Golden Axe 2

Game review

Released in 1991 for the Genesis / Sega Megadrive, Golden Axe II builds on the legacy of its predecessor, plunging players back into its rich medieval fantasy world threatened by a new malevolent force. Following the defeat of Death Adder, peace in the land is short-lived as a new villain, 'Dark Guld,' emerges to wreak havoc. Despite being believed to be imprisoned, Dark Guld has instead seized the legendary Golden Axe, wielding its formidable power to spread chaos across the land with the aid of his minions.

The heroes of the original Golden Axe – Ax-Battler, the indomitable barbarian; Tyris-Flare, the valiant Amazon; and Gilius Thunderhead, the relentless dwarf – return to confront this new threat. United by their quest to thwart Dark Guld's tyranny, recover the Golden Axe, and restore peace, these warriors once again call upon their unparalleled might and magic in the battle against evil.

Golden Axe II retains the hack-and-slash gameplay that fans of the series have come to adore, set against the backdrop of a beautifully rendered medieval fantasy universe. Players engage in intense melee combat, unleashing a barrage of attacks against foes while navigating through a series of visually striking environments. The game also introduces an enhanced magic system, allowing players to collect scrolls that empower them to unleash devastating magical attacks against their adversaries.

A notable feature of Golden Axe II is the ability to mount and ride dragons and other mythical beasts, turning the tide of battle with their unique attack capabilities. This adds a strategic layer to the combat, as players must decide when to deploy these creatures for maximum effect.

The sequel enhances the original's formula with improved graphics and sound, creating a more immersive gaming experience that captures the epic scope of the heroes' journey. The character sprites and backgrounds are more detailed, and the soundtrack complements the game's action-packed sequences and dramatic moments.