons right. But damn, those blue bikini bottoms! Different regions used minor graphic differences.
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===Documentation===
 
===Documentation===
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
Golden Axe - ARC - Manual.pdf|Arcade manual.
+
Golden Axe - ARC - Manual.pdf|Arcade - USA - Manual.
Golden Axe - ARC - Japan - Instructions.jpg|Japanese arcade instructions.
+
Golden Axe - ARC - USA - Instructions 1.png|Arcade - USA - Cabinet Instructions 1.
Golden Axe - SMD - Japan - Manual.pdf|Mega Drive manual (Japan).
+
Golden Axe - ARC - USA - Instructions 2.png|Arcade - USA - Cabinet Instructions 2.
Golden Axe - GEN - USA - Manual.pdf|Genesis manual (North America).
+
Golden Axe - ARC - Japan - Instructions.jpg|Arcade - Japan - Cabinet instructions.
Golden Axe - SMD - Europe - Manual.pdf|Mega Drive manual (Europe).
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Golden Axe - SMD - Japan - Manual.pdf|Mega Drive - Japan - Manual.
Golden Axe - SMD - Australia - Manual.pdf|Mega Drive manual (Australia).
+
Golden Axe - GEN - USA - Manual.pdf|Genesis - USA - Manual.
Golden Axe - SMD - Brazil - Manual.pdf|Mega Drive manual (Brazil).
+
Golden Axe - SMD - Europe - Manual.pdf|Mega Drive - Europe - Manual.
Golden Axe - SMS - Manual.pdf|Master System manual.
+
Golden Axe - SMD - Australia - Manual.pdf|Mega Drive - Australia - Manual.
Golden Axe - SMS - Australia - Manual.pdf|Master System manual (Australia).
+
Golden Axe - SMD - Brazil - Manual.pdf|Mega Drive - Brazil - Manual.
Golden Axe - SMS - Brazil - Manual.pdf|Master System manual (Brazil).
+
Golden Axe - SMS - Manual.pdf|Master System - USA - Manual.
Golden Axe - AMI - Manual.pdf|Amiga manual.
+
Golden Axe - SMS - Australia - Manual.pdf|Master System - Australia - Manual.
Golden Axe - CPC - Manual.pdf|Amstrad CPC manual.
+
Golden Axe - SMS - Brazil - Manual.pdf|Master System - Brazil - Manual.
Golden Axe - AST - Manual.pdf|Atari ST manual.
+
Golden Axe - AMI - Manual.pdf|Amiga - Manual.
Golden Axe - WSC - Japan - Manual.pdf|WonderSwan Color manual.
+
Golden Axe - CPC - Manual.pdf|Amstrad CPC - Manual.
Golden Axe - PS2 - Manual Cover.jpg|PS2 manual cover
+
Golden Axe - AST - Manual.pdf|Atari ST - Manual.
Golden Axe - ARC - Flyer.jpg|Arcade flyer.
+
Golden Axe - WSC - Japan - Manual.pdf|WonderSwan Color - Manual.
Golden Axe - ARC - Flyer (Japan).jpg|Japanese arcade flyer.
+
Golden Axe - PS2 - Manual Cover.jpg|PS2 - Manual cover
 +
Golden Axe - ARC - Flyer.jpg|Arcade - USA - Flyer.
 +
Golden Axe - ARC - Flyer (Japan).jpg|Arcade - Japan - Flyer.
 
Golden Axe - SMD - Japan - Full Art.jpg|Japanese full art poster.
 
Golden Axe - SMD - Japan - Full Art.jpg|Japanese full art poster.
 
Golden Axe - SMD - Characters.jpg|Characters from the Japanese Mega Drive manual.
 
Golden Axe - SMD - Characters.jpg|Characters from the Japanese Mega Drive manual.
Golden Axe - AMI - Poster.jpg|Amiga full art poster.
+
Golden Axe - AMI - Poster.jpg|Poster - Europe.
 
Golden Axe - Book.jpg|Golden Axe novel.
 
Golden Axe - Book.jpg|Golden Axe novel.
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
Line 98: Line 121:
 
===Graphics===
 
===Graphics===
 
* [http://spritedatabase.net/game/121 spritedatabase.net/game/121] - Arcade sprites.
 
* [http://spritedatabase.net/game/121 spritedatabase.net/game/121] - Arcade sprites.
 +
 +
===Screenshots===
 +
<gallery>
 +
Golden Axe - ARC - Screenshot - Go Cue.png|The game's [[go cue]].
 +
</gallery>
  
 
===Fan Art===
 
===Fan Art===
Line 106: Line 134:
  
 
===Videos===
 
===Videos===
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyKmnNJsbKc youtube.com/watch?v=OyKmnNJsbKc] - All magic animations.
+
{{YouTube|OyKmnNJsbKc|All magic animations.}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQgHoshKghg youtube.com/watch?v=HQgHoshKghg] - Longplay, Arcade.
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{{YouTube|HQgHoshKghg|Longplay, arcade.}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLzblT3JWVU youtube.com/watch?v=kLzblT3JWVU] - Longplay, Genesis.
+
{{YouTube|kLzblT3JWVU|Longplay, Genesis.}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHbJLhumzUs youtube.com/watch?v=OHbJLhumzUs] - Longplay, Master System.
+
{{YouTube|OHbJLhumzUs|Longplay, Master System.}}
 +
 
 +
==Play Online==
 +
{{PlayOnline|https://classicreload.com/amiga-golden-axe.html|Amiga}}, {{PlayOnline|https://classicreload.com/golden-axe.html|Arcade}}, {{PlayOnline|https://www.retrogames.cc/pcecd-games/golden-axe.html|CD-ROM2}}, {{PlayOnline|https://classicreload.com/c64-golden-axe.html|Commodore 64}}, {{PlayOnline|https://classicreload.com/genesis-golden-axe.html|Genesis}}, {{PlayOnline|https://www.retrogames.cc/mastersystem-games/golden-axe-usa-europe.html|Master System}}, {{PlayOnline|https://www.retrogames.cc/wonderswan-games/golden-axe-j.html|WonderSwan Color}}
 +
 
 +
==Representation==
 +
{{Representation
 +
| Media                      = Video games
 +
| StrongFemaleCharacterStatus = Pass
 +
| StrongFemaleCharacterNotes  = Tyris Flare, though sexualized, is physically strong and has the strongest magic. Zuburoka, is a badass, but she only exists to be beaten up.
 +
| BechdelTestStatus          = Fail
 +
| BechdelTestNotes            = No women talk.
 +
| StrongPOCCharacterStatus    = Fail
 +
| StrongPOCCharacterNotes    = There are no obvious persons of color, though the Bad Brothers look Asian.
 +
| QueerCharacterStatus        = Fail
 +
| QueerCharacterNotes        = There are no queer characters.
 +
}}
  
 
==Titles==
 
==Titles==
Line 123: Line 167:
 
{{Link|MobyGames|http://www.mobygames.com/game/golden-axe}}
 
{{Link|MobyGames|http://www.mobygames.com/game/golden-axe}}
 
{{Link|Wikipedia|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Axe}}
 
{{Link|Wikipedia|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Axe}}
 +
{{Link|SegaRetro|https://segaretro.org/Golden_Axe}}
 
{{Link|StrategyWiki|https://strategywiki.org/wiki/Golden_Axe}}
 
{{Link|StrategyWiki|https://strategywiki.org/wiki/Golden_Axe}}
 
{{Link|VGMPF|2=http://www.vgmpf.com/Wiki/index.php?title=Golden_Axe_(ARC)}}
 
{{Link|VGMPF|2=http://www.vgmpf.com/Wiki/index.php?title=Golden_Axe_(ARC)}}
 +
{{Link|ROMDetectives|2=http://www.romdetectives.com/Wiki/index.php?title=Golden_Axe_(GEN)}}
 
{{Link|TCRF|https://tcrf.net/Golden_Axe}}
 
{{Link|TCRF|https://tcrf.net/Golden_Axe}}
 
{{Link|TVTropes|https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/VideoGame/GoldenAxe}}
 
{{Link|TVTropes|https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/VideoGame/GoldenAxe}}
  
  
[[Category: Games]]
 
[[Category: Video Games]]
 
 
[[Category: Video Game Prime Order - Action, Adventure, Strategy]]
 
[[Category: Video Game Prime Order - Action, Adventure, Strategy]]
[[Category: Video Game Genre - Beat 'Em Up]]
+
[[Category: Game Mechanic - Boss Trick]]
[[Category: Game Mechanic - Boss Tease]]
 
 
[[Category: Game Mechanic - Playable Female Character]]
 
[[Category: Game Mechanic - Playable Female Character]]
[[Category: Amiga Games]]
 
[[Category: Amstrad CPC Games]]
 
[[Category: Arcade Games]]
 
[[Category: Atari ST Games]]
 
[[Category: Commodore 64 Games]]
 
[[Category: DOS Games]]
 
[[Category: Genesis Games]]
 
[[Category: Master System Games]]
 
[[Category: TurboGrafx-CD Games]]
 
[[Category: WonderSwan Color Games]]
 
[[Category: ZX Spectrum Games]]
 
[[Category: Action]]
 
[[Category: Fantasy]]
 
[[Category: Games I've Beaten]]
 
[[Category: Multi-Player]]
 
[[Category: Multi-Player Co-op]]
 
 
[[Category: 4-bit Color Graphics]]
 
[[Category: 4-bit Color Graphics]]
 
[[Category: Monochrome Graphics]]
 
[[Category: Monochrome Graphics]]

Latest revision as of 16:49, 12 March 2024

Golden Axe

Golden Axe - ARC - USA.jpg

Arcade cabinet - USA - 1st edition.

Developer Sega R&D1
Publisher Sega
Published 1989-05-??
Platforms Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Arcade, Atari ST, Commodore 64, DOS, Genesis, Master System, TurboGrafx-CD, WonderSwan Color, ZX Spectrum
Genres Action, Beat 'em up
Themes Fantasy
Series Golden Axe
Multiplayer Simultaneous co-op
Distribution Commercial

Golden Axe is a fantasy hack-and-slash by Sega, originally released for the arcade in May of 1989. It was released using the System 16B board, and then ported to many other platforms. This was the first title in the series which has spawned several more games.

Personal

Own?No.
Won?Yes. Genesis in arcade mode at hard difficulty. Strength: 62.9.
Finished2017-06-01.

I was in awe of the game when I first saw it in the arcades in the late 1980s because I loved high fantasy movies. Tyris' fantastic fire spirit magic (which reminds me of the ghost from Raiders of the Lost Ark) in the attract was amazing. However, when I finally got quarters and played the game, I learned how unfair it is, and I became disenchanted. This really became apparent when, at my cousin's birthday at a Little Caesars children's restaurant (back when they still existed, circa 1990), several kids at the party were given quarters, and we collectively dumped about $20 in before finally beating the game. This cabinet was also present at an Evangelical Christian summer camp I attended, but the youth pastors kept unplugging it (and Black Tiger) because they felt the games were evil, but most of the kids would plug it back in to play it. Interestingly, they had no problem with us playing Raiden, which is also extremely violent, but it lacked the occult theme, so it was acceptable!

Review

Video Game Review Icon - Enjoyment.png Video Game Review Icon - Control.png Video Game Review Icon - Appearance.png Video Game Review Icon - Sound.png Video Game Review Icon - Replayability.png
5 4 7 7 5

Best Version: Arcade

— This section contains spoilers! —

Good

  • For the time, the backgrounds are very detailed and attractive, the sprites are well-drawn and animated.
  • Toru Nakabayashi, and, to a lesser extent Yo Takada's, music is memorable, and the sound effects are great, especially the screams.
  • The added graphics for beating up enemies (cracking them over the head, kicking them, tossing them, etc.) is a nice addition.
  • The magic animations are amazing!
  • Letting the player knock enemies off their dragons and steal them was a great addition.
  • I find joy in kicking the gnomes to steal their magic and food, probably because of their annoying giggle.
  • The game's ending is hilariously cheesy.
  • The Genesis port adds a boss trick and an additional final level after you defeat Death Adder.

Bad

  • Player control is pretty poor. Players are left with only a few means of attack (weapon, charge, jump-attack, and roll) and evasion (walk, run, jump), the charge and roll are not obvious, and roll is difficult to pull off.
  • Becoming good at the game requires you to play it non-thematically. Using the simple weapon-swinging attack will get you surrounded and killed pretty quickly, so you have to rely heavily on the roll, charge, and jump attacks. This makes the game look silly and seem like more of a "press the right buttons at the right time" type of game than a heroic adventure.
  • The graphics and sound are the game's main selling point, but most of the ports take a serious hit in these departments, especially the 8-bit computer ports. The Genesis is pretty close, and mercifully allows you to add more health or play on easier difficulties.
  • The Genesis ending lacks the funny run through the arcade, but it's nice to see actual credits.
  • The final boss fight in the Genesis port is a pain in the ass. Two near-invincible skeletons and Death Bringer, who can cast unlimited spells. It basically requires you to hop around like mad trying to whack everyone to the ground before another spell goes off.
  • None of the releases have decent box art.
  • Ax Battler has a stupid name.

Ugly

  • Enemies unfairly have an attack advantage over the player when they first stand up, or when the player is knocked down. This was no doubt added to make the game harder to require more quarters to win, but it results in a great deal of frustration for the player who wants to beat the game thematically.

Media

Box Art

Documentation

Maps

Graphics

Screenshots

Fan Art

Videos

All magic animations.
Longplay, arcade.
Longplay, Genesis.
Longplay, Master System.

Play Online

Amiga, Arcade, CD-ROM2, Commodore 64, Genesis, Master System, WonderSwan Color

Representation

Strong female character?PassTyris Flare, though sexualized, is physically strong and has the strongest magic. Zuburoka, is a badass, but she only exists to be beaten up.
Bechdel test?FailNo women talk.
Strong person of color character?FailThere are no obvious persons of color, though the Bad Brothers look Asian.
Queer character?FailThere are no queer characters.

Titles

Language Native Transliteration Translation
English Golden Axe
Japanese 戦斧 Sen Ono Battle Axe

Links

Link-MobyGames.png  Link-Wikipedia.png  Link-SegaRetro.png  Link-StrategyWiki.png  Link-VGMPF.png  Link-ROMDetectives.png  Link-TCRF.png  Link-TVTropes.png