If you're a long-time Sega fan, then chances are good that you're excited to see that the company plans on resurrecting some of their most beloved franchises. This will include fan-favorites, like Shinobi and Streets of Rage, as well as the first new Golden Axe game in sixteen years. That got me wondering what Electronic Gaming Monthly thought of the Golden Axe franchise. What was their favorite game in the long-running series?
As it turns out, Electronic Gaming Monthly reviewed a total of eight Golden Axe games between 1989 and 2008. This includes most of the main series and a bunch of the spin-offs. Unfortunately, EGM didn't get around to reviewing the Sega Channel-exclusive Golden Axe III and completely missed out on Golden Axe: Beast Rider, but they did hit most of the major releases, including Alien Storm. And if you have a problem with that, then I suggest you get back to me after you beat the arcade version of Alien Storm, which directly connects it to the fantasy brawler. What we're going to do today is countdown the best and worst Golden Axe games using Electronic Gaming Monthly's own words and scores. There's no editorializing here, we're just going to focus on what the critics said back when these games first came out. So grab those potions and get ready to ride a cockatrice, because this is what happens when EGM Ranks Golden Axe.
Golden Axe: The Duel (Saturn)
#8
“As a fan of every Golden Axe game, I was eager with anticipation for a Street Fighter-type version. Had this game come out a couple of years ago, I would've been pleased. Now, the 2D low-frame animation doesn't quite cut it. Golden Axe: The Duel looks and plays a lot like Samurai Shodown with the scaling and weapon effects. The best part about the game is hitting the little imps up for their food and potions. Once you've gathered enough magic, you can do some pretty impressive-looking, full-screen special attacks. On the flip side, each character needs more special attacks. Some warriors only had three or four special moves.” (6.1 out of 10)
Ax Battler: A Legend of Golden Axe (Game Gear)
#7
“Ax Battler is a wonderful idea that just falls short. Both the quest and the action sequences need more attention. Both Tyris Flare and Gilius Thunderhead are missing, and the lack of real momentum in either aspect of the game not only makes the division more apparent, it makes you feel that neither was rewarding.” (6.25 out of 10)
Sega Superstars Tennis (Wii & Xbox 360)
#6
“I enjoyed Sega Superstars Tennis, but it has some lost potential. The limited controls don't get much better on Wii: Timing your swings with motion control isn't very quick, so you'll want to stick to just the buttons. I'm also surprised that it's not all that ‘wacky' – it's fantastical, but it's not as over-the-top as Mario Tennis. I can't fault the core gameplay, though, given it's Virtua Tennis roots – if only the multiplayer minigames were enjoyable with less than three players. But the crossover cuteness is worth it regardless of its faults.” (C+ out of A+)
Alien Storm (Genesis)
#5
“It is not too hard to see glimpses of Golden Axe in this game, but there is enough originality to keep it separate. The graphics are cool and watching the animations of certain aliens is entertaining. The game is average in difficulty, but veteran gamers will walk right through it. Be warned, though, it IS Golden Axe in the future's clothes.” (7 out of 10)
Golden Axe II (Genesis)
#4
“Golden Axe II isn't a total letdown, but it shows little to no improvement over the first. The graphics detail is lousy and the animation is lacking. The game has a few new features that make it more fun to play. You can throw enemies into each other. The only thing that was improved is the magics. Even the music isn't as good.” (7.25 out of 10)
Golden Axe (Genesis)
#3
“Even though it looks better than its 8-bit cousin, it just doesn't handle as well. Jumping is erratic, and flipping from right to left doesn't always happen exactly when you want it to. This is further complicated because the enemy plays more aggressively and moves faster, requiring precise control. The game is a bit one-sided in some areas as well as repetitive, but well executed.” (7.25 out of 10)
Golden Axe (Sega Master System)
#2
“Sega saved their best for last. Games like this could keep the Sega Master System going for another year! The graphics are outstanding and the gameplay is very challenging. Very few compromises were made to this version in translation from the arcade.” (7.75 out of 10)
Golden Axe: The Revenge of Death Adder (Arcade)
#1
“To say that Golden Axe: The Revenge of Death Adder is graphically intense would be a gross understatement. Sega's new 32-bit hardware system does a stellar job! Quite simply, one must see it to believe it! The game plays very well, with enough enemies and hidden booby-traps to keep you on your toes. In addition, the four-player option makes a great game even better. The selection of characters is wide ranging, from a centaur to a pitchfork-wielding elf. All in all, a great follow-up to a classic arcade series.” (8 out of 10)
