Reviewed
12.28.2005
Publisher
Sega
Developer
Sega
Format
1x
CD
Origin
Import
Domestic
Available
Sep.
29, 1995
(Japan)
1996
(USA)
?
(EUR)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Adjustable
Dimensions
2D
View
Side
Genre
Arcade/Vs.
Fighting
Player(s)
1-2
Options
ST-Key
Virtua
Stick
Requires
n/a
Importable
99% |
| Intro |
|
> Golden Axe: The Duel is a direct port of the ST-V
arcade version of the game. As you probably know, Sega's ST-V
arcade board is basically a Sega
Saturn, so the conversion was a no-brainer. This game
branches from the Golden Axe
days of hack 'n' slash gameplay, in favor of the blossoming popularity
(in 1995) of vs. fighting games. Actually, I'd say this game is a
combination of Golden Axe storyline and characters, with
Samurai
Shodown (SNK) visual effects, and Street Fighter II (Capcom)
6-button gameplay.
> If you're interested in acquiring the import version, it shouldn't be
a problem with a 99% importability. The only Japanese parts are the
introduction story and the winning comments. Even the voice acting
is done in English. An interesting note: Golden Axe: The Duel
is not compatible with the Sega NiGHTS 3-D pad. |
| Graphics |
|
> For the time, Golden Axe: The Duel has great graphics.
The backgrounds are varied and colorful with numerous animations.
The characters look good and animate well. You'll instantly be reminded
of Samurai Shodown when you see the background zooming feature
throughout your battles. I would have liked to see actual magic visual
effects instead of the power-up status, though. |
| Control |
|
> Golden Axe: The Duel has your basic 6-button Capcom
fighter control/gameplay, which feels pretty tight. Thankfully, many
of the moves are take-offs of those seen on Street Fighter II.
During a fight, you can gather magic potions (add to your magic gauge)
and chunks of meat (add to your vitality) from elves. Once you've
gathered five magic potions, you can use them to power-up yourself, which
makes all your attacks more deadly and allows you to wield Special Attacks.
Your goal is to defeat all the combatants, face Death Adder,
and claim the "Golden Axe" for yourself. |
| Sound |
|
> The original soundtrack is mainly forgettable. Some songs try to
match the environment, but you get the feeling they always fall short.
Other songs are reminiscent of the Genesis' Golden Axe beats,
but nowhere near as catchy. The sound effects are decent enough,
albeit somewhat on the muffled side. Very average. |
| Fun |
|
> Choose from 10 fighters, including Death Adder himself,
each with a unique locale and background song. Of course, Golden
Axe: The Duel will provide the most fun against a human opponent.
At any rate, the CPU is no slouch, and the difficulty is adjustable in
a number of ways. Can you master the Special Attacks and acquire
the "Golden Axe"? |
| Bottom
Line |
|
> Golden Axe: The Duel has nostalgic value, nice zooming
graphics and decent gameplay. It's no Street Fighter II replacement,
but it's not a drink coaster either. I can only recommend this game
to fans of vs. fighting games and the Golden Axe series. |
| Ratings |
| Overall:
7.6/10 | Graphics: 8.5 | Control: 8.0 | Sound: 7.0 | Fun: 7.0 |
~
Shinobi ~
|
