Reviewed
06.20.2000
Publisher
Sega
Developer
Sega
Format
2
Megabit
Origin
Import/Domestic
Available
1991
(USA)
May,
1991 (EUR)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Normal
Dimensions
2D
View
Top-down
Genre
Action/RPG
Players
1
Options
Battery
Control
Pad
Control
Stick
Requires
n/a
Importable
100% |
| 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!
> If you don't have a Master System, then you can play this game on Xbox
360 and PS3. It's an unlockable game in Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection,
known as Sega Mega Drive Ultimate Collection in Europe. Naturally, there's
emulation as well. |
| 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. You play in a top-down
view through each section of the map, which flips pages (zones) as you
hit the edges of the screen.
> 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 |
|
> The gameplay features two dimensional movements plus attack, magic,
and menu screens which combine for 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 (zoning). |
| 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 all the way through. |
| 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. |
| Bottom
Line |
|
> Slap the Golden Axe realm on to a decent action/RPG and you get
Golden Axe Warrior for Master System. Think of Golvellius combined
with Zelda and that's what you'll get with this game. It's very hard
to find these days so snag it right away if you see and want it. |
| Ratings |
| Overall: 8.1/10
| Graphics: 8.5 | Control: 8.5 | Sound: 7.5 | Fun: 8.0 |
~ Shinobi
~
|
