Reviewed
06.20.2000
Publisher
Sega
Developer
Sega
Format
2
Megabit
Origin
Import/Domestic
Available
1990
(Japan)
1991
(USA)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Normal
Dimensions
2D
View
Top
Genre
Action/RPG
Players
1
Options
Battery
Control
Pad
Control
Stick
Requires
n/a
Importable
75% |
INTRO:
> Golden Axe has been a great series for Sega consoles and arcade machines.
Back in 1991, right as the Genesis was taking hold of America, Sega released
Golden Axe Warrior. It ended up being one of the last Master System
games. Golden Axe Warrior (GAW) parts from the original hack 'n slash
gameplay in favor of an action/RPG. Your goal is to find the nine
magic crystals that Death Adder has hidden in separate labyrinths throughout
the kingdom of Firewood. After that, you must find and use the Golden
Axe, which is the only weapon capable of crushing Death Adder!
GRAPHICS:
> GAW's graphics are decent for 8 bit, but include nothing new or noteworthy.
Actually, it looks similar to Golvellius (Master System), except that there
are no side scrolling parts in GAW. I've heard other people compare
it to Zelda -- I can see that too.
> During the game you'll traverse cities with homes you can enter and people
you can talk to. Outside the city you'll face deserts, beaches, forests,
and (naturally) labyrinths. The enemies are pretty standard fare:
hornets, globs, trees, sandworms, skulls, snoutmen, fish, etc...
.
CONTROL:
> Basic movements plus attack, magic, and menu screens combine to make
an easy game to learn. Talk to the residents for hints, buy weapons,
buy items, stay at inns, gamble, and find Sages to save your game.
When you kill enemies, you sometimes earn power-ups, weapons, keys, etc.
If you can't buy or earn it, then try searching for it in treasure chests.
Lastly, all battles are real-time and can be avoided by moving to the next
screen.
SOUND:
> The game's music is standard 8 bit fare. By now, you probably know
Z-80 music within a few beats. The sound effects are basic too.
Nothing special, just adequate.
FUN:
> GAW is a fine game the first time around, but offers little reason to
play through afterwards. Although it's a one player game, up to three
save files can be utilized for multi player use. GAW has decent 8
bit gameplay and offers just enough role playing to keep you interested.
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