Difference between revisions of "Golden Axe"

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[[Image:Golden Axe - GEN - USA.jpg|thumb|256x256px|North American Genesis box.]]
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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''''', known in Japan as '''''戦斧 [Sen Ono], "Battle Axe"''''' is a fantasy beat-em-up by [[Sega]], originally released for the arcade in 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 in the attract was amazing. However, after playing the game, I learned how unfair it is, and I became disenchanted.
+
==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 have beaten the game on the [[Genesis]] 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}}
  
 
===Good===
 
===Good===
* For the time, the backgrounds are very detailed and attractive, the sprites are well-drawn and animated, the music is memorable, and the sound effects are great, especially the screams.
+
* 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 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!
 
* The magic animations are amazing!
 
* Letting the player knock enemies off their dragons and steal them was a great addition.
 
* 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.
+
* 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 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===
* Player control isn't too great. Players are left with only a few means of attack (weapon, charge, jump-attack, and roll) and evasion (walk, run, jump), some of which are difficult to pull off.
+
* 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.
 
* 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 Genesis version takes a hit on the graphics and sound, but it mercifully allows you to add more health. The ending is a bit worse too, lacking the funny run through the arcade, but it's nice to see the cast and credits.
+
* 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 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 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.
 
* None of the releases have decent box art.
 
* Ax Battler has a stupid name.
 
* Ax Battler has a stupid name.
  
 
===Ugly===
 
===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 fairly.
+
* 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.
  
==Box Art==
+
==Media==
 +
===Box Art===
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
Golden Axe - ARC - USA.jpg|Arcade cabinet, North America. Just looks like clip art.
+
Golden Axe - ARC - USA.jpg|Arcade - USA - Cabinet. Just looks like clip art.
Golden Axe - GEN - USA.jpg|Genesis, Japan & North America. The layout is great, but the characters are all a little odd looking, and none of them match the game.
+
Golden Axe - ARC - USA - Marquee.jpg|Arcade - USA - Marquee. I like the layout, but the art is too primitive.
Golden Axe - GEN - EU.jpg|Mega Drive, Europe. 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!
+
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 - 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 - AMI - EU.jpg|PCs, Europe. This one also has a good layout, but the people look messed up. The giant and the woman's axe is accurate, but Ax Battler has the face of a hard-boiled detective.
 
Golden Axe - AMI - EU.jpg|PCs, Europe. This one also has a good layout, but the people look messed up. The giant and the woman's axe is accurate, but Ax Battler has the face of a hard-boiled detective.
 
Golden Axe - DOS - USA.jpg|PCs, America. First of all, that's not an axe, it's a halberd, second, the barbarian wields a sword, third, why did he let his kid draw bear claws on his pecks?
 
Golden Axe - DOS - USA.jpg|PCs, America. First of all, that's not an axe, it's a halberd, second, the barbarian wields a sword, third, why did he let his kid draw bear claws on his pecks?
 
Golden Axe - SMS - EU.jpg|Master System, Europe. Seriously, what's up with his face? And of all the things to copy off the European Mega Drive cover, they went with the blue bikini bottom?
 
Golden Axe - SMS - EU.jpg|Master System, Europe. Seriously, what's up with his face? And of all the things to copy off the European Mega Drive cover, they went with the blue bikini bottom?
 
Golden Axe - PCCD - Japan.jpg|PC Engine CD, Japan. Probably the best cover because it doesn't have a horribly painted barbarian on it.
 
Golden Axe - PCCD - Japan.jpg|PC Engine CD, Japan. Probably the best cover because it doesn't have a horribly painted barbarian on it.
 +
Golden Axe - PS2 - Japan.jpg|The Japanese PS2 remake. Although the characters are given a child-like anime look, the art is really good.
 +
Golden Axe - WSC - Japan.jpg|Japanese WonderSwan Color. Fantastic idea and color, but the characters all look a little wonky.
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
===Documentation===
 +
<gallery>
 +
Golden Axe - ARC - Manual.pdf|Arcade - USA - Manual.
 +
Golden Axe - ARC - USA - Instructions 1.png|Arcade - USA - Cabinet Instructions 1.
 +
Golden Axe - ARC - USA - Instructions 2.png|Arcade - USA - Cabinet Instructions 2.
 +
Golden Axe - ARC - Japan - Instructions.jpg|Arcade - Japan - Cabinet instructions.
 +
Golden Axe - SMD - Japan - Manual.pdf|Mega Drive - Japan - Manual.
 +
Golden Axe - GEN - USA - Manual.pdf|Genesis - USA - Manual.
 +
Golden Axe - SMD - Europe - Manual.pdf|Mega Drive - Europe - Manual.
 +
Golden Axe - SMD - Australia - Manual.pdf|Mega Drive - Australia - Manual.
 +
Golden Axe - SMD - Brazil - Manual.pdf|Mega Drive - Brazil - Manual.
 +
Golden Axe - SMS - Manual.pdf|Master System - USA - Manual.
 +
Golden Axe - SMS - Australia - Manual.pdf|Master System - Australia - Manual.
 +
Golden Axe - SMS - Brazil - Manual.pdf|Master System - Brazil - Manual.
 +
Golden Axe - AMI - Manual.pdf|Amiga - Manual.
 +
Golden Axe - CPC - Manual.pdf|Amstrad CPC - Manual.
 +
Golden Axe - AST - Manual.pdf|Atari ST - Manual.
 +
Golden Axe - WSC - Japan - Manual.pdf|WonderSwan Color - Manual.
 +
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 - Characters.jpg|Characters from the Japanese Mega Drive manual.
 +
Golden Axe - AMI - Poster.jpg|Poster - Europe.
 +
Golden Axe - Book.jpg|Golden Axe novel.
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
===Maps===
 +
<gallery>
 +
Golden Axe - ARC - Map.png|Arcade.
 +
Golden Axe - GEN - Map - 1 - Village Outskirts.png|Genesis - Village Outskirts.
 +
Golden Axe - GEN - Map - 2 - Turtle Village.png|Genesis - Turtle Village.
 +
Golden Axe - GEN - Map - 3 - Mainland Coast.png|Genesis - Mainland Coast.
 +
Golden Axe - GEN - Map - 4 - Fiend's Path.png|Genesis - Fiend's Path.
 +
Golden Axe - GEN - Map - 5 - Eagle's Head.png|Genesis - Eagle's Head.
 +
Golden Axe - GEN - Map - 6 - Death Adder's Castle.png|Genesis - Death Adder's Castle.
 +
Golden Axe - GEN - Map - 7 - Dungeons.png|Genesis - Dungeons.
 +
Golden Axe - GEN - Map - 8 - Death Bringer's Lair.png|Genesis - Death Bringer's Lair.
 +
Golden Axe - GEN - Map - Maps.png|Genesis - Village Outskirts.
 +
Golden Axe - SMS - Map - 1.png|Master System - 1.
 +
Golden Axe - SMS - Map - 2.png|Master System - 2.
 +
Golden Axe - SMS - Map - 3.png|Master System - 3.
 +
Golden Axe - SMS - Map - 4.png|Master System - 4.
 +
Golden Axe - SMS - Map - 5.png|Master System - 5.
 +
Golden Axe - ZXS - Map.png|ZX Spectrum maps.
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
==Gallery==
+
===Graphics===
 +
* [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===
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
Golden Axe - ARC - Manual.pdf|Arcade manual.
 
Golden Axe - GEN - Manual.pdf|Genesis manual.
 
 
Golden Axe - Fan Art.jpg|Fan art.
 
Golden Axe - Fan Art.jpg|Fan art.
 
Golden Axe - Deimos-Remus - Fan Art.jpg|Fan art by Deimos-Remus.
 
Golden Axe - Deimos-Remus - Fan Art.jpg|Fan art by Deimos-Remus.
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 +
 +
===Videos===
 +
{{YouTube|OyKmnNJsbKc|All magic animations.}}
 +
{{YouTube|HQgHoshKghg|Longplay, arcade.}}
 +
{{YouTube|kLzblT3JWVU|Longplay, Genesis.}}
 +
{{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==
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Language !! Native !! Transliteration !! Translation
 +
|-
 +
| English || Golden Axe || ||
 +
|-
 +
| Japanese || 戦斧 || Sen Ono || Battle Axe
 +
|}
  
 
==Links==
 
==Links==
* [http://www.mobygames.com/game/golden-axe mobygames.com/game/golden-axe] - MobyGames.
+
{{Link|MobyGames|http://www.mobygames.com/game/golden-axe}}
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Axe en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Axe] - Wikipedia.
+
{{Link|Wikipedia|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Axe}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyKmnNJsbKc youtube.com/watch?v=OyKmnNJsbKc] - All magic animations.
+
{{Link|SegaRetro|https://segaretro.org/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|ROMDetectives|2=http://www.romdetectives.com/Wiki/index.php?title=Golden_Axe_(GEN)}}
 +
{{Link|TCRF|https://tcrf.net/Golden_Axe}}
 +
{{Link|TVTropes|https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/VideoGame/GoldenAxe}}
  
  
[[Category: Games]]
+
[[Category: Video Game Prime Order - Action, Adventure, Strategy]]
[[Category: Video Games]]
+
[[Category: Game Mechanic - Boss Trick]]
[[Category: Arcade Games]]
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[[Category: Game Mechanic - Playable Female Character]]
[[Category: Genesis Games]]
+
[[Category: 4-bit Color Graphics]]
[[Category: Action]]
+
[[Category: Monochrome Graphics]]
[[Category: Beat-Em-Up]]
 
[[Category: Fantasy]]
 
[[Category: Beat-Em-Up]]
 
[[Category: Games I've Beaten]]
 

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