Golden Axe II (1991)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 9 minutes read

Summary

Golden Axe II: A Nostalgic Return to Side-Scrolling Beat ‘Em Up Action

Released in 1991, Golden Axe II is a side-scrolling beat ’em up arcade game developed and published by Sega. It is the sequel to the 1989 game Golden Axe, and was ported to the Sega Genesis in 1992.

The game is set in the fantasy world of Yuria, which has been plunged into chaos by the evil Dark Guld. Wielding the titular Golden Axe, Dark Guld has destroyed entire countries and forced the world into submission. Three brave warriors – the barbarian Ax Battler, the Amazon Tyris Flare, and the dwarf Gilius Thunderhead – stand up to face the oppressors and restore balance to Yuria.

Golden Axe II retains the core gameplay of its predecessor, with players controlling one of the three warriors and battling their way through hordes of enemies. The game features a variety of new features and improvements, including new character abilities, more varied enemy types, and larger, more detailed levels.

One of the most significant changes in Golden Axe II is the addition of character-specific abilities. Each warrior now has their own unique set of moves and abilities, which can be used to create different strategies and combos. For example, Ax Battler can use his powerful axe to cleave through enemies, while Tyris Flare can use her bow and arrow to attack from a distance.

The game also features a wider variety of enemy types, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. This forces players to adapt their strategies and use the appropriate warrior for each situation. For example, some enemies are weak to magic, while others are resistant to physical attacks.

The levels in Golden Axe II are also larger and more detailed than in the previous game. This gives players more room to explore and fight, and also allows for more complex and varied level design. For example, one level takes place in a dense forest, while another takes place in a fiery volcano.

Overall, Golden Axe II is a solid sequel that improves upon its predecessor in every way. The new character abilities, enemy types, and levels add depth and variety to the gameplay, and the game’s beautiful graphics and catchy music make it a joy to play.

Gameplay

Golden Axe II is a side-scrolling beat ’em up game in which players control one of three warriors – Ax Battler, Tyris Flare, or Gilius Thunderhead – and battle their way through hordes of enemies. The game features a variety of melee and ranged attacks, as well as character-specific abilities.

Players can use their basic attacks to defeat weaker enemies, and can also use more powerful special attacks to deal with tougher foes. Special attacks require magic points to use, which can be collected from defeated enemies or found in hidden items.

The game also features a variety of environmental hazards, such as spikes, traps, and lava. Players must be careful to avoid these hazards, as they can quickly drain their health.

Characters

There are three playable characters in Golden Axe II:

  • Ax Battler: A powerful barbarian who wields a massive axe. He is the strongest character in the game, but he is also the slowest.
  • Tyris Flare: An Amazon warrior who is skilled with a bow and arrow. She is the fastest character in the game, but she is also the weakest.
  • Gilius Thunderhead: A dwarf who is skilled with a hammer and axe. He is a balanced character, with good strength and speed.

Each character has their own unique set of abilities, which can be used to create different strategies and combos. For example, Ax Battler can use his powerful axe to cleave through enemies, while Tyris Flare can use her bow and arrow to attack from a distance.

Enemies

Golden Axe II features a wide variety of enemy types, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Some of the most common enemies include:

  • Goblins: Weak enemies that are easily defeated with a few basic attacks.
  • Orcs: Stronger than goblins, but still relatively easy to defeat.
  • Lizardmen: Fast and agile enemies that can be difficult to hit.
  • Skeletons: Undead enemies that are resistant to physical attacks.
  • Demons: Powerful enemies that can deal a lot of damage.

Players must adapt their strategies and use the appropriate warrior for each situation. For example, some enemies are weak to magic, while others are resistant to physical attacks.

Levels

Golden Axe II features a total of seven levels, each with its own unique setting and enemies. The levels are:

  • Forest of Illusion: A dense forest filled with goblins and other creatures.
  • Volcanic Crater: A fiery volcano filled with lava and demons.
  • Ice Cavern: A frozen cavern filled with ice monsters and traps.
  • Desert of Despair: A desolate desert filled with sandworms and other creatures.
  • Tower of Darkness: A tall tower filled with traps and enemies.
  • Throne Room: The final level, where players face off against Dark Guld.

The levels in Golden Axe II are larger and more detailed than in the previous game, giving players more room to explore and fight. The levels also feature a variety of environmental hazards, such as spikes, traps, and lava, which players must be careful to avoid.

Graphics and Sound

Golden Axe II features beautiful graphics and catchy music. The game’s sprites are large and detailed, and the backgrounds are colorful and varied. The music is also excellent, with a mix of heavy metal and traditional fantasy themes.

Reception

Golden Axe II was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its improved graphics, gameplay, and music. It was also a commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide.

Golden Axe II is considered to be one of the best beat ’em up games of all time. It is a fun and challenging game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages. If you are a fan of beat ’em up games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Golden Axe II.

Legacy

Golden Axe II has had a lasting impact on the beat ’em up genre. The game’s character-specific abilities, varied enemy types, and large levels have become staples of the genre. Golden Axe II has also been ported to a variety of platforms, including the Sega Saturn, PlayStation 2, and Xbox 360.

The game’s legacy is also evident in the

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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