Golden Axe III Longplay (Sega Genesis) [QHD]

Game Info
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Developer: Sega
Publisher: Sega
Year of Release: 1993

Game Review & Impressions
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Released exclusively for Sega Genesis, the third and final game in the Golden Axe trilogy sticks rigidly to the template laid out by its arcade forbear. Curiously, the game never received a physical release outside of Japan, which is all the more strange when you consider the entire dialogue is in English.

If you've played either of the other games, you'll know exactly what to expect - choose a hero and beat up enemies, blast them with magic, and generally have a good time whilst doing it. The roster of characters has been expanded to four, and the developers implemented a sort-of special move system, allowing players to execute character-specific moves via a combination of D-pad and button presses. It's also possible to parry enemy blows by pushing away and attack buttons simultaneously, although this won't protect you against every assault, and you'll find it has a nasty habit of activating when what you really wanted to do was change direction and attack.

As with previous games, the magic system makes a return. Collect the blue phials from the scurrying thieves, with more potions unleashing increasingly powerful spells. It's now also possible to increase your maximum health by collecting a heart power-up from one of the thieves, but there's likely to be some heated debate in multiplayer over who gets the item, for they're limited in number.

While visuals aren't the game's strong suit, it does feature some rather excellent music. The thumping drums evoke the Conan-esque grandeur the series has always tried to replicate, and it helps carry the action along at pace.

Disappointingly, the mountable beasts, a staple for any Golden Axe game, are next to useless in this iteration. Enemies can avoid their attacks far too easily, so they play a much more limited role here. In fact, it's more advantageous to leave the saddle vacant, luring the AI into trying to mount the beast and landing some solid blows while they're unable to fight back.

If you're a fan of the series then Golden Axe III is worth playing. It's entertaining enough in single player, but coop is where it shines. Branching paths give the game a degree of replayability, so there's at least an incentive go come back to the game, even if you manage to beat it.

Information & Trivia
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Video Notes
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- Completed using Sarah Vane

Related Longplays & Videos
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Chapters
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00:00 Attract mode
01:00 Stage 1
6:14 Stage 2: Tender Hamlet
11:29 Stage 3: Cave of Crystal
18:53 Stage 4: Bloody Street
26:03 Stage 5: Death Mountain
34:00 Stage 6: Cursed City
42:49 Stage 7: The Gate of Fate
51:45 Final boss
54:38 Ending

#goldenaxe
#retrogaming
#segagenesis