Legendary Axe II (TurboGrafx-16)
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For many critics, The Legendary Axe was the first must-own game on the TurboGrafx-16. It was a gorgeous action game that you couldn't find on any other system, and the critics couldn't get enough. But the same could not be said for Legendary Axe II, the speedy sequel that came with a dark secret. Find out why old school magazines were disappointed when you read this brand new episode of Review Crew.
(NOTE: Although we occasionally cut for length, no other edits are made to the review. Defunct Games does not change any of the wording, grammar or punctuation use. Also keep in mind that our score is the average of all critics at the time, not just the sample that is reprinted on this page. If you still have more questions, I recommend you check out the
Review Crew FAQ, where we address the review guidelines, converting scores, magazine covers and more.)
COMPUTER + VIDEOGAMES #109
"Over the last few months, the Engine's been on the receiving end of quite a few sword-slingers (such as the so-so Rastan II), and none were game enough to stand up to the original Legendary Axe. Now the sequel is here, and it's not only as good as the original - it actually improves on it! The graphics are brilliantly drawn - dark and eerie backdrops with creatures and of the night leaping hither and thither." -Robert Swan
(91% out of 100%)
TURBO PLAY #3
"Legendary Axe II doesn't follow in the footsteps of the first game, mainly because in Japan Legendary Axe II is called The Dark Legend and is a different game entirely. This certainly doesn't take away from the game play. The main ingredients it takes to make a good game are present. Though the graphics are not up to the standards of Legendary Axe, they're still good. Believe me, it won't take long for this one to win your hearts."
(8 out of 10)
ELECTRONIC GAMING MONTHLY
(The 1991 Video Game Buyer's Guide)
"I liked Axe 2 alot [sic], the game looks and sounds great, and the variety of weapons is cool. While the game is a little too short and easy, it is executed very well and has very cool bosses. I miss the good old power meter." -Matrin
(8 out of 10)
VIDEO GAME & COMPUTER
ENTERTAINMENT (November 1990)
"The first game was really fun to play -- even when you were killed off, it was fun to restart and go again. Some of the areas in Axe II are somewhat though to get through and not even the least big fun to play. There were times I got killed and just shut my TG-16 off to do something else. I was so frustrated that I felt I was wasting my time. As a stand-alone this game is fair, but as a sequel to Axe -- well, it just doesn't cut it." -L.P.
(8 out of 10)
GAMEPRO (November 1990)
"Legendary Axe II has the same magic as the first version, but with snazzier graphics. You get more power-ups here so you can stay in the hunt longer, enhancing the game's arcade feel There's also a better variety of enemies. If you like thumb-numbing, hack-em, slash-em action, give this sequel a try! Remember, you axed for it!" -David Winstead
(4 out of 5)
ELECTRONIC GAMING MONTHLY
(The 1991 Video Game Buyer's Guide)
"This just isn't the same game as Legendary Axe. While the first game was perfect in almost every respect, this game is dark and not as fun to play. It's not bad, but it's not the true sequel to Legendary Axe that I was waiting for." -Ed
(7 out of 10)
RAZE #2
"Admittedly, the game does look remarkably like Rastan Saga II also released this month. Unfortunately the game has changed little from itsSadly [sic], the graphics haven't improved much, neither has the sound, in fact, there are far better games available for the Engine."
(68% out of 100%)
ELECTRONIC GAMING MONTHLY
(The 1991 Video Game Buyer's Guide)
"This is not a sequel! The character looks different, and fights differently. It's not a bad game, there's just nothing new or interesting! More like Rastan than Axe, Axe 2 simply borrows their ideas." -Sushi X
(6 out of 10)
REVIEW CREW AVERAGE: 75% -
Legendary Axe II did not leave a good impression with the critics. While CVG loved the game, most complained that it didn't feel anything like the original Legendary Axe, one of the TurboGrafx-16's earliest must-own titles. Although many griped about the changes, only Turbo Play took the time to explain that the difference was "because in Japan Legendary Axe II is called The Dark Legend and is a different game entirely."
Whether they knew this nugget of information or not, critics were not pleased with what NEC was passing off as a sequel. "This is not a sequel," proclaims Sushi-X. Video Games & Computer Entertainment called the game a waste of time, even talked about shutting off the system at times. And Raze was so upset that they couldn't even finish a sentence. With everybody up in arms about the drop in quality, it's no wonder Legendary Axe II averaged a disappointing 75%.
WHAT ABOUT LEGENDARY AXE 1?
Although a number of magazines covered the original Legendary Axe, few critics gave it a proper score. The one exception was Electronic Gaming Monthly, which reviewed it in their third issue. "The Legendary Axe is one of my favorites," Steve said right before giving the game a 9 out of 10. The other three editors gave the title an 8, calling it "One of the best action/adventure games I've ever seen" and "a great game!" As a quick aside, Video Games & Computer Entertainment may not have given a proper review score, but they did reward The Legendary Axe with their Game of the Year award in 1989. The same cannot be said about Legendary Axe II.
ON FRIDAY'S EPISODE:
Who needs a Legendary Axe when you can use a Golden Axe? That's right; the Review Crew will be taking a look at one of Sega's most popular brawlers. Was this arcade port a reason to pick up the Genesis, or did critics get bored of hammering the same button for an hour straight? Find out on Friday when the Review Crew targets Golden Axe.
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