My Played Video Games Review: Golden Axe II for the Sega Genesis

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Golden Axe II is a sword and sorcery fantasy, side-scrolling beat-'em up video game developed and published by Sega for the Sega Genesis console in 1991. It is the home console sequel to the popular first game of the series, Golden Axe.

This was a popular game among Sega Genesis/Mega Drive owners in my country back then until part 3 came along. The funny thing is that nobody likes to play as the kick-ass female Amazon warrior for fear of being teased as being "girly" or "gay"!

The Story

Slash down the ugly forces of evil in this awesome sequel to Golden Axe. Battle against the dreadful Dark Guld with the fearless Barbarian, the hot Amazon and the heroic Dwarf. Use strong new warrior skills and flashy magic. Kick, slash, and throw away enemies in the epic struggle to recapture that legendary Golden Axe. So let the adventure begin! Lift your mighty steel high to slay the demon Dark Guld!

Sega Genesis cartridge of the game (image source)

The Graphics and Sound

The graphics somehow look nicer on this one than the first Golden Axe game which was not bad to begin with. Now it has a better-looking HUD at the bottom of the screen.

The music is kind of roughly the same nice quality as the last game, which is likely a cool thing because the first game had great music. There are lots of suspenseful tunes in this one and the sound effects are a little crisper too.

2 player gameplay sample of GOLDEN AXE II on the Sega Genesis

The Gameplay

You choose 1 from 3 different heroes. Each hero is unique with different stats. The game is quite easy to handle. You just travel through the levels slashing away on your enemies and beating the enemy bosses.

The levels are not that long, though, and they are pretty fun to play. You can get small dragons to ride on, get some spells, and trick the stupid enemies into walking off cliffs to their deaths. That might be the result of stupid programmers getting lazy.

You can do jumps, attacks, and use attack spells, which increase in power from level 1 to 3, 4, or 6 depending of which of the 3 heroes you choose. There's also a dash attack, the ability to throw enemies, and do a high jump and stab downward move. The controls kinda take about more than a half of the first level to master at the most, and the game does not get to be boring.

Replay value is good. You will likely play 2 player mode with a friend to get the most fun out of it. Plus, your play strategy will be different if you are playing alone or with a partner. Add in the duel mode or trying each hero character, and once again, it all depends on how you play.

My Verdict

Golden Axe II may not have the most appealing graphics in this day and age but its gameplay style is timeless. It is a great addition to any beat-'em up gaming collection. Play this one with a friend for a good time.

Go play this retro gaming classic on the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive or play it on your favorite emulators.

Let's keep on gaming in the free world!