Golden Axe 3

Game review

Released in 1993 for the Genesis / Sega Megadrive, Golden Axe III continues the legacy of its esteemed predecessors, offering fans of the series another epic beat 'em-up adventure set in a fantasy world besieged by darkness. In this installment, the malevolent Damud Hellbringer, known ominously as the 'Prince of Darkness,' has seized the legendary Golden Axe, casting a vile curse upon the land's warriors. Amidst this turmoil, one hero is miraculously freed from the curse and tasked with a monumental quest: to retrieve the Golden Axe, vanquish Damud Hellbringer, lift the curse plaguing the other warriors, and restore peace to the land.

The game introduces players to a refreshed lineup of characters alongside familiar faces from the series. While the barbarian and amazon warriors return under new guises as Kain Grinder and Sahra Burn, Golden Axe III also welcomes two novel heroes: Chronos Raid, the agile panther warrior, and Proud Cragger, a formidable giant. Although Gilius Thunderhead, the stalwart dwarf from earlier games, is present to provide guidance and instructions, he is not a playable character in this chapter.

Golden Axe III retains the core hack 'n' slash gameplay that defined the series, enriching it with slight expansions and new features that enhance the experience. Among these additions are junction points scattered throughout the game, offering players the choice of multiple paths to forge their own journey through the adventure. This mechanic introduces a strategic element to the game, as each path presents its own challenges and encounters.

Magic and combat remain central to the gameplay, with each character wielding unique magical abilities that escalate in power based on the number of potions they possess. Unlike previous installments, players cannot opt for weaker spells to conserve potions, adding a layer of tactical decision-making to the use of magic. Furthermore, Golden Axe III introduces new combat moves, including blocks, grapples, sweeps, and team attacks, broadening the arsenal available to players as they battle Damud Hellbringer's forces.

As in the original Golden Axe, players can also obtain magic potions and health power-ups by engaging with gnomes during intermissions, a nod to the classic mechanics that fans have come to appreciate.